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Mary Frances Higdon
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About Mary
Biography
Ms. Higdon is licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Indiana. She has a passion for, and experience primarily in Criminal Law, and also handles juvenile cases, DCFS issues, IU disciplinary issues, orders of protection, basic estate planning, and traffic matters.
Her legal experience includes work as a Public Defender in Southern Illinois, an Associate with Youngcourt Law, and Deputy Prosecutor in Monroe County, Indiana. Ms. Higdon opened her own law office in 2011.
Quality representation you can truly trust. Former Dep. Prosecutor, I know the criminal system.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
20 years
DUI and DWI
30%
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
20%
Expungement
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2019 2018 2017
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Indiana for 16 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 19 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mary online.
Mary Frances Higdon's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
80 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (80)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (41)
Advocacy (32)
Responsiveness (25)
Professionalism (24)
Recommendation (23)
Practice Area Knowledge (18)
Communication Style (17)
General Knowledge (17)
Compassion (11)
Character & Conduct (10)
Trustworthiness (8)
Cost of Services (6)
Punctuality (3)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | 1 star
Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Unethical, Unreliable, Unbelievable.
Mary Higdon lost me my right to a jury trial in Morgan County simple because she couldn't not be bothered to pass on or even fax the discovery of my case to the court and public defender on time. She literally had months to do it. I later opted for a public defender after numerous other less notable ...
Mary Higdon
Replied last July 11, 2014I was shocked to see this submission from this former client. Due to the Attorney/Client privilege, I am unable to make specific comments about this individual's case, but will say that I patently disagree with the accusations lodged. I have never been held in contempt of court, and certainly was not in this matter. I am both conscientious and candid. I have more respect for the profession, my clients, and myself than to intentionally deceive a court of law. Having a presence on AVVO is a choice an attorney makes, full well knowing that clients can say whatever they want about you. I am confident in my decision to do so however, despite the claims of this former client, as this opinion is an aberration from the feedback I receive from clients on a regular basis who express satisfaction with my representation. Mary Higdon
Mary Frances Higdon's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary and I represented a man who we felt strongly was wrongfully accused of a serious crime. We were able to obtain an acquittal. Mary worked tirelessly to make sure justice was done and left no stone unturned. She will do everything she can to help you and I recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary is very competent and hard working. You can tell her concern for her clients' best interests is sincere."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary Higdon has it all. She has been both a former prosecutor and a pubic defender. To know both sides of the equation is a huge advantage and her clients will surely benefit. If you are in or near Bloomington don't pass up the opportunity to consult with her."
"Ms. Higdon's knowledge of law and reputation in the legal community is second to none. She always has her clients' best interests in mind. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal advice."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Our firm had an urgent and immediate need to find co-counsel on a criminal case in Bloomington, IN. Mary came highly recommended, and we are so grateful we found her. She was diligent, well-connected and extraordinarily knowledgeable about criminal laws in Indiana. She is highly rated on AVVO for a reason, and we are happy to strongly endorse her."
"Ms. Higdon is a well-respected Criminal Defense / DUI / DWI attorney. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a lawyer who truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and getting them the most favorable result possible. Ms. Higdon is a terrific lawyer. I endorse Ms. Higdon to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. I worked as a defense attorney opposite Ms. Higdon on many cases when she was serving as a Deputy Prosecutor in Monroe County. She impressed me on many levels. She always exhibited a strong sense of ethics, fairness, intellect, and compassion. She knew the facts and the laws pertaining to every case for which she was responsible and always maintained the highest professional standards in dealing with the bench and fellow bar members."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mary is a very competent and capable attorney, and I greatly endorse her."
"I've decided to endorse Ms. Higdon for many reasons. One of the main reasons; however, is because she is always looking out for her clients and colleagues. Our profession could use more attorneys like Ms. Higdon."
"Mary is a true professional. I never hesitate to refer cases to her. I know that she will handle each referral with integrity, respect and courtesy that all clients deserve. She has the knowledge, experience, and drive that it takes to win."
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Experience
Honors
2005
Public Interest Award, Southern Illinois University
2004
Scholarship, Equal Justice Works
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Owner, Higdon Law
2010 - 2011
Deputy Prosecutor, Monroe County Prosecutor's Office
2008 - 2010
Associate Attorney, Youngcourt Law
2006 - 2008
Deputy Public Defender, Jackson Co. Public Defender's Ofc
2005 - 2006
Legal Intern, Elder Law Clinic
2003 - 2004
Legal Intern, Jackson County Public Defender's Office
1999 - 2003
Bureau Chief - Victim's Assistance, Maricopa Country Attorney's Ofc
Associations
2016 - Present
Bloomington Chamber of CommerceMember
2014 - Present
Indiana University Alumni AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Indiana Public Defender CouncilMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - Present
Monroe County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2009 - Present
Indiana State Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
Honor Society of Phi Kappa PhiMember
2001 - Present
Honor Society of Pi Alpha AlphaMember
2004 - 2005
Equal Justice WorksPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
St. v. Jay
A felony Dismissed, Plea to D felony possession of controlled substance
St. v. Beasley
C Felony battery reduced to misdemeanor.
St. v. Eicle
C Felony battery; case dismissed.
St. v. Deckard
B Felony Burglary & D Felony Theft Dismissed
St. v. Olmsted
B Drug felony reduced to D felony, misdemeanor upon successful completion of 3 mos. house arrest
St. v. Atanus
Dismissed
St. v. Clancy
Two B Felony Rape Charges Dismissed
St. v. Dugan
B Felony - Dismissed
St. v. Wagler
D felony charge - Dismissed
St. v. Deckard
B Felony Charge, Plea to B Misdemeanor
St. v. Sterkel
D felony charge - Dismissed
St. v. Jones
A felony Charge, Dismissed
St. v. Todd
A felony charge - Dismissed
St. v. Enlow
B felony charge - Dismissed
Education
2006
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
2001
Arizona State University
Masters
1994
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bachelors
Speaking Engagements
2022
Monroe County Bar Association
Monroe County Bar Association Annual Board Meeting - Participant / Attendee
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I show in court that the police lied on there testimonies that are on my discovery.
15 Mar 2025
Q&A
What does exclusion of confidential information mean?
22 Feb 2023
Q&A
I want to know whether or not I should be worried about the prosecutor taking the case?
06 Feb 2023