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  Many Indiana residents wonder whether is it illegal to carry prescription drugs without the bottle when traveling, going to work, or managing daily activities. In Indiana, carrying prescription medication outside of its original container does not violate state law directly. However, this practice can lead to complications and potential criminal charges, particularly with controlled substances under stricter regulation. Carrying pills outside their labeled pharmacy bottles may raise suspicions with law enforcement regarding illegal possession….

Facing a probation violation brings immediate consequences that threaten your freedom, your job, and your future. Searching for how to beat a probation violation means looking for more than just legal advice; it means finding a way forward when everything that matters is at risk. These cases move quickly, and every decision counts, which is why having legal counsel who understands Indiana’s probate system and knows how to build a strong defense is critical. At…

Crime victims in Indianapolis who cooperate with law enforcement investigations may qualify for critical immigration protection through a U visa. Many survivors don’t realize that certain crimes open the door to legal status and a chance to rebuild without fear of deportation. At Banks & Brower, we help survivors understand what crimes qualify for U visa protection and guide them through every step of the application process. Whether dealing with assault, trafficking, or another qualifying…

The U.S. immigration system feels overwhelming for most people—between visa applications, strict deadlines, and mountains of paperwork, it is easy to feel lost. That is where an immigration lawyer steps in to guide you through every stage of the process by providing legal guidance and representation to help individuals move through the complex immigration system, including preparing visa applications, representing clients in hearings, and ensuring all documentation meets the strict requirements set by agencies like…

When a person is accused of committing a crime, the strength of the evidence determines every step that follows. In most cases, there are signs that a criminal case is weak, and recognizing these signs can lead to more favorable outcomes where there might otherwise be more convictions. Clients have come to Banks & Brower with criminal matters of all sizes and shapes that occur in the state of Indiana—from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies—and…

Acquitted vs not guilty sound similar, but Indiana law sees them as two different results with separate consequences for your case. The outcome you get affects your criminal record, your legal rights, and your future. At Banks & Brower, we work with defendants who need straight answers about what these terms actually mean in their situation. When you are preparing for trial or thinking through your options, knowing this difference puts you in control of…

Facing criminal charges is a stressful ordeal. Unfortunately, Indiana also allows the government to seize personal property believed to be used for, or derived from, criminal activity. This process is known as “forfeiture.” Forfeiture proceedings are actually civil matters, and are brought forth as separate proceedings from criminal cases. Civil forfeitures in Indiana can be brought under one of two statutes. The general forfeiture statute is found at IC 34-24-1-1. The statute that allows property…

When parents are going through a custody or visitation case, one of the most common things that is brought up is whether or not the children’s wishes are taken into consideration and how they can be taken into consideration. When determining how custody should be awarded, Indiana courts utilize the “best interests of the child” standard. With that standard, courts have no presumption in favor of either parent, meaning both parents enter the courtroom on…