Criminal Law

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…

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?…

If you or a loved one has been charged with a dealing in drugs case, it can be an extremely scary and intimidating process. From understanding the nuances of possession versus dealing to navigating the potential consequences of cultivating substances like marijuana, these situations require careful legal evaluation. This includes being charged with dealing in marijuana, dealing in a narcotic drug, dealing in cocaine, dealing in heroin, dealing in meth, or any of the multitude…

In the realm of property crimes, the terms robbery, burglary, theft, and conversion are often confused and used interchangeably. However, each of these crimes has its own unique definitions, characteristics, and penalties, which is why understanding the differences between these crimes is crucial. This blog explores those distinctions. Burglary Under Indiana Code 35-43-2-1, burglary is defined as the act of breaking and entering the building or structure of another with intent to commit a felony…

In Indiana, there is a crime called “Financial Exploitation of Endangered Adult”. It is codified under Indiana Code 35-46-1-12. The most common situation is when someone is taking care of an elderly parent. Sadly, sometimes as a parent ages, they can lose the ability to control their own finances and decision-making. This is especially true in cases of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. A common remedy is that the elderly person can appoint one of their children…

When people think of an appeal in a criminal case, typically they are thinking of an appeal of the final judgement, or outcome.  An interlocutory appeal, however, occurs while the case is pending.  An interlocutory appeal targets a ruling of the trial court judge before the case goes to trial.  Indiana Rule of Appellate Procedure 14 lays out the framework for when interlocutory appeals are appropriate. Indiana Rule of Appellate Procedure 14 spells out two…