Criminal Law

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…

Where to find Alcohol & Substance Abuse Evaluation Treatment Locations: Most people who are charged with substance offenses in Indiana, whether it be alcohol or drug related, they will be required to complete an alcohol or substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment as part of any resolution of their case. And, as most experienced criminal defense attorneys will agree with, completing the evaluation before any potential plea negotiations will help soften the typical, potential…

  Jury duty is not a courtesy request. It is a court order directly tied to Indiana’s criminal justice system, and missing it can result in real legal consequences. Many people wonder: What happens if I don’t go to jury duty? Especially when these notices arrive quietly in the mail without clear explanations of the risks involved. Failing to comply with this legal obligation can result in fines, contempt charges, and additional legal complications that…

  Many people ask: What is a crime of passion? After a sudden emotional event leads to a tragic outcome. In Indiana, this legal concept involves a killing committed under a sudden “heat of passion” caused by serious provocation. When someone acts impulsively without premeditation following a significant trigger, and the killing happens before a reasonable person would have time to cool off, the charge may be voluntary manslaughter rather than murder. This distinction matters…