February 2026

Harassment can qualify as a felony in Indiana under specific circumstances, although many cases begin as misdemeanors. The question is harassment a felony often surfaces right after an arrest because charge severity influences jail exposure, permanent criminal history, firearm eligibility, and leverage during negotiations with the state. Indiana criminal statutes draw a deliberate boundary between uncomfortable conduct and criminal behavior, then allow escalation when aggravating factors appear. From our standpoint as criminal defense attorneys, early…

We often get asked how someone’s felony conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor. Good news! There are actually multiple ways to get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor. First, a prosecutor can always agree that they may not have enough evidence to succeed on a felony count. In that instance, they could agree to plead you to a separate misdemeanor. Now, what if the prosecutor has enough evidence against you to convict you of…

Missing a court appearance can feel overwhelming, especially when criminal charges are already pending; questions start piling up fast, stress builds, and the uncertainty can be difficult to manage. What happens if you miss a court date in Indiana depends on the type of case and the reason for the absence, but the legal system doesn’t treat it as a small mistake; even a single missed hearing can change the direction of a criminal case…

Attending University is supposed to be the best years of a young person’s life. Working to maintain their degree while also having new social experiences, which frequently involve attending parties. A classic college party scene is marked by loud music, dancing, and plenty of alcohol to go around. Unfortunately, along with alcohol comes poor decision making. This occasionally results in allegations of sexual misconduct, assault, or even rape, which triggers a university investigation. Title 9…

Criminal charges tied to a loss of life place enormous pressure on anyone accused, both legally and personally. Conversations about prison exposure, felony levels, and long-term consequences often start immediately after an arrest. When discussing a manslaughter sentence, Indiana law establishes clear statutory boundaries; however, real outcomes depend on the facts, intent, and how the defense frames the case. At Banks & Brower, our criminal defense team approaches these cases with urgency, precision, and a…

In Indiana, officers generally need either probable cause, valid consent, or a recognized exception to the warrant requirement to lawfully search a vehicle. The police have probable cause when they make specific observations that would make a reasonable person believe the car contains evidence of a crime. The most common observation that leads officers to search a car is the odor of marijuana. Any criminal attorney with experience would agree that it is the most…

Facing criminal charges threatens your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Knowing how to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Indiana means looking beyond marketing promises and focusing on what matters in the courtroom. Start by finding an attorney with specific experience handling your type of charges in local Indiana courts. A lawyer with prosecutor experience brings invaluable insight into how the other side builds its case.  From there, examine their professional standing through client…