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CRIMINAL DEFENSE Maybe the police suspect that you are driving while intoxicated. Or, you consented to a search, and an officer discovered potentially incriminating evidence against you. No matter the situation, Indiana drivers should know their rights. When you’re stopped by a police officer while in traffic, knowing federal and state laws for search and seizure can help you defend your rights. Our attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. can review your case at a consultation. What Is Search and Seizure? Search and seizure is a legal term referring to an examination of someone’s property by a law officer. A search and seizure is completed to gather evidence when authorities believe that an individual may have committed a crime. Laws restrict when and how a search and seizure can be done. An officer demanding to search your vehicle without explanation can be understandably frightening. You should discuss the incident with an attorney to discern whether your rights may have been violated. Vehicle Searches in Indiana: What’s Legal? Many people turn to our attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock with questions about Indiana’s search and seizure laws. No matter the reason they were stopped, there are plenty of questions regarding the search’s legality and if evidence gathered in the search can be suppressed. In most cases, police must acquire a warrant to search a person or property. However, there are certain exceptions to be aware of, including the plain view exception and its extension, the plain smell exception. This provision grants officers reasonable cause to believe you possess marijuana if they smell it, which allows them to search your vehicle for containers of marijuana. Additionally, if the officer finds evidence of another possible crime that is visible during the search, that evidence may also be used. It isn’t unusual for law enforcement to include in the police report that they smelled burnt or raw marijuana based on their training and used that to search the vehicle. Whether the smell was truly obvious is a problem that the court would need to address in a suppression hearing. Contenting to Vehicle Searches Officers can also search a car for marijuana and other drugs is by receiving consent from the driver. The officer can request to search the vehicle if the driver is already stopped for a traffic violation. Even if the driver grants consent, he or she may still refuse consent to search the trunk or a closed box. This refusal is not grounds for the officer to obtain a warrant. Furthermore, if the person is in custody, the officer needs to inform that individual of their Pirtle Rights, which state that consent is voluntary and that they have a right to an attorney. Contact a Dyer Criminal Defense Attorney Today In Indiana, there are certain laws outlining vehicular search and seizure, and it’s important to understand how these laws impact your rights if you are pulled over for a search. If you recently underwent a search and seizure, call an attorney at the soonest opportunity. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. are available for an initial consultation to discuss your case. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

CRIMINAL DEFENSE For many people, daily life is hard to imagine without a car. We rely on them to commute to work, take the kids to school and complete other errands. If you’re found driving with a suspended license, you can end up in a complex legal battle that makes your life even more difficult. Fortunately, there’s hope when you work with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with traffic laws in Indiana. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock delivers tenacious support through your case. If you need advice regarding your specific circumstances, call our firm for a consultation. What Happens If You Violate Indiana Traffic Laws? Even though most of us need to drive for one reason or another, we are not entitled to such a right. Your driving privileges can be revoked in Indiana due to many reasons, including traffic offenses. Laws prohibit individuals from driving without a valid license. When someone drives under license suspension, their actions violate Indiana Code (IC) 9-24-19-1. Penalties for a Class A infraction can involve fines of up to $10,000. As such, it’s recommended that you speak to an attorney to discuss the possibility of obtaining specialized driving privileges or license reinstatement. Possible Consequences of Driving on a Suspended License in Indiana In Indiana, driving while suspended can lead to jail time. You may face up to a year in jail if you are convicted of driving under suspension for a second time in the span of 10 years. Violating IC 9-24-19-2 is considered a Class A misdemeanor, and law enforcement may charge you with such if your license was revoked due to a drug charge. Notably, driving with a license that was suspended due to drug-related charges can result in even more significant penalties. These consequences may be further increased to felony charges if a catastrophic accident occurs. If someone is injured in an accident that occurs while your license is suspended, you may face a Level 6 felony that can lead to two and a half years in jail. If another person dies or is catastrophically injured in an accident that happens while your license is suspended due to a drug conviction, you may face a Level 5 felony that can result in up to six years in jail. Given the significant penalties for driving on a suspended license, the first step you take should be to contact a criminal defense attorney. We can provide in-depth advice regarding your individual circumstances and help you understand Indiana traffic laws. Our attorneys are here to guide you to the resolution you need and help you learn what it takes to protect your best interests. Contact Our Attorneys for a Consultation If you were caught driving under license suspension, Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock can help you learn about your options. We can explain the criminal justice system and help you understand the potential consequences that you face. Building a defense strategy can increase the chances of an outcome that supports your interests, so contact us to schedule an initial consultation. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

CDL DEFENSE A DUI charge can lead to serious consequences for anyone. You may face long-lasting marks on your criminal record and even risk losing your driver’s license. For commercial truck drivers, however, or those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), these consequences are even higher. A DUI charge can mean the end of their career. If you are a commercial driver who has been accused of driving under the influence, you should contact a skilled lawyer at the soonest opportunity. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. provides unwavering assistance to defend your rights at every stage of the process. We can review your case and help you know what to expect for the road ahead. DUI Charges for CDL Holders Commercial truck drivers are held to higher expectations in comparison to the typical motorist. They are professional drivers that must drive carefully, uphold public safety and never operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Additionally, those with a commercial driver’s license are subject to a distinct definition of impairment under Indiana law. Because of these higher requirements, business drivers must abide by different DUI regulations. BAC Limits for Commercial Truck Drivers Most people believe that a 0.08% BAC is needed to be convicted of a DUI—and this does apply to anyone driving their personal vehicle. But Indiana laws restrict CDL holders to a BAC of no more than 0.04% when driving a commercial motor vehicle. If caught with a BAC beyond this level, they can be charged with a DUI due to the higher standards they are held to. Commercial drivers are expected to limit their alcohol consumption or drink nothing at all before their shift. It doesn’t take much drinking to surpass 0.04%, and driving a commercial truck with a BAC above this limit is a Class C infraction. Whether they are operating a commercial vehicle or not, all drivers can be charged with operating while intoxicated if substances prevent them from driving safely. In other words, a driver’s BAC level isn’t the sole factor that determines whether they will face DUI charges. Other controlled substances and medications can impair their driving capabilities while not involving BAC at all. What Are the Effects of a DUI Charge on CDL Holders in Indiana? In addition to the criminal penalties for a DUI, a CDL holder who is convicted of drunk driving while operating a CMV (0.04% or higher) or their own vehicle (0.08% or higher) is prohibited from operating a CMB for a year. A CDL suspension lasting 3 years will be imposed if the offender’s first conviction for OWI or refusal to submit to a test occurred while operating a commercial motor vehicle carrying hazardous items. Speak to a DUI Attorney Right Away After a DUI charge, a CDL holder may face significant impacts that complicate their career. A 1 to 3-year license suspension is a long period of time that you’ll need to find other employment. Fight the charges alongside a DUI attorney who can help you build a solid defense in your favor. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. if you are a CDL holder who faces a DUI charge. We are availa

DRIVERS LICENSE SUSPENSION In Indiana, there are plenty of reasons a driver’s license may be suspended. Whether you forgot to pay a ticket or were convicted of a traffic offense, you are at risk of losing your driving privileges. However, some people are eligible for a hardship license, which Indiana statutes refer to as specialized driving privileges. Both terms mean the same thing: a restricted license allows individuals to drive to and from work, school, and certain other necessities while their license is suspended. There are several hardship licenses in Indiana, and an attorney can help you become familiar with them. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. for a case evaluation to learn your options. What Are Specialized Driving Privileges? After your driver’s license is suspended, you lose your driving privileges and cannot lawfully operate a motor vehicle. However, these consequences can generate significant hardship for people who need to drive to drop off their kids at school, get to work, and do other everyday tasks— and that’s true for most people. License suspension can cause loss of employment, trouble finishing obligations and even cause housing insecurity, all due to committing a traffic offense. Fortunately, Indiana law provides options after driver’s license suspension. In certain circumstances, the court may grant a stay of suspension by issuing an order for specialized driving privileges. A limited license allows you to drive while under certain statutory requirements that are determined based on your unique circumstances. When Do the Courts Grant Specialized Driving Privileges? Criminal convictions often result in a court-ordered license suspension. For example, driving while intoxicated or leaving the scene of an auto accident can warrant a license suspension. What many people don’t realize is that they may be eligible to apply for a hardship license during the period of suspension. The request needs to be made to the court that initially suspended your license, and many will approve the request if the right conditions are met. No Insurance Suspension All Indiana drivers need to have auto insurance. Driving without auto insurance will lead to a license suspension lasting between 90 days and 1 year. Fortunately, a hardship license is available for those who lost their driving privileges due to this reason. Generally, an individual may qualify for this hardship license if they could not get auto insurance due to an extenuating circumstance and now they currently have insurance coverage. Even if the applicant’s license was previously suspended, they might qualify. Habitual Traffic Violator Suspension The Indiana BMV may designate a person to be a Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) if they commit a certain number of violations within a 10-year period. Depending on how severe the convictions were, an HTV can have their license suspended for 5 years, 10 years or permanently. During these lengthy sentences, however, Indiana law allows hardship licenses to be available. Unpaid Tickets Unlike the aforementioned situations, the court does not typically grant a hardship license for an unpaid ticket. Instead, the offender should pay off the ticket if possible, although certain exceptions may exist. Talk to An Attorney If you have a suspended license and want to know if you are eligible for specialized driving privileges, talk to the attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Defendants are sometimes offered probation in their plea deal instead of a prison sentence. This happens when a judge or prosecutor does not believe that incarceration is necessary, but instead, supervision and possibly rehabilitation are. A probation order includes a term of probation and a suspended sentence; therefore, if a defendant allegedly breaks this agreement, it is taken very seriously by the judge. In some cases, the defendant may face extended probation or even time in jail. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. is available to review your case. Call our attorneys to discuss possible legal strategies to protect your rights. Common Reasons for a Probation Violation All probation violations stem from the defendant’s failure to adhere to the agreement’s terms. However, there are two main ways that an individual may violate a probation order: first, by breaking a law; and second, by violating the technical terms of the probation. If the probationer has a new arrest, they may be required to attend a hearing. A few of the most common charges that may violate probation include: Theft or burglary charges, Illegal drug use or possession, DUI offenses, and Allegations of domestic violence. Furthermore, failing to uphold the terms of your probation and any orders from your probation officer may be deemed a violation. Some of the most common technical violations are: Failing a drug test, Not reporting to your probation officer, Failing to seek employment, Being absent for mandatory services, and Not completing required community service. It’s important to note that failure to pay fines or other costs is only a basis for probation violation if the defendant intentionally fails to pay. Will I Go to Jail for Violating Probation? While jail time is a possible consequence of a probation violation, it isn’t a guarantee. The judge must answer key questions to find you guilty of a violation and sentence you to prison. And even if the judge does find that the defendant violated their agreement, many factors influence the judge’s ruling. If your probation violation shows intentional misconduct or if you’ve violated a previous probation sentence, then the court will see that you didn’t take advantage of that opportunity, and therefore the sentence may increase. The seriousness of the violation also impacts whether jail time will be ordered and for how long. If you possessed drugs and relapsed, the judge may order you to go into a rehab program. However, if you attempt to conceal or tamper with your drug results, then the courts will see a willing attempt to deceive them. A jail sentence may be determined if you miss a court appearance or meeting with your probation officer. However, certain mitigating circumstances may warrant understanding from the judge. With an attorney, you will devise a legal defense that demonstrates that the violation occurred due to extenuating circumstances. Talk to an Attorney At the Earliest Opportunity If you’ve been accused of violating your probation order, don’t take the situation lightly. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. right away for a consultation. We can help you prepare for the next steps. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

AUTO ACCIDENTS You are driving safely on the road when a distracted driver t-bones your vehicle. As a result of the collision, you suffer serious bodily injuries including facial lacerations, a concussion, a broken arm, and a bruised rib. You are forced to spend weeks rehabilitating from your injuries and miss a significant amount of time from your job. As a result, you are left damaged both physically and financially. In this situation, it makes sense to speak to an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be able to pursue monetary damages for your harms and losses. Types of Damages You Can Recover Through a Personal Injury Claim Medical Bills – In general, medical costs are the first category of what are known as “compensatory” damages. The idea behind compensatory damages is that a wrong has occurred that requires some type of compensation. Most damages are compensatory damages. If you are injured, the responsible party will be held responsible for paying your medical bills such as surgery costs, the price of ambulance rides, and physical therapy. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – Economic compensatory damages exist as well. If you are injured and are unable to work either temporarily or permanently, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost wages. Pain and Suffering Damages – This is the broadest category of compensatory damages in personal injury claims. Pain and suffering is essentially an umbrella term for anything that happened in the accident that the negligent driver should be required to compensate the victim for. Often, this is literally for pain that was caused. It could also mean causing crippling disabilities or other mental trauma. Punitive Damages – Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are specifically designed to deter and punish defendants from taking actions that the judge deems reprehensible. Normally, punitive damages are not available unless something really terrible happened. Emotional Damages – Another special category of damages, emotional damages are only available under specific circumstances. Fear that has resulted in recurring nightmares or psychological stress is the most common example. So-called “bystander” emotional damages are also available when a person witnesses the tragic death of a loved one, which causes emotional stress. If you have any additional questions about personal injury damages in Indiana, you should contact a local personal injury attorney to help answer any inquiries you may have. Many Indiana car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and only pay your lawyer when they have obtained a settlement or verdict for you. Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer Ready and Able to Represent You The legal team at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. is ready to help you and your family. We understand how to take on the big auto insurance companies and secure maximum compensation for you. Contact our office to schedule a free case review with a dedicated personal injury attorney so we can get to work on your case. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

PERSONAL INJURY On June 15, 2017, officials announced criminal charges in a bizarre case that left a Dyer man with a traumatic brain injury. According to a Chicago Tribune report, a man contacted police on February 22, 2016 to state that his 54-year-old father was acting disoriented and confused. The victim was unable to explain a head injury he’d suffered, and was taken to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Upon investigation, authorities pieced together that the man was attacked around February 19 by another individual. Even 17 months later, the victim continues to experience medical effects of his traumatic brain injury (TBI), including a temporary inability to speak, memory loss, seizures and a permanent deformity of his skull from surgery. The impacts of a TBI are severe, but a Munster head injury attorney may be able to help the victim recover for his losses. Factors to Consider in TBI Injuries Head injuries are unlike other personal injury matters because of the specialized medical treatment necessary, especially when surgery is required. The physician specialists that perform procedures on the brain are among the highest paid medical professionals, including neurologists, cerebrovascular and skull base practitioners, and others. In addition, TBIs typically require lengthy hospital stays before it’s safe for a victim to return home. These are billed separately from the procedure services of specialists and other healthcare providers. Hospitals may charge up to $4,000 per day, depending on the specific services you require. After leaving the hospital, you can expect recovery for a TBI to last for weeks, months, or even years. Physical therapy, rehabilitative care, and occupational therapy are usually required for the most serious brain injuries. Non-Medical Factors There are areas of your life affected by a TBI which may not apply if you’ve suffered injuries to other parts of the body. Any injury can lead to you to be out of work; for a TBI, that time away from your job can be years, and your lost wages will be considerable. If you’re permanently disabled and unable to work, there’s an impact on your future earning potential. Plus, there are costs related to treating the side effects of severe head trauma. The brain is responsible for the functions of the body, and all of these can be affected if you suffer a TBI. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney with Experience in TBI Cases Whether caused by an accident or an attack, TBIs have devastating consequences for the victim. Medical treatment for these types of injuries may include surgery, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term care; some victims never fully recover and must deal with the effects of a TBI for a lifetime. Plus, the pain and suffering is tremendous. Fortunately, Indiana law does allow the victim of a TBI to recover compensation, but these types of cases are extremely complicated. You need a personal injury attorney with an extensive legal background and specific experience with head injury cases. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI or similar type of injury, please contact the lawyers at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

AUTO ACCIDENTS Neck and back pain are among the most commonly reported car accident injuries. The high-intensity impact of an auto accident can cause fractures, whiplash, bruises and other injuries that may not be immediately visible. Such injuries may cause long-term pain and suffering and may complicate the victim’s professional and personal life. If you were injured, don’t wait to seek compensation alongside a skilled car accident lawyer at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. We fight for the victims who have been wrongfully hurt due to another’s negligent actions and can help you learn more about possible recompense. Types of Neck and Back Pain Caused By Auto Accidents Auto accidents can result in severe, life-changing disabilities, especially when they involve large trucks such as semis. The victim may never fully recover from their injuries, which can include health complications impacting their neck and back. Whiplash is the most common cause of neck and back pain in an accident. While it’s not a medical term, whiplash refers to cervical acceleration-deceleration, which occurs when the head whips back and forth during an impact. Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, whiplash frequently leads to chronic pain and neck stiffness, so injured victims need to seek medical attention at the soonest opportunity. Doing so allows you to not only heal but also pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. There are several common neck and back injuries caused by auto accidents, and they may involve ligaments, bones, muscle tissues, joints and nerves. Car crash victims may develop the following complications: Fractured bones Soft tissue injuries, such as a sprain Herniated disk Spinal stenosis While some injuries may immediately cause symptoms that disrupt your life, other injuries can take days or even weeks to become apparent. During this time, you should be working alongside an experienced car accident lawyer to determine what damages you may be able to recover. How Back and Neck Injuries are Compensated After an accident, victims may experience physical and mental suffering and a decreased quality of life. Neck and back pain is more than simply the symptoms you experience: you may face medical expenses, a loss of productivity and emotional damage as a result. An attorney can help you learn which damages may be uncovered depending on your specific circumstances: Economic Damages. Also referred to as special damages, economic damages are easy to quantify and include costs of medical care, lost income and other relevant costs. You’ll want to keep any medical bills, receipts and other information that can help our attorneys demonstrate the quantitative cost of the accident. Non-Economic Damages. As its name suggests, non-economic damages are general damages that may be more difficult to define. These damages involve complications that do not cost money but still compromise your quality of life. Examples include trauma and emotional suffering as a result of your injuries. Record your emotional and physical condition and keep information related to therapy visits to help support your call for recompense. In order to seek fair compensation, cooperate with your doctors and record the state of your health every day. We’ll use this information to build a solid case in your favor. Contact an Attorney If you sustained back or neck injuries in an auto accident, you deserve to seek compensation alongside an experienced attorney. When you were inquired due to someone’s carelessness, Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock P.C. fights for your entitled benefits. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

AUTO ACCIDENTS Being injured by another driver’s negligence puts you in a very difficult situation, but if the other driver is uninsured, the situation becomes that much more challenging. Fortunately, all hope is not lost. Most drivers purchase some uninsured motorist coverage with their own car insurance policies, which can provide you with the coverage you need to fully recover for your losses. If an uninsured motorist leaves you injured, it’s time to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney in Indiana. Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Indiana, carrying uninsured motorist insurance (UMI) is not a requirement, but the insurance company from whom you purchased your policy is required to offer it at the time of purchase, and the only way to refuse it is in writing. As such, it’s very likely that you have some uninsured motorist insurance. Filing Your Claim If a driver without insurance leaves you injured, there are several important steps that you’ll need to take. One of these is filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company – for which you’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence. All the following can help you accomplish this primary task: The police report Eyewitness testimony Physical evidence at the scene of the accident Expert testimony Your practiced car accident attorney has the experience and legal insight to build your strongest claim in pursuit of fair compensation that covers your physical, emotional, and financial damages in their entirety. Fault in car accidents often plays out in one of the following common forms of driver negligence: Impairment Aggression Excess speed Exhaustion Distraction The Losses You Experience The losses you experience as a result of another driver’s negligence for which you can seek compensation in an uninsured motorist claim include all the following categories: Property damage to your vehicle Medical expenses that can be extensive and ongoing Lost income related to lost hours on the job Physical and psychological pain and suffering How an Attorney Can Help An experienced car accident attorney can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled in all the following ways: Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf and skillfully negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of your just compensation Building your strongest claim (via every available means) Ensuring that your claim remains within the exacting rules and regulations of the law Preparing for trial (in the event the insurance company refuses to engage in good faith negotiations) Helping you understand the claims process and helping you make well-considered decisions throughout An Experienced Indiana Car Accident Attorney Can Help If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver without car insurance, the path forward can be daunting without professional legal counsel on your side. The accomplished Indiana car accident attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., have a wealth of experience successfully guiding claims like yours toward favorable resolutions, and we’re here for you, too. Your claim is important, so please don’t delay contacting us for more information today. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

AUTO ACCIDENTS There are a variety of factors that are considered in determining how much compensation a victim of a car accident is entitled to receive. Compensation can vary widely from case to case, and you want an attorney evaluating your rights who knows what factors should be considered. In Indiana, the team of Tanzillo, Stassin, and Babcock P.C. is cognizant of how a multitude of factors can weigh into calculating an appropriate damages award for an injured plaintiff. Here is a brief synopsis of the most important factors that contribute to accurately assessing what your personal injury claim from an auto accident is worth. To discuss your situation, please reach out for a case evaluation. Past and Future Damages Compensation for a car accident victim first depends on their actual losses and estimated future losses. Someone with only a few thousand dollars in medical bills from an injury that is completely healed usually does not have a basis for seeking millions of dollars. On the other hand, $10,000 would not even begin to cover the losses of someone with a catastrophic injury and permanent effects. Calculating your damages can be challenging, but car accident lawyers know how to value the following losses and more: Medical bills Estimated costs of future medical care Pain and suffering Mental trauma Loss of enjoyment of life Permanent disabilities or disfigurement Wrongful death Insurance Limits Many people carry minimal insurance coverage. If another driver causes you severe injuries but has a limited policy limit, it could impact your compensation. Your lawyer can explore other options to get you maximum compensation, which can include determining whether another party shared liability. For example, if a driver was working when the accident happened, their employer might also be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence. This is true of many delivery drivers, construction workers who operate vehicles, commercial truck drivers, and more. Employers tend to have greater insurance policies, which can help to ensure you have coverage of all your losses. Other Liability Concerns Insurance companies might try to blame you partially for the accident. This is because if you share some liability, the insurer can reduce your compensation. You need a lawyer who can prove that your conduct did not play a role in the accident or – if it did – minimize the percentage of fault that is assigned to you. This works to maximize your financial recovery. An Indiana Car Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help In Indiana, if you are pursuing a personal injury claim arising out of a car accident, you need to contact the skilled and experienced attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock P.C. Our firm is fully equipped to represent your claim. We will fight to the fullest extent possible to ensure you receive all the compensation you are entitled to, and we do not back down to insurance companies. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation today. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

AUTO ACCIDENTS You’ll want to pick the right lawyer after you’ve been injured in a serious car accident. Most people stunned by the destruction that a major accident can cause are not always thinking of the finer points of the legal process. As Munster auto accident lawyers, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask at the beginning of your accident case. Questions to Ask a Munster Auto Accident Lawyer What kind of cases do you handle? Mostly accidents? How long does it take you to return calls in general? How much money do you think I can get for my settlement? Will you help with all of the necessary paperwork? How long will it take to get my settlement? Is my case strong? Will I win? Will you personally handle my case? Which losses related to this accident can I be compensated for? What do I tell the insurance company if they call me? Do you think I’ll have to testify? After we reach a settlement agreement, how long until I get the money? What are your fees? How do I pay you? How many years have you been working on car accident cases? Do you belong to any professional associations? Have you won any professional awards? How often will you update me? Do you think my case will go to trial? What are the chances of a successful outcome? How many cases like mine have you won? What are the average settlements? What information do you need from me? How can I help? Should I speak with the insurance companies on my own? How to Research a Lawyer Before You Hire In addition to grilling potential lawyers with the laundry list of questions above, you should also thoroughly review their online reviews. You can also ask for references from previous clients. The local bar association also keeps records of disciplinary actions that any of their members are having or have had. This is another important place to check out a lawyer before you hire. Additionally, you can also just google the law firm’s name as well as your individual attorney’s name. This should show you what noteworthy cases he or she may have been involved with, as well as things like social media. Common Mistakes When Hiring a Lawyer Here are a few things to avoid when you are in the process of hiring an auto accident lawyer. First of all, do not hire the first lawyer who returns your call just because you’re eager to get started. Be patient. The best lawyers are usually the busier ones—keep that in mind. Another mistake is paying for an initial consultation. A lawyer who thinks you have a strong case will be more than happy to meet with you for free. Finally, another mistake people make when hiring an auto accident attorney is not reading the contract thoroughly. Lawyers invented “fine print,” so read before you sign. Munster Auto Accident Lawyers Ready to Help If you’ve been in an auto accident, you deserve the maximum settlement possible. Contact Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll be more than happy to answer each and every one of your questions. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including death. If you are caught, arrested, and charged with a DUI in Dyer, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Indiana DUI lawyer from Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., to provide you with skillful legal representation. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), Driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving, and driving while impaired are all identical offenses. The state of Indiana charges these offenses per statute as OWI. Besides criminal penalties and fines, having a DUI arrest means you will also likely have your driving license suspended, unless you retain the services of a skilled DUI lawyer to fight for you in fending off the charges and avoiding the suspension of your license. Suspension of a driver’s license means you will not be able to drive your car to work, school, or any place you would ordinarily use your car to drive to. This can be extremely hard on you, especially when you do not have other means you can easily go to these places. You should also avoid the temptation to drive while your driving license is suspended because if you are caught, then things will be even worse for you. Period of DUI-Related Driver License Suspension How long your driver’s license can be suspended depends on several factors. If this is your first DUI, then you should expect your driver’s license to be suspended for 180 days. However, in certain cases, you may be given restricted driving privileges, so you can drive to, for example, work or school. This is not automatic, for you must show that having even the restricted driving privilege is desirable in your case. This is only if you did not refuse a field sobriety test. If you refused the test, then your license could be suspended for a full year. If you have a prior DUI conviction, then you are likely to have your driving license suspended for an even longer period. For example, if you are convicted for DUI for a second time, then your license could be suspended between six months and two years, depending on your individual facts and circumstances. What Happens After a Period of Driver License Suspension is Over? Once your period of suspension is over, you will be able to resume driving, but only after you apply for reinstatement of your driving privileges and pay significant fees. This is one of the reasons why you need to consult an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as you have been arrested on a DUI suspicion so the lawyer can apply their skills and the law to at least try and avoid the suspension altogether. If suspension of your driver’s license is unavoidable, then the lawyer can help you in having some of the driving privileges restored as quickly as possible. Our experienced DUI lawyers know what needs to be documented and presented for your driving privileges to be partially or fully restored. Consult with an Indiana DUI Defense Lawyer Today If your driver’s license has been suspended in Indiana and you wish to have your driving privileges restored, then contact us today and speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys to discuss your case. Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock