Criminal Law

No one should have to choose between a felony or a funeral.  This is the sentiment put forth by the Indiana Supreme Court on March 12, 2025 in its decision in Turner v. State (24SCR-147). In this, the Supreme Court reinforces the concept of Indiana’s self-defense laws.   The self defense statute in Indiana is defined by I.C. 35-41-3-2.  The statute provides that: A person is justified in using reasonable force against any other person…

Having a felony on your record can pose significant challenges.  A felony can hinder a person’s ability to find work as well as their ability to find a place to live.  Clearly, being charged with a felony is a big problem that can have life-altering consequences.  The ability to get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor is a huge opportunity, as misdemeanors do not carry nearly the weight of felony convictions.  Luckily, there are a…

In the world of criminal law, not all laws apply equally to everyone. Some acts are only illegal because the person committing them is under a certain age. These offenses, which are illegal only for minors (individuals under 18) but not adults, are known as “status offenses.” In other states, it may be called, “Juvenile laws.” The term “status offense” is used because these crimes are based on the offender’s status as a juvenile. Additionally,…

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated is one of the most common charges in Indiana — in fact, hundreds of people around the state face these or similar charges in any given year. And, intuitively, most people know what that means. You can’t ‘operate’ a ‘vehicle’ while ‘intoxicated.’ Pretty straight forward, right? Not necessarily.  Indiana lays out all the ways you can be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated in I.C. 9-30-5-1 through IC 9-30-5-15….

If you have an active warrant in Indiana it is essential to take immediate action. An outstanding warrant can result in an unexpected arrest, legal complications, and even difficulties securing employment or housing. Addressing the issue as soon as possible can help protect your rights and make sure you have a more favorable outcome. At Banks & Brower, we focus on criminal defense and have extensive experience in helping clients remove warrants in Indianapolis and…

Criminal Rule 4 is an issue a lot of criminal defendants are aware of. It is a rule that specifies how long the State has to bring a defendant to trial. It’s a significant rule because, if it’s not followed, it could result in outright dismissal of the case. The rule is broken down into a few basic sections, however an underlying rule for ALL of Criminal Rule 4, is that any time the defendant…

Facing criminal charges in Indiana is a daunting experience. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is whether to take your case to a jury trial or opt for a bench trial (where a judge decides your fate). This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, and understanding the positives and negatives of each option is crucial for making an informed choice.  The Jury Trial: A Right and a Gamble  In Indiana, as in the rest of…

Technology has advanced in all aspects of life.  From radios to televisions to computers to cell phones, we see the impact of technology and how fast it has evolved.  Many of these advancements have made our lives, our work, and our schooling easier and more efficient.  It has also made co-parenting easier, as well.   It was not too long ago that when divorced parents or parents who were not together wished to communicate with…