Biography
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.
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
- Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
- B.S.
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Legal Studies Honor Society, Member
- Major: Legal Studies
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense 50%
- Appellate 25%
- Post-Conviction Relief 25%
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
Professional Associations
- Indiana Bar Association, Member, 2013 to Present
- Indiana State Bar Association, 2013 to Present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2015 to Present
Honors
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney - Attorney and Practice Magazine
- Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition - Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
- AV Preeminent- Client's Choice & Top Contributor
Representative Cases
- State v. C., 2019, Marion Criminal Division 17
- State v. P., 2019, Marion County Criminal Division 1
- State v. M., 2016, Marion County Criminal Division 6
- State v. E., 2019, Marion County Criminal Division 1
- State v. B., 2016, Marion County Criminal Division 6
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
Lectures & Presentations
- Civility in Practice, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2015
- Magna Carter, American Inns of Court, 2016
- Lesser Known Judges in Brown v. Board, American Inns of Court, 2020
- The Switch in Time That Saved Nine, American Inn of Courts, 2022
Activities
- Pro Bono Cases with Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, 2014, Present
- Kids' Voice of Indiana, 2014 to Present
- GAL with Kid's Voice, 2015, Present
- American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project, 2022 to Present
Past Positions
- Indiana State Public Defender, Law Clerk, 2012 to 2014
- Marion County Public Defender Agency, Intern, 2011 to 2011
Languages
- English
Our Awards And Accolades
