Jonathan Harwell
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Appellate, DUI-DWI; view more
Licensed in Indiana since: 2014
Education: Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Selected to Rising Stars: 2021 - 2026 Call today:
317-344-9085
Virtual Appointments 
Free Consultation Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC
156 E Market StSuite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204 Visit website
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 Counsel LLC 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
Criminal Defense, Appellate, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWIFocus areas
Appeals, Criminal Law
- 50% Criminal Defense
- 40% Appellate
- 10% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
First Admitted: 2014, Indiana
Professional Webpage: https://www.harwelllegalcounsel.com/attorney/harwell-jonatha...
Bar / Professional Activity
- IndyBar Pro Bono Committee, 2022
- Indiana State Bar Association - Leadership Development Academy, 2025
- Leadership Development Academy- Indiana State Bar Association , 2025
- Amicus Committee - Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 2025
- IndyBar Pro Bono Committee, 2024
- IndyBar Practice Skills Workgroup, 2024
- IndyBar Practice Skills Workgroup, 2023
- IndyBar Pro Bono Committee, 2023
- IndyBar Pro Bono Committee, 2021
- IndyBar Law Practice Management Committee, 2021
- IndyBar Professionalism Committee, 2016
- IndyBar Professionalism Committee, 2015
- Indiana State Bar Association Professionalism Committee, 2015
- IndyBar Professionalism Committee, 2014
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- State v. J.P. - Not Guilty of Murder, Guilty of Lesser included offense, 2022
- B.H. v. State - Petition for Post-Conviction Relief Granted in part and new trial ordered. , 2025
- C.B. v. State of Indiana - Post-Conviction Relief Granted, 2025
- R.W. v. State - Appeal - Conviction Reversed, 2020
- Smith v. Smith - Appeal - Decree Overturned, 2020
- State v. M.E. - Not Guilty, 2019
- State v. H.P. - Not Guilty, 2019
- R. v. State - Appeal Remanded for New Sentencing Order, 2018
- State v. B. - Not Guilty, 2016
- State v. D.T. - Not Guilty, 2016
- State v. A.M. - Not Guilty, 2016
- State v. C. - Not Guilty, 2016
- State v. N. - Not Guilty, 2015
Pro bono / Community Service
- ABA Death Penalty Representation Project
- Kid's Voice
- IndyBar Ask a Lawyer and Legal Line
- Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
Educational Background
- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2010-2013
- Ball State University, 2007-2010
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Publication of criminal law forms and explanations for legal professionals. , Author, Indiana Criminal Law Templates, Lexis Nexis, Legal, 2023
- Publication of criminal law forms and explanations for legal professionals. , Author, Indiana Criminal Law Templates, Lexis Nexis, Legal, 2025
- Publication of legal templates and instructional materials for legal professionals, Author, Indiana Criminal Law Templates, Lexis Nexis, 2024
Honors
- Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2024
- Rising Stars, SuperLawyers, 2025
- Rising Stars, Super Lawers, 2023
- Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2022
- Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2021
- Top 10 DUI Defense, Attorney and Practice Magazine's, 2023
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2023
- Gold Level Pro Bono Recognition, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2013
- Excellence for the Future Aware, CALI, 2014
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Jonathan is good at working with even the most difficult clients. He is a kind, reasonable, and responsive opposing counsel. He is a persevering problems solver who will find a way to unwind the knottiest problems.”
“Jonathan has built his practice from the ground up, and has never been afraid to fight hard for his clients, no matter the situation or type of case.”
Office location for Jonathan Harwell
156 E Market St
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-344-9085
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2021 - 2026
