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Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVWI) is one of the most common crimes that people are charged with.  Most of us have unfortunately made the choice to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.  The nightmare scenario, under those circumstances, is getting pulled over and becoming the target of an OVWI investigation. While there are several steps to an OVWI investigation, arguably the most impactful occurs when the police officer offers the suspect…

In Indiana, public intoxication laws go far beyond the common perception of someone being visibly drunk in public. Under Indiana law, being charged with public intoxication isn’t just about how intoxicated you are—it’s about your behavior. You can face legal trouble if your actions while under the influence of alcohol or drugs endanger others, cause a disturbance, or even alarm someone in a public space. For those in Indianapolis, a single lapse in judgment can…

It is often said that accusations, alone, are enough to change a life — nothing shows that more than a charge of Rape. The word, standing alone, says it all. It doesn’t require any explanation, and most people make an assumption as to what it means just in hearing the word. It is then sensationalized as a headline in the news to garner clicks, but all too often people don’t really know the intricacies of…

Many people (or loved ones) call our office after being convicted of or sentenced for a crime. They want to know what, if anything, may be done to undo what has occurred or to minimize the effects.  Occasionally we receive calls from people with similar questions about various types of civil cases.  For example, decisions by a judge in a divorce case or in some other type of case are often challenged. In this blog…

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners and occupiers have to ensure the safety of their premises for visitors, guests, or customers.  In Indiana, as in most states, this responsibility extends to ensuring that the property is free from hazardous conditions that could potentially cause injury.  A premises liability case arises when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property.  In Indiana, actual and constructive notice are two ways to…

This system was developed to monitor and identify people who need to improve their driving habits and to provide requirements for suspending driving privileges.   If you or anyone you know has an Indiana license and has received a traffic ticket, whether in Indiana or another state, then there is a good chance it is for a violation that would cause points to be assessed to your driving record.  Call the experienced traffic law attorneys at…

Split Sentence is a type of criminal sentencing where a defendant serves part of their time in jail or prison, followed by probation or supervised release. This approach balances punishment with rehabilitation, helping individuals reintegrate into society under strict oversight. At Banks & Brower, located at 8770 Purdue Road in Indianapolis, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to securing fair outcomes for our clients and their families. What is Split Sentencing in an Indianapolis Criminal Case?…

Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that suggests a fact through inference rather than directly proving it. What is circumstantial evidence? It is evidence that relies on a chain of reasoning to connect it to a conclusion about guilt or innocence, unlike direct evidence—such as eyewitness testimony. While some people may believe circumstantial evidence is inherently weaker, this is a misconception. Courts and juries frequently rely on circumstantial evidence to make decisions in criminal cases. At…