Criminal Law

Key Takeaways Concurrent sentences run at the same time, while consecutive sentences run one after another. Indiana law requires consecutive sentences in certain situations under IC 35-50-1-2. Connected offenses generally cannot receive consecutive sentences. Indiana law limits the total length of consecutive sentences by the highest felony level. Plea agreements may specify whether sentences run concurrently or consecutively. A defendant facing more than one criminal charge in Indiana often hears the terms “concurrent” and “consecutive”…

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…

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…