Jonathan Daniel Harwell
also known as Jonathan Harwell, Jonathan D. Harwell
About Jonathan
Biography
Jonathan D. Harwell is the co-founder and managing partner of Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, 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 Gray Legal 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.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Indiana for 11 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC
156 E. Market St. Ste. 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46204
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Jonathan Daniel Harwell's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
29 Client Reviews
Showing 21 - 25 of 29 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Lawyer service
Kept me kept up with everything I needed and made sure everything went well with my case .
Posted by John | March 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Honest and Upfront.
After moving to a different state I found out that I had two criminal misdemeanors for traffic offenses and a bench warrant for me in Indiana. I called Jonathans office, left a message and had a return call from him within 24 hours, he told me to complete the driving class the state required. Once...
Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Jonathan is a very honest and compassionate lawyer
Jonathan has told my husband and I everything up front, and 100% honest. He doesn't sugar coat anything, and that's what we wanted. He's very understanding when it comes to our many questions and concerns, and responds quickly. His paralegal, Mariah, also responds quickly and has been very helpful to...
Posted by Merrissa | November 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Jonathan was a great lawyer
Jonathan is a great lawyer who is professional and would answer all my questions completely. He seems very compassionate. I'm not fond of the woman name Mariah that he has working as a receptionist though. She is extremely rude, uncaring and unprofessional and made it hard to continue to use Jonatha...
Posted by Dawn | September 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Found Jonathon Harwell to be a good attorney. Very knowledgeable, quick to respond. Answered every question I had and put my mind at ease.
Jonathan Daniel Harwell's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen his work and it is good. I've spoken with him frequently about cases and I believe he is passionate in representing his clients. He is a fighter and looks for ways to get the best outcome for his clients."
"Jon is a passionate and thoughtful defense attorney. He is brilliantly perspective as to the theory of the case and what it takes to defend the client, separating the wheat from the chaff. I would recommend Jon to anyone charged with a serious crime."
"Jonathan Harwell knows how to have just the right amount of assertiveness to make sure his clients get the representation they need. You don't see many lawyers put as much effort as he does into cases that are even relatively minor or simple."
"Honesty is important and when I have to represent a client, if Mr. Harwell represents the other party, I am not worried about any unprofessional conduct during our matter from his desk."
Criminal defense lawyer
Violent crime lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2025
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2024
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2019
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Excellence in Criminal Defense, Lawyers of Distinction
2019
Litigator of the Year - Criminal Law, American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2018
Top 10% in Criminal Defense, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Who's Who Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Legal
2018
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Legal
2017
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
Excellence for the Future Award, CALI
2013
Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
2010
Cum Laude, Ball State University
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Attorney, Harwell Legal Counsel LLC
Associations
2018 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Indianapolis Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Indiana State BarMember
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Post-Conviction Relief Granted and New Trial Ordered
Not Guilty of Murder, Guilty of Lesser included Offense
Conviction Reversed
Decree Overturned
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Remanded for New Sentencing Order
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Education
2013
J.D.
2010
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2022
West Coast Hotel v. Parrish: The Switch in Time That Saved Nine
2020
Lesser Known Judges in Brown v. Board
2016
Magna Carter
2015
Civility in Practice
Publications
2025
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
If im on house and my son is bout to bond out but will be on gps can he stay in the same house ?
08 Nov 2023
Can I get custody of my goddaughter, even though there’s no blood relation?
28 Oct 2023
What is considered hearsay?
16 Oct 2023