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
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
12
Years
Experience
Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/24/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 50%
- Appellate 25%
- Post-Conviction Relief 25%
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
Jonathan D. Harwell is the co-founder and managing partner of Harwell Criminal Defense, a premier Indiana law firm known for its aggressive advocacy and strategic litigation in criminal defense and post-conviction relief. A native of Ohio who relocated to Indiana during high school, Harwell has built a legal career defined by excellence, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Harwell earned his Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Ball State University, graduating cum laude and as a member of the Lambda Epsilon Chi Legal Studies Honor Society. He continued his education at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award and Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition.
Since founding Harwell Criminal Defense in 2014, Harwell has transformed the firm from a modest practice into a legal powerhouse. His courtroom experience spans murder trials, death penalty cases, federal appeals, and complex post-conviction litigation. Harwell is also a certified mediator, a published legal scholar with LexisNexis, and a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute.
Harwell is deeply committed to community service, legal education, and professional development. He regularly teaches continuing legal education (CLE) courses and participates in leadership programs through the Indiana State Bar Association. His work has earned him recognition not only for legal excellence but also for his strategic business acumen.
Awards and Honors
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 2026 Indiana Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 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
-
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law,
Indianapolis,
Indiana
-
Non Legal Education
-
Ball State University,
Muncie,
Indiana
B.S.
Honors: cum laude
Honors: Legal Studies Honor Society, Member
Major: Legal Studies
-
Ball State University,
Muncie,
Indiana
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
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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
- The Switch in Time That Saved Nine, American Inn of Courts, 2022
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
State v. A.M.- Not Guilty- Child Molestation
State v. H.P.- Not Guilty - Murder
RW v. State of Indiana, Conviction Reversed.
B.H. v. State - Post-Conviction Relief Granted - New Trial Ordered
State v. J.P. - Not Guilty of Murder, Guilty on Lesser Included Offense.
State v. H.B. - Not Guilty of Aggravated Battery
State v. Earls - Not Guilty of Aggravated Battery
State v. Trice - Not Guilty of Domestic Battery
State v. C.C. - Not Guilty of Domestic Battery
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
-
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
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Jonathan D. Harwell
Highlights
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4.8 Value
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4.8 Quality of Service
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4.8 Professional Competence
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2021-2022Jonathan Harwell is a very knowledgeable attorney who is great at returning phone calls, explaining things in detail and taking the time to answer all your questions. I've had a great experience with Harwell Legal and would definitely use them again in the future if needed.
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2022My rating on this attorney is this way for a reason.They understand you, hear you, and value the time to help you.They also have translators for you and many more great opportunities.They see potential in clients and don’t give up till there is justice.
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2021-2022I hired them to assist a family member. They have acted promptly. My family is happy so far.
Photo
Contact
156 E Market St
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-344-9085
Fax: 463-212-8803
Email: Send a message
Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
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