Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Andrew L. Bennett
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Am I going to get locked up if I don't finish my PDP?
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Sep 30, 2021

If you have not complied with the terms of your pre trial diversion, the case will be resumed and you could face jail time.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If police found drugs and paraphernalia after a house fire; how long do they have to press charges?
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 30, 2021

If the charges are misdemeanors then 2 years if they would be felony charges, then 5 years.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If a search warrant is being executed for a person on home detention, is a seperated warrant needed for a locked safe?
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 28, 2021

That will depend on the facts of the case and is the safe listed in the original search warrant.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: How can I find who is the public defender assigned to a case.ive tried calling the office
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 18, 2021

If the county where the charges are pending is using Odyssey/mycase (mycase.in.gov) you can look up the case and it should list who is the PD assigned.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I be convicted of a syringe charge if the syringe has no needle and no plunger and no drugs
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 13, 2021

It will depend on many other facts. You should consult a criminal defense attorney right away.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: What does this mean? "Defendant appears with counsel, Earnst enters. State by DPA. "
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 13, 2021

It means the defendant appeared with his attorney (likely Kurt Earnst) who also entered his appearance and the state was present by its Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Do I have a suppress motion? Pulled over.pass. had warrant. Found para. On therm.ask to search me. No, called dogs waitn

Asked about weap.knife clipped to pocket he opened pocket (no pat down)looked in said"oh that's why.'saw a glass stem. Pulled it out then reached into other pocket pulled outbag. Off to jail I went.... No dog no field test..

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Aug 5, 2021

What you have detailed seems to show there are problems with the case, however to know whether there is evidence that is suppressible would require an attorney to fully review the reports and other evidence in the case. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney to get a better idea of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: My friend witnessed domestic violence and she didn't intervene. Is she in trouble?

The man was 6'4" security guard who. eat his girlfriend. My friend was afraid for her own safety and was afraid if she acted he would turn his attention on her. Prior to the attack, the man's girlfriend tried to force herself on my friend, that's when he attacked his girlfriend.

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jul 6, 2021

Your friend would not be in trouble for not intervening especially in light of the size difference between her and the abuser. If charges are filed against him for beating his girlfriend, your friend may be required to testify.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Where do I find the definition of intoxicated in the Indiana law regarding Habitual Traffic Violator?

everything I read refers to alcohol, looking how one is habitual traffic violator for drug use.

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jun 25, 2021

Intoxication is not an element of Habitual Traffic Violator. To be HTV a person is determined based on accumulating 3 major moving traffic violations in a 10 year period or 10 judgements for moving violations with either 1 or 2 being major moving traffic violations and the others being minor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If my charges are: 35-43-4-2(a) ma what kind of punishment is possible
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jun 22, 2021

If you have been charged with Theft as a Class A Misdemeanor, the possible penalties are 0 up to one year in jail and $0 up to a $5,000 fine. A conviction would also be for a crime of dishonesty which could have collateral consequences. If you have not discussed your case with a local attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: I am scheduled for jury trial class B msd in july. I was charged last september. What happens for time waiting for tria
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jun 19, 2021

If you are referring to does the time count towards your sentence if convicted, the time does not. It is simply time waiting for your case to go through the court process. The only way it counts for anything is if you requested a speedy trial per CR4B and the trial is taking place outside the 70... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: My boyfriend was arrested for carrying a handgun this is his second time with this charge what is he facing
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 29, 2021

Most likely he is looking at a level 5 felony which has a penalty range of 1-6 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Indiana on
Q: How can I best manage a DUI without a lawyer?

I recently made an extremely irresponsible decision and attempted to operate a vehicle after drinking.

I am no longer working (I am however taking time to learn how to create apps to create a business) due to the pandemic and thus cannot afford an attorney.

I know how this... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 25, 2021

It would be in your best interest to not make another irresponsible decision and try to represent yourself. OWI/DUI cases can be technically difficult cases. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you should ask for a public defender who can assist you in evaluating your case and negotiating a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If I was charged with a crime 6 years ago for theft does the statute of limitation of 5 years terminate those charges?

In December of 2014 and January of 2015 I caught the charges and then came to Florida before I was sentence or to go to the court does the statue of limitation of 5 years drop those charges?

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 21, 2021

The Statute of Limitations (SoL) controls when the state has to file the charges. So from the offense date to the filing date cannot be more than 5 years on most felonies. Therefore, if you were charged within the 5 years, but have not gone to court the SoL will not terminate the charges.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: I'm doing a paper for school, and wanted to ask how the testing process for the insanity plea normally goes during trial

I need to know how long the testing normally goes for, what happens to the trial during that time, etc. Thank you for your time

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 18, 2021

If a person is claiming insanity, they must file a notice with the court, long before trial. In Indiana there is a specific statute for defenses and when they must be filed. If the court agrees there is a basis for the assertion of insanity, the court will appoint 2 to 3 independent psychologists,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Can a detective just send a criminal investigation case to the prosecutor without interviewing you as the def first?

I worked for a construction company as the sales rep and on site manager to make sure jobs were done. I bid jobs, accepted check payments from customers made to the business and over saw the jobs get done. My boss is a crook, his customers are suing us both. I had no legal tie to the bank acct nor... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 18, 2021

YES, that happens quite regularly. It is not the best police work, however, people refuse to speak to officers/detectives all the time so many times charges go over to the prosecutor without an interview. Also, you refused to speak with him the first time and he likely believed that would be the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Indiana on
Q: I was ticketed 7-262019 and just Received a licence suspension for failure to appear How is that possible it was 2yrs ag
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 18, 2021

The courts, clerks, and the BMV can be slow sometime. Consider speaking with an attorney to see if the suspension can be set aside or if you qualify for specialized driving privileges.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Indiana on
Q: Why do I get charged a court fee? I got a ticket on the 24th of April and it wasn’t payable until May 18th.

A $75 ticket now costing me $185? I don’t understand why.

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 18, 2021

Tickets, with the exception of a seatbelt ticket, have court cost. Court costs are currently $135.50 and are assessed even if you do not go to court but simply pay the ticket.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: I was charged with underage possession of alcohol and also underage nicotine (vap). but both written on same ticket. ok?
Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 17, 2021

Yes, it is common for multiple offenses to be written on the same ticket.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Contracts for Indiana on
Q: 2 months after serve out of parole in Kentucky, Indiana parole office along with two Tell City, Ind. officers.

Kick in my dad's house, handcuff and hold at gun point my little brother and go through all my father's residence, property and garages. My buddy's house is kicked in and searched and my house is doors rammed off the hinges and completely tossed upside down to the point of... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
PREMIUM
Andrew L. Bennett
answered on May 11, 2021

I'd suggest consulting with a civil rights attorney who is familiar with 1983 actions. Keep in mind you have a time limit to put the agencies on notice.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.