Wallace Law FirmFindLaw IM Template2026-11-03T18:20:08Zhttps://www.wallacelawfirm.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1300784/2020/06/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[How fast will your BAC go down?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491462026-11-03T18:20:08Z2026-11-03T18:20:08ZYour blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does not decline very quickly. It can differ a bit from one person to the next, depending on things like body composition. But reports generally find that it will go down by 0.015% every hour after it peaks.The peak does not necessarily happen right away. When someone has a final drink, it takes time for alcohol to move through their system. The peak could come significantly after they physically consume the drink, and then the body begins trying to metabolize that alcohol and get it out of the bloodstream. This is when their BAC starts going down by the aforementioned 0.015% per hour.
Not waiting long enough
Misunderstandings about BAC rates sometimes lead to DUI charges.For instance, say that a college student goes to an IU football game with their friends, where they have a number of drinks. They wait for an hour before driving, knowing that they need to sober up. But if they had a high BAC level, they are not going to be anywhere close to zero after just one hour.Additionally, there is nothing a person can really do to cause their BAC to go down faster. Things like drinking a cup of coffee, often touted as a cure for inebriation, actually just wake a person up as they consume caffeine. But the person will still have an elevated BAC level.
DUI defense options
If you are facing DUI charges in Indiana, they can lead to fines, jail time, license suspension and more. Be sure you understand all of your legal defense options.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[Do young marriages really lead to divorce more often?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491442026-10-21T16:44:43Z2026-10-21T16:44:43ZYes, studies do tend to show that younger marriages have higher divorce rates.
For example, one study identified 32 as the age at which couples can get married to have the lowest possible divorce rate. It is 11% higher for every year before that. So a couple that decides to get married right after high school, when they are just 18 or 19 years old, would have much higher odds of divorce than a couple that waited until they were 32.This sometimes leads to the assumption that divorce rates are always falling as people get older, but the same studies found that this is not actually the case. The rate starts going back up by 5% per year after 32. So, to have the lowest odds of getting a divorce, it is important to avoid a young marriage, but you also do not want to wait too long.
Why does age affect divorce rates?
There are many reasons why age can impact divorce rates. Young couples may be more likely to grow apart over time, for instance. They may not know each other as well because they have not been dating for very long. They can also face a lot of financial instability at that young age, which can make a marriage stressful.This certainly does not mean that a young marriage cannot work or that no one should get married after they have turned 32. But it is helpful to think of some of the complications that can be created by marriage at different ages and why that may eventually lead to a divorce.For couples who do find themselves contemplating the end of their marriage, they may have many questions about child custody rights, property division and much more. It can help to work with an experienced family law attorney at this time.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[Can your spouse ignore a divorce petition?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491422026-10-08T16:14:32Z2026-10-08T16:14:32ZIn some cases, couples who are getting divorced are making a mutual decision. They both talked about how the relationship was not working and agreed to bring that relationship to an end. They may still need assistance as they sort out the details of child custody or property division, but they are at least on the same page about the divorce.
In other cases, however, they do not agree, and one spouse may not even want to get divorced at all. They may be tempted to ignore the divorce paperwork, refusing to sign the petition or submit appropriate answers to the court. If your spouse seems opposed to divorce, is this a tactic they could use to prevent you from starting the proceedings?
All they can do is delay the divorce
Yes, your spouse certainly could ignore the divorce petition. Even if you are the one who filed for divorce and started the case, you have to serve them with paperwork and give them time – typically, 20 days in Indiana – to submit their answer. If they do not want to be divorced, they may refuse to do so.However, this does not mean a divorce is impossible. It just delays the process.After the deadline, you can still move forward with a default divorce judgment. The court does not necessarily need both of you to cooperate in order to end the marriage. You can still submit the documentation yourself and ask for certain terms regarding custody or property division, and the court can agree to these, even if your spouse never communicates or attends any hearings.This can complicate your divorce case, but it is important to understand that you still do have legal options. It can help to work with an experienced family law attorney at this time.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What are your Miranda rights?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491382026-09-23T15:28:51Z2026-09-23T15:28:51ZIt is very important to understand your Miranda rights, as these are granted to American citizens during police encounters. If someone is taken into custody, they will typically be read their Miranda rights.
First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent. Police may advise you that anything you say could be used against you if your case moves forward and ends up in court.Secondly, you have the right to an attorney during the legal process. Because everyone has the right to an attorney, even someone who cannot afford to hire an attorney on their own should be assigned one by the court. It is critical to remember that you do not have to represent yourself or go through this process on your own.
Will these rights be read during an arrest?
One misconception about Miranda rights is that the police will read them to you as they arrest you. In movies and television shows, you will sometimes see the police do exactly this. They will be putting the handcuffs on someone on the side of the road after a traffic stop, and the officer will start reading them their Miranda rights.Generally speaking, though, you just need to be informed of these rights before you are questioned by the police. You may already be in custody. The police can detain you without reading these rights immediately. But if they want to put you through an interrogation, that is when it is important that you understand that you do not have to answer the questions and that you do have a right to have a lawyer by your side.
Are you facing serious charges?
If you are facing serious criminal charges for the first time, the process can feel overwhelming. It may help to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[3 ways to make co-parenting work for teen kids]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491362026-09-16T09:13:38Z2026-09-16T09:13:38ZBy the teenage years, a parenting schedule can start competing with a child’s actual life. A soccer practice may run late. A school event may fall on a parenting night. Friends, jobs and other commitments can make a once-predictable schedule harder to maintain. At the same time, teenagers still need consistent relationships with both parents.
Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines recognize that older children often need more flexibility and independence. Parents should consider a teenager’s academic, extracurricular and social activities while continuing to support meaningful time with each parent. A few practical approaches can help families balance those changing needs.
1. Build the schedule around the teen’s life
A parenting schedule does not have to ignore a teenager’s existing commitments. Indiana’s guidelines encourage parents to accommodate a teenager’s regular academic, extracurricular and social activities.Parents can start by sharing school calendars, practice schedules and important events. They can then discuss transportation and other practical details before conflicts occur. Some flexibility can help a teenager maintain important activities without losing meaningful time with either parent.
2. Keep the other parent out of the conflict
Teenagers should not have to carry messages, report on the other parent or choose sides. Indiana’s guidelines encourage parents to communicate directly with each other about their child and support the child’s relationship with the other parent.That can mean keeping disagreements private and discussing schedule changes directly with the other parent. It also means avoiding negative comments about the other parent around the teenager, even when emotions run high. A teen should not have to manage problems between the adults.
3. Give teens a voice without making them decide
Growing independence does not mean a teenager gets to determine the parenting schedule. Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines apply to adolescents and teenagers, but parents remain responsible for parenting-time decisions.Parents can still listen to a teenager’s concerns and consider how school, activities and social commitments affect the schedule. The goal is to give the teenager an appropriate voice without placing the responsibility for co-parenting decisions on their shoulders.These approaches can help parents handle the everyday changes that come with raising a teenager while keeping both parents involved. But when those adjustments are no longer enough to make the current arrangement work, a more formal change may be worth considering.
When a parenting plan needs to change
Family circumstances can change as a teenager grows, and a parenting arrangement may need to change with them. If parents cannot agree on a schedule or believe an existing order no longer works for their teenager, an Indiana family law attorney can explain the available options and provide guidance based on the family’s situation. ]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree could change your case]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491352026-09-11T17:37:21Z2026-09-11T17:37:21ZIf you are facing criminal charges, the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine is one that you should be aware of. It can sometimes change your case dramatically, specifically by excluding certain evidence the police may hold against you.
This doctrine usually addresses evidence that has been illegally gathered. The act of gathering that evidence is considered to be the “tree,” while the evidence itself is the “fruit.” If the police took an illegal action and violated your rights, they have poisoned the tree and thereby poisoned any of the fruit that it produces. They may have to exclude that evidence from your court case.
Illegally searching your home
There are many ways that this can happen when the police do not follow appropriate procedures, with one example being an illegal home search. Police can typically search a home in an emergency, with the homeowner’s consent or with a search warrant.If the police come to your home to perform a search and it is not an emergency, and you refuse to give them consent, they may violate your rights by carrying out the search without first getting a warrant. Under the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine, even if they do discover evidence that would typically lead to a conviction, they may not be able to use it in court because they illegally obtained that evidence. This can dramatically change the case against you and may lead to the charges being dropped, depending on the circumstances.This is just one potential defense option of many, and it only applies in certain cases, but it is very important to know exactly what legal steps you can take.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What you should know before taking a plea deal in Indiana]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491342026-08-29T20:15:11Z2026-08-29T20:15:11Zlegal professional examine the offer, evidence and possible defenses can help you make an informed decision.
A plea deal requires you to give up important rights
Pleading guilty means surrendering protections you would have at trial. Under Indiana's criminal procedure rules, the court must ensure that you understand the charge and the rights being waived before accepting the plea. Those include:
The right to a speedy and public jury trial
The ability to confront witnesses
The requirement that the state prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
That tradeoff deserves careful consideration. For felony cases, Indiana also requires the plea agreement to be in writing and filed with the court. If the judge accepts the agreement, the court is bound by its terms.
Look beyond the sentence being issued
Being incarcerated is only part of the equation. Depending on the offense, a conviction can affect:
Employment opportunities
Professional licensing
Firearm rights
Immigration status
Driving privileges
Future criminal proceedings
You should also understand whether sentences can run consecutively and how prior convictions may affect the potential punishment. Indiana requires defendants to be informed about minimum and maximum sentencing exposure and possible increases resulting from prior convictions.
A plea agreement can resolve a case quickly, but its consequences may follow you for years. A skilled legal team can review the evidence, explain the terms being offered, identify potential defenses and assess whether the proposed resolution adequately protects your interests.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What is a legal separation in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491332026-08-12T16:16:45Z2026-08-12T16:16:45ZWhat happens when a couple needs a break, but they aren’t yet ready to end their marriage?
A legal separation can provide some much-needed breathing room and a temporary framework for all the important issues that must be addressed while leaving the marriage intact, such as child custody and parenting time, child support and spousal maintenance, possession of the marital home and use of other marital property, as well as who must pay for various household expenses or assume responsibility for certain debts.
Why choose separation instead of divorce?
A legal separation leaves neither spouse free to remarry, and can only be maintained for a year under Indiana law. If either party decides they want to divorce, they may file a petition to do so. If the couple reconciles, they can simply resume their lives together. If the separation period ends without any resolution, the couple will remain married, but the legal orders governing the arrangement expire. So, why take this step instead of just heading straight to divorce? Some couples choose this route because they believe there is still a realistic chance of repairing their marriage. The separation can give them a chance to step back, evaluate the relationship from some distance and consider their options without making any permanent decisions. Other couples choose this route for religious or practical reasons. If their faith generally frowns on divorce, they may want the time to seek permission for the divorce from their religious leaders. If issues involving insurance coverage, taxes, retirement benefits or other financial concerns have to be sorted out, a legal separation can preserve the status quo for a while while still allowing the couple to obtain some space. That can take the pressure off the situation while solutions are explored. Because a legal separation can affect property distribution, financial support issues, child custody and future divorce proceedings, couples need to understand the potential consequences. An Indiana family law attorney can help you determine whether a temporary separation or a divorce better fits your needs.
]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What happens at an initial hearing in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491322026-08-07T11:46:10Z2026-08-07T11:46:10ZThe court explains your rights
An initial hearing usually takes place soon after an arrest or after a summons requires you to appear in court. During the hearing, the judge explains the criminal charges and reviews your constitutional rights. Under Indiana law, the judge also explains your right to legal counsel, your right to remain silent and other important protections. If you do not have an attorney and qualify for one, the court discusses that process. If appropriate, the court generally enters a preliminary not guilty plea on your behalf unless and until you enter a different plea later in the proceedings.
This hearing prepares the case for the next stage.
The judge addresses the next steps
An initial hearing does not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, the court focuses on the early procedural issues that keep the case moving. During the hearing, the judge may:
Explain the charges you face.
Review pretrial release, bail (where applicable) or other release conditions.
Confirm whether you have legal representation or need appointed counsel.
Schedule future court dates.
Answer basic procedural questions about the court process.
After the judge completes these steps, the case moves into the pretrial phase.
What comes after the hearing?
The prosecution and the defense begin preparing the case after the initial hearing. The parties may exchange discoverable evidence, file legal motions, discuss plea negotiations or prepare for trial. The court also expects you to follow every release condition and appear at every scheduled hearing. Under Indiana law, failing to appear in court can lead to additional legal consequences and may affect your release status.
Knowing what to expect at this stage can make the rest of the criminal process easier to follow, from bail conditions to future court dates. Knowing what happens in court and what comes next can help you make informed decisions as your case moves forward. Consider reaching out to a legal professional for advice.]]>On Behalf of Wallace Law Firm<![CDATA[What should you know about property division in Indiana?]]>https://www.wallacelawfirm.net/?p=491312026-07-21T14:06:00Z2026-07-21T14:06:00ZWhy does conflict occur?
Conflict during property division is the result of various things. In some cases, it might be because of the value of an asset, but it’s also possible that the emotional tie to the item is what’s causing a dispute. Even sentimental items like family pictures or keepsakes can lead to contention during the property division process.
Disputes about the source of an asset are also possible. If there isn’t a clear purchase history or if there’s a disagreement about whether marital funds were used to maintain the asset, it can be challenging to determine if it’s a marital asset that needs to be part of the property division process.
What happens to marital debts?
When you’re going through property division, you have to divide more than just assets. You also have to divide marital debts, which can be just as challenging as asset division. One challenge to consider is that creditors aren’t bound by the division, so they can still hold both parties accountable for the debts. This could lead to negative marks on your credit report if your ex doesn’t pay.
The property division process requires careful thought, which may be difficult to do during the divorce. Working with a legal professional familiar with your circumstances may be beneficial, given all that is at stake in this complex process.]]>