Jonathan D. Harwell - Indianapolis, IN
Attorney at Harwell Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN
156 E Market St Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
12
Years
Experience
Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 10/13/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 50%
- Appellate 25%
- Post-Conviction Relief 25%
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
Jonathan D. Harwell is the founder and managing attorney of Harwell Criminal Defense in Indianapolis. He represents people facing criminal charges and seeking review of criminal convictions throughout Indiana, with particular attention to major felonies, murder cases, drug charges, criminal appeals, habeas corpus, and post-conviction relief.
People often meet Jonathan during a frightening and uncertain period. He listens without judgment, explains the available choices plainly, and approaches each case through careful record review, investigation, motion practice, and preparation. His experience includes murder trials, death-penalty matters, federal litigation, and complex post-conviction proceedings. No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome.
Jonathan earned his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award and Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition. He earned his B.S. in Legal Studies, cum laude, from Ball State University and was a member of the Lambda Epsilon Chi legal-studies honor society. Before founding the firm, he worked as a law clerk with the Indiana State Public Defender and interned with the Marion County Public Defender Agency.
Jonathan is a certified mediator and a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute. He authored Indiana Criminal Law Templates, published by LexisNexis in annual editions from 2023 through 2025. He has taught continuing legal education on professionalism and constitutional history. His professional and community service has included bar-association leadership, the American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project, and volunteer legal assistance.
On February 12, 2026, Jonathan presented “Great Legislation from the 1970s” with the Inn of Courts. He continues to participate in the Indiana State Bar Association mentor program, mentoring younger attorneys.
Representative outcomes include R.C. v. State — post-conviction relief granted; R.L. v. State — post-conviction relief granted; B.D. v. State — post-conviction relief granted; State v. P.C. — child molesting charges dismissed; and State v. N.H. — child molesting charges dismissed. Every matter depends on its own facts, evidence, law, and procedural history. Past results do not predict or guarantee a future outcome.
To request a consultation with Harwell Criminal Defense, call 317-500-4435 or email messages@harwelllegal.com.
Awards and Honors
Awards
Honors
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2019 - Present
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney - Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2023
- Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition - Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2013
- AV Preeminent- Client's Choice & Top Contributor, 2019 - Present
Other Sources of Feedback About Jonathan D. Harwell
Included on the 2027 Indiana Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2026 Indiana Super Lawyers list
- 2025 Indiana Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Indiana Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Indiana Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Indiana Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Indiana Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
J.D.
Honors: CALI Excellence for the Future Award
Honors: Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition
Non Legal Education
-
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
B.S.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: Legal Studies Honor Society, Member
Major: Legal Studies
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney & Founder, since May 20, 2014
Past Positions
- Indiana State Public Defender, Law Clerk, 2012 - 2014
- Marion County Public Defender Agency, Intern, 2011
Languages
-
English
Classes and Seminars
-
Civility in Practice, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2015
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Magna Carter, American Inns of Court, 2016
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Lesser Known Judges in Brown v. Board, American Inns of Court, 2020
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The Switch in Time That Saved Nine, American Inn of Courts, 2022
- Great Legislation from the 1970s, Inn of Courts, February 12, 2026
Pro Bono Activities
- Pro Bono Cases with Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, 2014
- Kids' Voice of Indiana, 2014 - Present
- GAL with Kid's Voice, 2015
- American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project, 2022 - Present
Representative Clients
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State v. A.M.- Not Guilty- Child Molestation
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State v. H.P.- Not Guilty - Murder
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RW v. State of Indiana, Conviction Reversed.
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B.H. v. State - Post-Conviction Relief Granted - New Trial Ordered
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State v. J.P. - Not Guilty of Murder, Guilty on Lesser Included Offense.
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State v. H.B. - Not Guilty of Aggravated Battery
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State v. Earls - Not Guilty of Aggravated Battery
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State v. Trice - Not Guilty of Domestic Battery
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State v. C.C. - Not Guilty of Domestic Battery
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State v. H.N. - Not Guilty of Resisting Law Enforcement
Representative Cases
-
State v. C.
- Court: Marion Criminal Division 17
- Year: 2019
-
State v. P.
- Court: Marion County Criminal Division 1
- Year: 2019
-
State v. M.
- Court: Marion County Criminal Division 6
- Year: 2016
-
State v. E.
- Court: Marion County Criminal Division 1
- Year: 2019
-
State v. B.
- Court: Marion County Criminal Division 6
- Year: 2016
Published Works
Articles
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Indiana Criminal Law Templates, LexisNexis, 2023
Practical guide for attorneys to Indiana criminal law forms. -
Indiana Criminal Law Template, Lexis Nexis, 2024
Practical guide for attorneys to Indiana criminal law forms.
Bar Admissions
- Indiana, 2013
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
- U.S. Supreme Court
Other Affiliations
- Indiana Bar Association, 2013 - Present (Member)
- Indiana State Bar Association, 2013 - Present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2015 - Present
- Indiana State Bar Association Mentor Program (Mentor to younger attorneys)
Photo
Contact
156 E Market St
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone Number: 317-500-4435
Fax Number: 463-212-8803
Email: Send a message
Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
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