DeVries Law Office Legal Blog
February 7, 2021 If you attend a private university in Indiana, you may fear what will happen if someone on campus accuses you of a crime. You may have to defend yourself before a disciplinary board. But you are going to a private university, not a public one. How will you know if the university will play fair with you?…
February 5, 2021 If you have a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08% when an officer stops your vehicle, you are likely to face some serious consequences for operating a vehicle while impaired. Even for a first-time OWI, you may spend some time in jail, pay a steep fine and have to install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle you…
December 15, 2020 As a resident of Indiana, it is important to understand how officers in the area rely on field sobriety tests. Though it is not often a condemning piece of evidence used in trials, a failed field sobriety test can still lead to your arrest. Thus, you should know what they are. How many field sobriety tests are…
December 1, 2020 An alleged violation of your college or university’s regulations regarding student behavior could incur serious punishments, with possible expulsion being the most severe. Before this happens, however, most institutions will hold a disciplinary hearing to determine whether a breach of the rules took place and, if so, how severe the punishment should be. The disciplinary hearing is…
November 17, 2020 When a cop pulls you over under the suspicion of a DUI, he or she has already made assumptions about you. Generally, cops look for cues that indicate drunk drivers. They may claim that they saw you weaving, swerving or braking erratically. If pulled over, move to the side of the road as safely as possible. While…
October 19, 2020 If you must go before your college’s disciplinary board due to a criminal charge, you still have some basic rights that you should assert. The college cannot violate your rights or deny you them. What rights you have depends on whether you attend a public or private college. According to FIRE, you have far more rights at…
October 12, 2020 Are you facing jail time because of a non-violent felony related to substance use? You may qualify for the Marion County Drug Treatment Court. Individuals who successfully complete this comprehensive rehabilitation program may be eligible for sentence reduction or dismissal. Eligibility Criteria You can ask your attorney to refer you for this program if you live in…
September 8, 2020 As a college student, you have likely made a few mistakes as you navigate independence and adulthood. Some of these are harmless and can lead to good stories and learning opportunities. Yet, others can come with serious consequences, including criminal charges. If you’re facing these, you may worry about whether they will impact your academic standing. While…
September 2, 2020 Labor Day Weekend is coming up in just a few days. You may have annual traditions that accompany the holiday – like a picnic or time spent at the lake. Certainly, a three-day weekend is an opportunity to enjoy a few beers or some wine without needing to worry about work on Monday morning. But as you…
August 31, 2020 Indiana lawmakers consider drinking and driving a severe criminal offense. Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) can result in criminal and administrative penalties for those over 21, including jail time, fines and license suspension. Those under the legal drinking age of 21 will face even harsher penalties. As college students return to class in the fall,…