The Indiana Court of Appeals reduced a man’s Class A felony dealing cocaine conviction to a Class B felony, finding that he was within 1000 feet of a public park at the request of a confidential informant. Indiana law provides an entrapment defense if a controlled buy takes place within 1000 feet of a school or public park at the suggestion of a law enforcement officer. Gibson Law Office criminal defense attorneys have significant experience defending dealing cocaine charges in Indiana, including at jury trial.

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An Indianapolis bar patron was removed by security for smoking and given a trespass warning.  He then returned and stood on the sidewalk directly in front of the bar. A police officer asked the man to leave several times, but he refused and stated that he was getting information because he was going to sue the bar. He was then arrested for criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the criminal trespass conviction, because the defendant was on public sidewalk when he was arrested and not the bar’s property. Gibson Law Office criminal attorneys defend criminal trespass charges in Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Fort Wayne.

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Purdue’s Grand Prix weekend is here which inevitably results in a large number of Purdue students being arrested for minor in possession of alcohol, public intoxication, DUI, and possession of marijuana. While criminal charges can carry serious consequences, a Purdue disciplinary action can also threaten a student’s future. Gibson Law Office has a team of Lafayette criminal attorneys who have represented hundreds of Purdue students. We understand the interplay between criminal cases and Purdue administrative hearings. It is important for students to understand that anything they say in a Purdue disciplinary hearing could be used against them in a criminal case.  

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Between Breakfast Club, the Life in Color concert, and the Grand Prix race, there are many opportunities for students to run into trouble with police this week. State Excise Police specifically target weekends and locations for increased police presence where there is a higher likelihood of underage drinking. Last year during Grand Prix week, Excise police alone ticketed 53 people in West Lafayette for primarily alcohol-related offenses, including illegal possession of alcohol and possession of false identification. The best way to stay safe during Grand Prix week is to plan ahead and know your rights.

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Minor consumption of alcohol is the number one reason students are arrested or ticketed throughout the week-long celebration of Grand Prix in West Lafayette, Indiana. With the heavy presence of law enforcement, including undercover excise police, there are increased opportunities for students to go out with their friends and wind up in jail.  It is almost always a mistake to appear in court without a lawyer. While students may have friends that that want to give “legal” advice, criminal charges can carry long-run consequences. Gibson Law Office has defended Purdue students for 15 years in underage drinking and marijuana charges, including in university disciplinary proceedings.  Our Lafayette criminal defense attorneys always offer a free consultation.

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