2015

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Blog:  Veteran’s Court             Slowly but surely, counties across the State of Indiana are starting to see the benefit to having courts that focus on the root problem of criminal behavior, and attempt to get the offender help and/or treatment.  Many counties have already started mental health courts or drug treatment courts.  Those courts have worked to identify defendants with lower level criminal conduct and place them in the appropriate court…

Sentencing Enhancements in Indiana Criminal Cases Most people are aware that any given criminal offense carries with it a range of possible penalties, including jail or prison time.  For example, a Level 3 felony conviction carries the possibility of 3 to 16 years in prison.  What may come as a surprise, especially to one charged with a serious felony offense, is that the prosecutor can file a sentencing enhancement which can significantly increase the amount…

A Look at How Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage has Resulted in Additional Benefits and Protections  – 2015 is a historic year for same-sex couples.  The U.S. Supreme Court made its final decision on June 26, 2015, in the landmark case titled Obergefell v. Hodges.  This case involved 2 main issues: whether the U.S. Constitution requires a state to issue a marriage license to 2 people of the same sex and whether a state is required to…

Threatened With a University Disciplinary Hearing or Action as a College Student? If you have ever been to college or visited one for more than an hour’s time, you will undoubtedly see some type of illicit behavior (albeit minor most of the times), but sometimes that behavior is criminal or against the college’s rules or policies in place for students. From fights at bars to drinking underage in a dorm room, all too often college…

It is the foundation of the American criminal justice system.  The jury trial.  You have been accused of a crime and believe you are innocent, it is the ultimate determiner of the facts.  No one can guarantee an outcome in a jury.  If they could, they would be the only attorney ever hired.  However, there are a number of different parts of being ready for a jury that help position a case for its highest…

What Happens if I Flee from Work Release, Home Detention, or a Jail or Prison? In this blog Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Banks & Brower take a look at the offenses of escape and failure to return to lawful detention.  These offenses are most commonly charged against those serving community corrections sentences, whether in a work release facility or on home detention.  Generally, it is easier to “escape” in one of these scenarios than…

So, you’ve been denied a concealed carry permit and/or you’ve been deprived of the ability to purchase a firearm by the federal government. Inevitably, you are frustrated, which is what lead you to this blog and others we have written, such as our other relevant blogs discussing the appeals process for the state and the appeals process for the federal government. Unfortunately, even when you think you do understand the process (or as much as…

Important Tips to Know for Requesting Contribution for College Expenses in Indiana In addition to a normal child support order, one or more parties may request that the court order them to contribute to the postsecondary educational expenses for a child.  Whenever there are divorced parties or parties to a paternity action with one or more minor children, the court will always issue a child support order based upon a calculation using the parties’ gross…