PRO
also known as Jonathan Harwell, Jonathan D. Harwell
Virtual Consultation Available
Jonathan D. Harwell is the founder of Harwell Criminal Defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. His practice focuses on criminal defense, major felonies and murder cases, state and federal criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, and habeas corpus.
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 received his J.D. from 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. He is a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute.
Harwell teaches continuing legal education and continues to participate in the Indiana State Bar Association mentor program, mentoring younger attorneys. On February 12, 2026, he presented “Great Legislation from the 1970s” with the Inn of Courts.
Representative finalized outcomes include post-conviction relief granted in R.C. v. State, R.L. v. State, and B.D. v. State; and dismissal of child molesting charges in State v. P.C. and State v. N.H. Initials are used to protect privacy. These results depend on the facts and law of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Practice Areas
Always
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Mobile
156 East Market Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46204
harwelllegalcounsel.com/attorney/harwell-jonathan-d/
Other places you can find Jonathan online.
30 Client Reviews
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 26 - 30 of 30 reviews
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 Shawnika Jones | December 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Good lawyer
Jonathan Harwell is a patient and thorough lawyer! He was always professional and friendly and always was able to answer all of my many and continuous questions.
Posted by Phyllis | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
A Good Experience
I contacted Mr. Harwell when I was feeling like my son's attorney was working for the prosecution not him. Because of my financial situation I needed someone that was willing to work with me and Mr. Harwell was just that person. My son now feels that his attorney is working for him. I am glad that my...
Posted by Holly | October 30, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Repeated Broken Promises, Missed Jail Visits, and a Complete Lack of Accountability
I retained Harwell & Gray in February 2026 to represent my daughter, who was incarcerated and facing serious criminal charges. Based on our experience, I strongly encourage anyone considering this firm to read the following before retaining them. The pattern I experienced was consistent: promised ...
Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Worst experience ever
I hired Harwell right before their merger while I was incarcerated. They had poor communication with my fiance and charged for every time they responded to a message, which led me to think they where just money hungry. I didn't get anything resolved until I fired Rebecca Gray and hired me counsel.
"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
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2026
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2019
Litigator of the Year - Criminal Law, American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2019
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
2018
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Top 10% in Criminal Defense, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
Who's Who Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Legal
2018
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Legal
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
2014 - Present
Attorney, Harwell Legal Counsel LLC
2018 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Indianapolis Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Indiana State BarMember
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
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
2013
J.D.
2010
BS - Bachelor of Science
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
2025
English
Spanish
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