Criminal Law

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Blog:  Veteran’s Court             Slowly but surely, counties across the State of Indiana are starting to see the benefit to having courts that focus on the root problem of criminal behavior, and attempt to get the offender help and/or treatment.  Many counties have already started mental health courts or drug treatment courts.  Those courts have worked to identify defendants with lower level criminal conduct and place them in the appropriate court…

Sentencing Enhancements in Indiana Criminal Cases Most people are aware that any given criminal offense carries with it a range of possible penalties, including jail or prison time.  For example, a Level 3 felony conviction carries the possibility of 3 to 16 years in prison.  What may come as a surprise, especially to one charged with a serious felony offense, is that the prosecutor can file a sentencing enhancement which can significantly increase the amount…

Threatened With a University Disciplinary Hearing or Action as a College Student? If you have ever been to college or visited one for more than an hour’s time, you will undoubtedly see some type of illicit behavior (albeit minor most of the times), but sometimes that behavior is criminal or against the college’s rules or policies in place for students. From fights at bars to drinking underage in a dorm room, all too often college…

It is the foundation of the American criminal justice system.  The jury trial.  You have been accused of a crime and believe you are innocent, it is the ultimate determiner of the facts.  No one can guarantee an outcome in a jury.  If they could, they would be the only attorney ever hired.  However, there are a number of different parts of being ready for a jury that help position a case for its highest…

What Happens if I Flee from Work Release, Home Detention, or a Jail or Prison? In this blog Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Banks & Brower take a look at the offenses of escape and failure to return to lawful detention.  These offenses are most commonly charged against those serving community corrections sentences, whether in a work release facility or on home detention.  Generally, it is easier to “escape” in one of these scenarios than…

So, you’ve been denied a concealed carry permit and/or you’ve been deprived of the ability to purchase a firearm by the federal government. Inevitably, you are frustrated, which is what lead you to this blog and others we have written, such as our other relevant blogs discussing the appeals process for the state and the appeals process for the federal government. Unfortunately, even when you think you do understand the process (or as much as…

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Blog:  Possession of a Handgun in an Airport When reading the title to this blog, one was probably thinking to himself, “a gun in an airport, who’d be crazy enough to do that?”  Well, you would be surprised.  As more and more people begin carrying firearms for personal protection, more and more often, usually due to a bout of forgetfulness, people are being arrested for possession of a firearm in the…

A Quick and Concise Look at the Laws Governing  Indiana’s Habitual Traffic Violator Statute Indiana’s habitual traffic violator laws can be very confusing and difficult to understand for someone who isn’t well-versed in traffic law. The Indiana legislature has recently passed new laws updating the ways to become a habitual traffic violator and the types of possible penalties and license suspensions. If you have been labeled a habitual traffic violator and would like to get…