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Criminal Defense

What Types of Criminal Cases Does Worthley Law LLC Typically Handle?

Worthley Law LLC has a broad scope of practice in criminal law, representing clients in cases ranging from DUI/OVWI, drug possession charges, domestic battery, sex crimes, misdemeanor, and major felony cases to juvenile legal issues, expungements, appeals, and post-conviction relief. Our firm is also adept at handling cases involving Indiana self-defense laws, criminal speeding tickets, federal criminal defense, and Indiana expungement procedures.

Do I Need an Attorney for a DUI Case?

Yes, it is highly recommended to obtain legal representation for a DUI case. A DUI charge can have severe consequences such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. An experienced criminal defense attorney from Worthley Law LLC can help navigate the complex legal system and work towards minimizing the penalties or potentially getting the charges dismissed altogether.

Can Worthley Law LLC Represent Me If I Am Facing Federal Charges?

Yes, our firm has experience in handling federal criminal defense cases. Federal charges can carry harsher penalties and require knowledge of federal laws and court procedures. At Worthley Law LLC, we have the experience and resources to effectively defend clients facing federal charges.

What If I Am Falsely Accused of a Crime?

Unfortunately, false accusations do happen. It is important to seek legal representation right away if you are falsely accused of a crime. Our attorneys at Worthley Law LLC have experience in defending clients against false accusations and will work diligently to protect your rights and clear your name.

Can I Still Get My Charges Expunged If I Am Found Guilty?

Indiana has strict guidelines for expungement eligibility, but it is possible to have your charges expunged even if you are found guilty. It is important to have a skilled attorney assist you in the expungement process to help ensure all necessary steps are taken and that your rights are protected. At Worthley Law LLC, we can provide guidance and representation for expungement cases.

Expungement

Do I Need to Attend Court to File for an Expungement?

If you are using Worthley Law’s expungement services, we can go to court and file the petition on your behalf. If the court requests your presence, our expungement lawyer will go with you and represent you during all proceedings. If you cannot attend, we can file a motion to the court.

In Which Court Do I Need to File the Petition for Expungement?

Filing a petition to seal conviction records takes place in the sentencing court. In case of a past arrest, you need to file the petition for expungement in the court where the prosecutor brought the charge against you. If the arrest didn’t result in charges, you must file the petition in the court with jurisdiction in the county where the arrest occurred.

How Long Does the Expungement Process Take?

On average, Indiana expungement cases take from four to six months. However, each case is unique. If the District Attorney objects or the facts are complex, the case might take longer.

At Worthley Law, we aim to resolve expungement cases as quickly as possible.

What Are the Reasons for the Denial of an Expungement Case?
  • The court may deny your expungement case for various reasons, including:
  • Inaccuracies in the court file
  • Mistakes in the application
  • Charges pending against you at the time of filing

If you haven’t met the required waiting period before filing, the court will also deny your expungement case.

Hiring a reputable law firm, such as our team at Worthley Law, reduces the likelihood of the court denying your case.

What Happens If the Court Denies My Expungement Case?

At Worthley Law, we can prepare your petition thoroughly and identify potential issues that might result in the denial of your case.  If the court does deny your case, our attorney can assess the situation and come up with a suitable course of action. In some cases, refiling the petition with supporting information might be necessary.

How Long Does It Take for Agencies to Update My Criminal Records?

After the court grants the expungement of your records, government agencies, such as the Department of Corrections, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and law enforcement agencies, can take up to 60 days to update your records. We recommend keeping a copy of the granted order, which you can use to request a record update in the future.

Does Expungement Restore My Right to Own a Firearm?

An expungement might restore your right to own a firearm, following the acceptance of expungement by the United States Department of Justice in 2015. In the case of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, however, you will need to follow an additional process to restore your firearm rights. Please consult with our expungement lawyer at Worthley Law to learn more.

How Does an Expungement Affect My Driving Record?

After the court grants the expungement of your records, it will order the Bureau of Motor Vehicles not to release your expunged records without a court order. An expungement does not affect a pending or existing driver’s license suspension on your record, even if the suspension relates to the expunged case.

Under IC 9-24-6-2(d), the BMV retains the right to report your conviction records to the Commercial Driver’s License Information System.

Can I Serve on a Jury After Expungement?

An expungement restores your civil rights, including the right to hold public office and serve as a juror. Under Indiana law, you are eligible to serve on a jury after expungement as long as you are:

  • A United States citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • Residing within the summoning county
  • Able to understand, speak, and read in English
  • Not suffering from a disability preventing you from carrying out jury duty
  • Not a law enforcement officer
  • Not under guardianship due to a mental incapacity

Family Law

What Matters are Settled During the Divorce Process?

Worthley Law LLC provides experienced guidance through the entire Indiana divorce process. We handle contested and uncontested divorces, division of assets, child support negotiations, and more, always with a focus on protecting your rights.

How Can Worthley Law LLC Assist with My Divorce Process?

Worthley Law LLC offers experienced guidance through the entire divorce process, from the initial filing to finalization. Our legal team can handle contested and uncontested divorces, division of assets, and negotiations related to child support, strongly advocating for your rights at every step.

Will Mediation Be Necessary for My Case?

Mediation might be necessary for your family law case if you’re seeking an amicable resolution outside of court. At Worthley Law LLC, our experienced team can facilitate discussions as neutral third parties, helping you navigate disputes more effectively and with less adversarial tension.

How Can I Establish Paternity?

Establishing paternity in Indiana involves several key steps. At Worthley Law LLC, our attorneys guide clients through each step of this process, working to help them understand and uphold their legal rights and responsibilities. Once paternity is legally established, the father can pursue custody, visitation rights and appropriate child support arrangements.

What Support Does Worthley Law LLC Provide for Paternity Issues?

Worthley Law assists clients with establishing paternity, which is crucial for determining child custody, visitation rights, and child support obligations. We guide clients through the legal processes required to establish or challenge paternity in Indiana.

Will My Child Live with Me After the Divorce?

In Indiana, child custody decisions are influenced by several key factors, including the well-being of the children involved, the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment and the child’s wishes if they are of a certain age. The court also considers the physical and mental health of all parties, the relationship between the child and each parent and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Can Worthley Law LLC Help with Child Custody Arrangements?

Yes, our attorneys are skilled in negotiating child custody arrangements that prioritize the well-being of the children involved. Whether through mediation or court proceedings, we advocate arrangements that serve the best interests of the children and maintain parental relationships.

How Does Mediation Work at Worthley Law LLC?

Mediation at Worthley Law LLC involves a neutral third party facilitating discussions between disputing parties to reach amicable resolutions outside of court. It’s an effective, less adversarial method to resolve family law disputes.

Why Should I Choose Worthley Law LLC for My Family Law Needs?

With decades of combined legal experience, a dedicated approach to personalized service, and a strong history of achieving favorable outcomes, Worthley Law LLC brings experience, commitment, and care to every case, prioritizing your family’s best interests.

Personal Injury

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case?

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, you may have a personal injury case. This can include injuries from vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, product defects, and more. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at Worthley Law LLC to assess your situation and determine if you have a valid legal claim. Additionally, our attorneys can provide guidance and representation to help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Does Worthley Law LLC Handle?

Worthley Law LLC handles a comprehensive range of personal injury cases, including traffic accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice.

What Is the Claim Process for Personal Injury Cases at Worthley Law LLC?

The claim process begins with meticulous preparation and filing of all required paperwork, followed by gathering compelling evidence to support the case. Our dedicated team diligently tracks down witnesses, secures expert testimony from medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, and manages all communications with other involved parties. Additionally, we work with economists to evaluate claims accurately, offer legal advice and guidance at every step, and provide tenacious representation in court, measures which are all designed to keep our clients fully supported throughout the legal process.

What Outcomes Can Clients Expect from Their Personal Injury Cases with Worthley Law LLC?

Clients working with Worthley Law LLC can anticipate pursuing compensatory damages for medical bills, lost income, property damage, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. While the specific recoverable amounts may be influenced by Indiana law, our firm’s experience and dedication aim to maximize the compensation for our clients, addressing both economic and non-economic damages.

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