Criminal Law

Once someone has been arrested they normally have a period of time where they experience shock and disbelief. This reaction quickly turns into an emotion of fearing the possible penalties for the allegations that have been made. In this blog we will run through the potential penalties for the various levels of crime. Penalties for Various Levels of Crime in Indiana With felonies, the legislature has issued a range that includes a recommended (known as…

Understanding Your Right to Face Your Accuser and to Confront Witnesses in Your Case You probably know that if you’re charged with a crime, you have many important rights such as the right to remain silent and the right to trial. You may be aware that you have the right to confront witnesses against you as well, but many people misunderstand that right and don’t know that this right isn’t always what it seems. The…

A New Years Resolution You Didn’t Expect It never fails…the first day of the New Year is always a busy day for our phones at the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys of Banks & Brower, LLC. While many people are setting their sights on healthy New Year’s Goals like losing weight, being patient, drinking less often, being kinder…blah blah blah, inevitably, many others are testing their vices…drinking to access, partying to access, and engaging in behavior they…

INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY BLOG:  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DUI/DRUNK DRIVING ARRESTS IN INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT BANKS & BROWER LOOK AT FAQ’S FOR DRUNK DRIVING ARRESTS Are sobriety check points legal?  Yes, several times throughout Indiana law enforcement officers setup sobriety check points.  As long as they are properly advertised and delineated with signage, they have been found to be legal. Can’t I just turn on a different road and avoid the…

A Look at Public Indecency Laws in Indiana Clothing and fashion don’t serve only to impress and to keep us warm – they also keep us from being charged with crimes in Indiana for showing others what they probably don’t want to see.  Few of us will be surprised that Indiana prohibits the display of certain body parts in public, and even on private property but with the intent to be seen by the public. …

Hiring an In-Town Lawyer vs. an Out of Town Attorney To hire an in town attorney, or out of town attorney? That is the question. I think Shakespeare asked that in Hamlet….or, something like that. All joking aside, we at Banks & Brower, LLC, are constantly asked this question when people call in looking for advice on who to hire. “Should I hire an out of county attorney, or should I hire an attorney on…

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…