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Indiana Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If my abuser is going to trial on his domestic violence charges then do I still have to testify
Michael I. Leonard
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answered on May 2, 2024

That will be up to the individuals prosecuting the case. If you are the only victim, then yes there is a great likelihood that they will want to call you to testify as a witness at trial. If you are asking whether you "HAVE TO" testify, even if you do not want to testify, the prosecutor... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Why did the police take my guns and keep them after they were used as self defense?

I’ve had my firearms confiscated from me by the police after my home was being burglarized by thieves and I used it as self defense no one was injured but the police still took it as “evidence” the case was dropped and over it’s been a year and I still get a run around about getting my guns... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It must be very frustrating to have your property taken and not returned even after your case was dropped.

The specific laws and procedures around confiscation and return of firearms used in self-defense incidents vary by jurisdiction. In some...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: I’m a victim of domestic and filed for PPO. I’m also a felon with drug case from 2008. Can I purchase a gun to protect m
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 3, 2024

In the United States, federal law prohibits individuals convicted of felony offenses, including drug-related felonies, from purchasing or possessing firearms. This restriction extends to individuals subject to domestic violence protection orders.

If you have a felony conviction from 2008,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: If someone witnessed her boyfriend beat up his mother & police were to be called but upon arrival the fight was over.

Mother wouldn't admit what happened nor would press charges either because she was afraid or because he was her son & didnt want to get him in trouble but signs were visible of fresh wounds. He has also been on house arrest for several years for drugs but about done with his time. Is there... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Dec 30, 2023

Whether anyone is charged with a crime in the state of Indiana is within the sole discretion of the County prosecutor and his/her deputies. On your facts, your testimony would be sufficient to charge the offender and probably sufficient to convict him. That said, many prosecutors will refuse to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Libel & Slander and Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: If you are the defendant in a no contact order can the victim continue to harass you?

I know the defendant can't contact the victim but what happens if the victim keeps sending voice messages and posts lies about you in your Facebook comments?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 11, 2023

In Indiana, a no-contact order generally prohibits the named defendant from contacting the protected person. However, the order doesn't automatically work both ways. If the protected person (victim) is harassing the defendant, it could be a separate issue. If you believe you are being harassed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Indiana on
Q: I was attacked by my wife and called the police. They came out I didn't press charges then but I would like to now. I

I have 911 audio recording while she was hitting me in the head and officers body cam footage of marks on my neck and back

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 27, 2023

If you were attacked by your wife, and you now wish to pursue charges, it's essential to take action promptly. You can contact your local law enforcement agency or the prosecutor's office to file a formal complaint or provide them with the evidence you mentioned, such as the 911 audio... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Domestic Violence, Education Law and Federal Crimes for Indiana on
Q: Ley en donde se tipifique el delito de Homicido en Indiana
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2024

In Indiana, homicide is addressed under the Indiana Code Title 35, Article 42. Homicide involves the unlawful killing of another person and is categorized based on the intent and circumstances surrounding the act. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping how the law is applied in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: To whom it may concern. I am curious if you guys deal or take on civil matters as in. Seperation, child support, ect.

I am being stripped of my legal rights and threatened to not being able to see my child. And my name is being slandered in the worst cases.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 25, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you're facing these challenges. When dealing with civil matters like separation, child support, and custody issues, it's important to seek proper legal counsel to protect your rights. Family law can be complex, and your situation may require professional advice... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: do I have a court case for a restraining order as a 16 year old?

I was 15f and he was 17m at this time. we were friends for about a year then dated for about 8 months. Him and I broke up because I felt abused in some ways and he also started to make me uncomfortable. We would have unprotected sex even if I told him I wasn't in the mood. He would push for it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

You may have a case for a restraining order given your circumstances. The experiences you've described involve coercion, emotional distress, and physical incidents that have significantly impacted your well-being. Feeling unsafe and receiving persistent unwanted messages are serious concerns... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Yes or no for if you where convicted of a domestic battery

I petitioned the courts in Oct 2021 and was awarded back my gun rights. My question is when I go to purchase a new firearm how do I answer the question about being convicted of a domestic violence.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 23, 2022

If you were convicted of a crime of first or second degree assault and it was a domestic incident, then you were convicted of a domestic battery.

None of us know any details about your prior record. You should consult with a lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Indiana on
Q: if a domestic violence case is dismissed, can I still buy and own firearms or are there restrictions or waiting periods?

Protective order vacated and the case is fully dismissed as of 12-18-2021

Richard W. Noel
Richard W. Noel
answered on Mar 14, 2022

If the case is dismissed, you're likely good to go. However, you won't know until you try.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Does a witness have to take the stand in court if she is married to the defendant ?

As well as the witness feels like she can't go through with it , and is also the victim of the case ?

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Mar 1, 2022

If subpoenaed to court, then the spouse needs to appear so as not to be in violation of a court order that could result in her arrest. That being said, depending on the circumstances of what she would testify to, the spousal privilege may limit or prevent her testimony. She should contact a... 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
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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 and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Indiana. I’m 16 and I got into a fight with a 20 year old on our property after he wouldn’t leave. Will I be in trouble?

My sisters ex came onto our property causing problems, him and his dad tried to jump my dad so I pushed the 20 year old away and he hit me so I defended myself. Will I be having any trouble and will he? The cops were called and it was sent into the prosecution office

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Feb 16, 2021

It sounds like you have a good self defense case. It will be up to the prosecutor to review everything that was sent to him/her to make a charging decision.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Can I still get a weapons permit if I have a class a misdemeanor charge for domestic violence.
Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jan 6, 2021

If you have a conviction for a domestic battery there is a brady disqualifier that will prevent you from obtaining a gun permit. Depending on how long ago the conviction was you may be able to have it expunged. Consider speaking with a local criminal defense attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: My ex went to jail for domestic battery and strangulation charges ? Recently they dropped both felonies to misdemeanor

I had bruises on my neck for over a week a fracture foot in three spots that needed surgery . How do I go about if I don’t agree with his charges ? And how do I make him pay for my injury?

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Jan 3, 2021

You can contact the prosecutor's office to speak with the deputy prosecutor assigned to the case or the victim's assistant. The prosecutor has a legal obligation to speak to the victim about the case. You can ask the prosecutor seek restitution for your damages, you can also sue him civilly.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Indiana on
Q: My roommate’s sister (now irate) was staying at the apartment for free and now won’t leave?

She screams at us daily, exposes herself to Covid-19 by traveling and then comes back to the apartment, and throws things and refuses to clean after herself. (She also is often drunk or high?) She’s acting violent and we have to lock our bedroom doors at night. We asked her to leave by the end of... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Dec 12, 2020

Have either of you discussed it with the landlord. You or the landlord can also go to court to get an order to evict her. Your landlord may also want to change the locks on your appartment.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: if im 17 and have a domestic violence case and no contact order against my 18 year old boyfriend

can i request to the judge to drop my charges against him ? will i get introuble, i wasnt lying when the police report happened but i didnt want charges to be pressed when it happened and did not want a no contact order either , they did that themseleves. what can i do to drop the charges and no... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Oct 26, 2020

Contact the Victim's Assistant at the Prosecutor's Office and advise them of your thoughts about the case. The prosecutor has the decision on what happens, however, they have to at least take your thoughts into consideration.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: what does State's Notice of Amendment mean
Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Sep 22, 2020

It means they are putting the court and all parties on notice of an amendment to something such as the charging information or some other document.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: I'm looking for case law concerning Miranda warnings.

I'm looking for references for case law concerning when law enforcement must read a Miranda warning on scene of a domestic battery. I am a law enforcement officer and I was told by a co-worker that Miranda does not need to be issued at the scene of a domestic battery because there's case... View More

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Sep 16, 2020

I applaud your wanting to do it correctly. Look at Lexis or Westlaw to find Indiana cases that follow Miranda. Why isn't the prosecuting attorney giving you direction? Also, you should ask the attorney for the department, ie City or County Attorney. Does the department have an SOP?

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