Law Offices of Jason Jackson & AssocCriminal Defense Attorneys2026-10-28T18:18:18Zhttps://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504540/2025/06/cropped-Jackson-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Where you cannot carry a gun even with constitutional carry]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2545372026-10-21T09:17:25Z2026-10-21T09:17:25ZGovernment buildings and secure facilities restrict firearms
Indiana law generally bans knowingly possessing a firearm on school property or a school bus, with some exceptions. For example, a legal defense may apply when a gun is secured in a vehicle under certain conditions. Federal law also limits guns in school zones, with different exceptions.
Gun rules also vary across government buildings. Indiana law and local rules restrict firearms in certain government buildings and courthouses. The rules depend on the location and applicable law. Federal law bans guns in many federal facilities and sets separate rules for federal courts and post offices. Do not assume constitutional carry lets you ignore these limits.
You cannot take a gun through a TSA passenger screening checkpoint. You may transport an eligible firearm in checked baggage if it is unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case and declared to the airline. Airline rules may also apply. These rules do not allow you to carry a gun through security.
Private property owners control firearm access
Private property owners can ban guns on property they control. A business may post a no-guns sign or tell visitors about its rules. Ignoring a sign does not always count as criminal trespass. The facts matter, including whether an authorized person tells you to leave and you refuse.
Indiana does not generally ban handgun carry just because a bar or restaurant serves alcohol. However, owners can prohibit guns on their property. Check signs and property rules before entering.
Breaking firearm rules can lead to legal consequences, depending on the location and facts. Review the Indiana Code and learn about possible weapons charges.
Know the limits before you carry
Constitutional carry does not remove every limit on carrying a gun. Check the rules for your destination before you go. An Indiana attorney can explain how state and federal laws apply to your situation.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Facing an OWI in your work truck in Indiana]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2545222026-10-08T02:53:20Z2026-10-08T02:52:45ZWill your employer find out?
Law enforcement does not typically call your employer directly after an OWI arrest. But that does not mean they will not find out. If your work truck gets towed from the scene, your employer will need to retrieve it from the impound lot. Most trade businesses also run regular motor vehicle record checks on employees who drive company vehicles, and an administrative suspension or conviction will show up there.
If you hold a CDL, federal law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction, regardless of what vehicle you were driving. That is not optional.
Being upfront with your employer once you have a legal plan in place is almost always better than letting them find out through a surprise insurance report.
How an OWI affects company vehicle coverage
Most commercial insurance policies have strict standards about who can drive a fleet vehicle. When an administrative suspension is placed on your license after a failed or refused chemical test, your employer's policy may temporarily exclude you from coverage. That can mean being pulled off driving duties or reassigned until your legal situation is resolved.
Moving quickly to challenge the suspension or secure driving privileges through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles matters a lot for keeping your job intact.
Specialized driving privileges: staying on the road while your case proceeds
Indiana law allows drivers to petition the court for Specialized Driving Privileges. A judge can grant an order that allows you to drive to and from your job site, during work hours if driving is a required part of your trade, and to essential appointments like childcare or medical care. In many cases, the court will require an Ignition Interlock Device on your personal vehicle. Employers can sometimes request an exemption for company-owned vehicles during work hours, but approval depends on the judge, the charges, and your employer's cooperation.
Getting that petition filed promptly is one of the most important steps we can take early in your case.
Taking action now protects what you have built
An OWI charge does not have to end your career. The sooner you get moving, the more options you have. If you are facing OWI charges in Indiana, reach out to an OWI defense attorney in Indiana who can review the stop, challenge the suspension, and work toward a resolution that keeps you on the road and working.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Is Indiana a constitutional carry state?]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2544952026-09-24T14:11:00Z2026-08-27T12:47:15ZPermitless carry took effect in 2022
Indiana is a permitless carry, or constitutional carry, state. House Enrolled Act 1296 established this rule when it took effect July 1, 2022. Under the current handgun carry law, eligible adults generally may carry a handgun without first obtaining a license.
This rule applies to open and concealed carry by residents and visitors who are at least 18 years old. You generally must also have the legal right to possess and carry the weapon. Constitutional carry does not remove eligibility standards or restrictions on where you may take a handgun.
Who qualifies to carry a handgun?
The law uses the term “proper person” when describing who qualifies for a handgun license. Permitless carry applies a broader set of restrictions, including state and federal possession bans. Your criminal record, court orders and mental health history could therefore affect your rights.
You generally cannot lawfully carry if you fall within a prohibited category. Relevant conditions may include:
A felony conviction or another offense punishable by over one year in custody
A domestic violence conviction without restored firearm rights
A court order that bars you from possessing a handgun
A dishonorable discharge from the armed forces
An involuntary mental health commitment
A court finding that you are mentally incompetent or currently dangerous
Other restrictions may apply to some people under age 23 with felony-level juvenile adjudications. Recent convictions for resisting law enforcement or certain firearm offenses can also affect whether the state considers you a proper person.
An expungement does not always restore firearm rights by itself. The result often depends on the conviction, the relief granted and any applicable federal restriction. If you carry while legally prohibited, you could face a misdemeanor or, under some circumstances, a serious felony charge.
Where are you prohibited from carrying a firearm?
Even if you qualify, permitless carry does not authorize a handgun everywhere. The statutory definition of a proper person addresses your eligibility, but separate laws and property rules govern particular locations. Restrictions can arise in places such as:
Schools: State law limits firearms on K-12 school property and school buses. Narrow exceptions may protect a handgun kept out of sight in a locked vehicle or carried during certain school transportation activities.
Courts and government facilities: Security orders, posted rules and specific laws may restrict weapons in courthouses, courtrooms and some public buildings.
Airports and aircraft: Federal law controls firearms beyond passenger screening checkpoints and aboard aircraft.
Ports and casinos: Commercial shipping ports and regulated gaming facilities may apply separate firearm rules.
Private premises: A homeowner or business may prohibit weapons. If you remain after receiving notice to leave, you could face a criminal trespass allegation.
Since each restriction has its own wording and exceptions, a “No Guns Allowed” sign does not answer every legal question on its own. The notice you received, where you carried and how you responded can all influence a case.
Do you still need a handgun license?
Although the state no longer requires a license for eligible carriers, you may still apply for a License to Carry a Handgun. A license can help when you travel because some other states recognize it. Reciprocity changes often, so you still need to check the law of every state you enter.
Five-year and lifetime licenses are fee-exempt, although fingerprinting or processing costs could still apply. The licensing process also includes a review of whether you qualify as a proper person. However, a license may not guarantee that you remain eligible or permit you to ignore location restrictions.
Even when you understand the benefits of a license, a firearm charge often involves disputed facts or a complex restriction. If police arrested you after a misunderstanding about permitless carry, legal guidance can help clarify the charge, possible defenses and consequences. Our law firm is here to review the facts and help protect your rights.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Is your license suspended immediately after a DUI in Indiana?]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2542672026-07-01T12:29:01Z2026-07-01T12:29:01Zthe DUI charge. If the court finds probable cause, it can order the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to enforce an administrative license suspension even if the case is not yet resolved.
What triggers an administrative license suspension?
In Indiana, a person’s driving privileges can be suspended for two reasons:
Failing a chemical test: If a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) measures 0.08% or higher, the BMV can suspend their license for 180 days.
Refusing a chemical test: Not submitting to breath, blood or urine testing can carry a harsher consequence than failing it. A driver will face a one-year suspension if it is the first offense, and two years if they have a prior DUI record.
The latter can trigger a suspension of your license because of Indiana’s implied consent law. This rule states that when you drive on state roads, you have implicitly agreed to chemical testing if law enforcement suspects impairment.
How can you get your license back?
A driver can request specialized driving privileges during their initial hearing. The court can grant these for specific reasons, such as work, school or medical appointments.
To qualify, drivers may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle. If the driver refused a chemical test, the IID is mandatory. If the driver failed the test, the IID is left entirely to the judge's discretion.
There are ways to get back on the road
For most people, driving is a necessity. It is how they get to work, drive their kids to school or go to crucial medical appointments. However, it is not advisable to drive with a suspended license. It can lead to additional fines, possible jail time and extended suspension periods.
If you or your loved one is facing a DUI charge, it is important to understand your options for getting back behind the wheel. Professional legal help is available to clarify your specific situation.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Can college sporting events cause serious criminal charges?]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2541702026-02-09T12:30:47Z2026-02-09T12:30:47ZCollege sporting events are a big part of life in Indiana. From football Saturdays in Bloomington to basketball games in West Lafayette, fans gather to celebrate their schools. While most people go to have fun, large crowds and alcohol can sometimes lead to legal trouble. Understanding these risks can help you stay safe.
How game day environments can lead to criminal charges
Sporting events often involve tailgating and parties where crowds sometimes consume alcohol excessively. In Indiana, the law makes it illegal for anyone under age 21 to have or drink alcohol. The law calls this Illegal Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage. If a minor drives after drinking, they can face an underage OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge. Even a very small amount of alcohol—a blood alcohol level of 0.02%—is enough for a ticket or arrest.Adults must also be careful. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher leads to a standard OWI charge. These charges can result in losing your driver's license or paying high fines.Crowds can also lead to fights. If a fan gets angry and hits someone, prosecutors can charge them with battery. Indiana law defines it as touching someone rudely or angrily. If the other person is hurt, the charges become much more serious. Police officers always watch games closely so that they can make arrests very quickly.Drug possession is another big risk. Having illegal drugs or sharing prescription pills breaks the law. These crimes can lead to probation or even jail time.
Why safety matters during big games
Big games bring thousands of people together. Alcohol can cause people to make bad choices. This environment can lead to serious claims like sexual assault. Indiana colleges and police take these claims very seriously. A person could face trouble with the law and school officials could remove them from school at the same time.Most games are safe, but one mistake can change your future. If you face legal trouble, talking to a lawyer is a good idea to learn about your rights.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[What happens to your CDL when you face an OWI charge in Indiana?]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2541642025-12-22T09:12:03Z2025-12-22T09:12:03ZThe higher standard for professional drivers
In Indiana, the courts hold commercial drivers to a more rigorous standard of conduct than the general motoring public. If you are driving a commercial vehicle (CMV), you must maintain a blood alcohol content (BAC) lower than 0.04%. This limit is more stringent than the standard 0.08% threshold applied to non-CDL holders.
The disparity highlights the duty of care that professionals must uphold to ensure public safety. It is important to note, however, that while the 0.08% limit applies to off-duty drivers in their personal vehicles, a conviction in either context can still devastate a commercial career.
The consequences of an OWI charge for drivers
Facing an OWI charge can lead to these consequences:
First violation while driving a CMV: One-year license disqualification
First violation while driving a personal vehicle: One-year license disqualification, up to 60 days in jail time and up to $500 in fines
Second violation while driving a CMV or personal vehicle: Lifetime ban from holding a CDL
If the courts convict you of OWI, you can lose your job. This record can also severely affect your reputation, which could limit your employment opportunities. A single mistake can have life-altering consequences.
Facing an OWI charge with the right help
The courts treat OWI charges seriously. If you are facing one, seeking legal counsel is the best step moving forward. Handling this case alone is too risky, as your professional life is at stake.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Sexual exploitation operations in Indiana: consequences and classification]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2541572025-12-09T04:25:19Z2025-12-09T04:25:19ZTwo different classifications
Sexual exploitation operations in Indiana primarily focus on two serious crimes, whose classifications depend on the age of the minor and the nature of the interaction:
Solicitation of a minor: This conduct involves trying to persuade or influence a child to engage in sexual activities or distribute explicit material.
Possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM): This involves having, transporting, or sharing explicit images or videos of minors. Simply downloading or saving such a file is considered possession.
Both of them are classified as Level 4 Felonies under the Indiana Code, but their severity can escalate.
The danger of dual jurisdiction
The key in these cases is that they rarely involve only state charges. Operations such as Restore Justice involve federal and state agencies working together. This means you may face charges under state law or under federal law such as Possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or solicitation of a minor. Federal charges carry much longer mandatory prison sentences than state charges.
Digital evidence is key
In these cases, the prosecution relies on evidence that rarely lies: metadata, IP records, and chat messages. An experienced attorney can help you examine evidence and provide a sound defense strategy, ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Difference of aggravated battery and aggravated assault in Indiana]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2541282025-10-28T18:27:02Z2025-10-21T13:34:18ZMost people use the words “assault” and “battery” like they mean the same thing. In everyday conversation, that is fine. But under Indiana law, the two are not interchangeable — and that difference can decide whether you walk free or face years behind bars.
What assault really means in Indiana
Here is the truth: Technically, Indiana law does not have a charge called “assault.” What most people think of as “assault” is legally covered under battery or intimidation statutes. Assault in casual speech refers to threatening someone with harm. But in Indiana, unless physical contact happens, you are probably looking at a charge like intimidation or criminal recklessness, not “assault.”
Results in the loss or impairment of a body part or organ
Involves the loss of a fetus
Note that aggravated battery is a Level 3 felony. But if the victim is under 14 years old and the offender is 18 or older, the offense automatically rises to a Level 1 felony — one of the most serious charges short of homicide.
Why the distinction matters
You cannot defend against what you do not understand. Knowing whether you are dealing with a threat-based offense or a physical-violence offense shapes your defense strategy. Prosecutors have to prove intent, the level of injury and your role in causing it. A single detail — like whether a weapon was actually used or whether the injury was “serious bodily harm” — can make or break your case.
Do not underestimate the charge
An aggravated battery charge in Indiana is no slap on the wrist. The stakes are life-changing, and so is your next move. If someone accused you of a violent crime, do not wait for the system to sort it out for you — because it would not. Talk to a defense attorney who understands how Indiana prosecutors handle aggravated cases and who knows how to fight back.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[Indiana expungement laws every blue-collar worker should know]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2539812025-09-02T17:10:25Z2025-08-28T16:25:42ZWhen you work hard every day to put food on the table, the last thing you want is a criminal record holding you back. For many blue-collar workers in Indiana, even a single mistake from years ago can make it tough to find good jobs, keep steady work or qualify for licenses. Expungement offers a chance to leave those mistakes in the past and focus on a better future.
What expungement does for you
Expungement does not erase your past, but it seals your record from most employers, landlords and the general public. That means if you apply for a job in roofing, trucking or factory work, a background check may no longer bring up old charges. This can make a real difference in your ability to move forward.
Who can qualify
Indiana law allows many people with past convictions or arrests to apply for expungement. Misdemeanors are often eligible after five years while certain felonies may require a longer wait. The law looks at factors like how much time has passed, the type of conviction and whether you have stayed out of trouble since. Knowing the rules helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your chances.
Why timing matters
If you apply before you qualify, the court can deny your request. A denial may make it harder to try again later. That is why it is important to understand the waiting periods and prepare the right paperwork. Filing at the right time improves your odds of success.
How it can change your future
For many workers, expungement brings peace of mind and new opportunities. You may have the chance to apply for jobs you could not before, seek better pay or simply feel confident knowing your past no longer controls your future.Expungement can give you a fresh start, but the process can feel confusing without the right guidance. Speaking with a local attorney who knows Indiana law can help you understand your options and give you the best chance at clearing your record. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc<![CDATA[What is the age of consent in Indiana?]]>https://www.jasonjacksonlaw.com/?p=2538962025-12-05T19:52:41Z2025-08-14T18:24:34ZThe consequences of sexual misconduct
When an adult has sex with a minor in Indiana, the specific charges and penalties depend heavily on the ages of both individuals. The law makes a clear distinction based on the minor's age, with crimes against younger children carrying the most severe punishment. A conviction for sexual misconduct with a minor is a felony and can result in significant prison time and financial penalties.
A person accused of these charges can face different levels of felonies with varying penalties:
Child molestation: An adult engages in sexual conduct with a child younger than 14. This is a felony with a potential sentence of up to 30 years.
Sexual misconduct with a minor: An adult engages in sexual conduct with a child who is 14 or 15 years old. This is a lower felony level with a potential sentence of up to six years.
Child seduction: An adult in a position of trust or authority has sex with a minor. The specific penalties depend on the circumstances.
These convictions often result in a mandatory fine of up to $10,000 and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
The "Romeo and Juliet" exception
Indiana law recognizes that some consensual relationships between teenagers can involve a small age gap. The state's "Romeo and Juliet" law was created to prevent high school students from being prosecuted for consensual activity with their peers. This defense may be used if the defendant is no more than four years older than the victim and the two were in an ongoing relationship.
It is crucial to understand, however, that this exception does not apply if a person is in a position of authority over the minor, if the age gap is too large, or if the minor is under 14 years old. This law aims to protect close-in-age relationships while still criminalizing exploitative behavior.
Possible defenses
Being accused of sexual misconduct with a minor can destroy a person’s reputation, even if the charges are untrue. That’s why having a strong legal defense is essential. The legal process is complex, and the stakes are high, so seeking guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately can protect your rights and reputation.
Some potential defenses can include:
Mistake of age: You reasonably believed the minor was 16 or older. This is a difficult defense to prove, but it is an option in some circumstances.
False accusation: The allegations are untrue, and the defense team can provide evidence to show that the accuser’s claims are not credible.
Lack of evidence: The prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
An experienced lawyer can thoroughly examine your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to clear your name and minimize consequences.]]>