Criminal Law

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…

One of the most pressing questions a defendant faces in the legal system is: How long after a plea deal is sentencing? The time between accepting a plea bargain and sentencing can vary significantly based on court schedules, case complexity, and other local legal factors. The process may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specifics of the case and the efficiency of the courts in Indianapolis. At Banks &…

For those facing a possession charge in Indiana, this can lead to feeling overwhelmed; however, there are legal defenses available when faced with such a charge. How to Beat Possession Charge in Indiana If you are wondering how to beat a possession charge in Indiana, Banks & Brower has outlined everything you need to know, from key concepts to possible defense strategies and why you should consider hiring an attorney to help. What is Possession? Under Indiana…