What’s the timeline in my county? A practical Indiana court roadmap

Every county has its own calendar congestion and local practices. But Indiana does have statewide structure that helps you understand what’s coming next.

Step 1: Initial hearing (your first court appearance)

Your initial hearing is typically where:

You’re informed of the charge(s);

The court enters a preliminary not-guilty plea unless you enter something else;

Bond and conditions are addressed;

Deadlines are explained, including deadlines related to retaining counsel.

Indiana law specifically requires the judge to advise you that if you intend to retain counsel, you must do so within 20 days for felonies or 10 days for misdemeanors, because missing deadlines can waive defenses.

Step 2: Pretrial conference (often the first “working meeting” on the case)

A pretrial conference is commonly where your attorney and the prosecutor:

Discuss discovery and evidence status;

Evaluate possible resolutions (including diversion, when available);

Decide whether more pretrial dates are needed.

Step 3: The “omnibus date” (and why it matters)

Indiana uses an omnibus date as a scheduling anchor.

Felony cases: The omnibus date must be set at the initial hearing and generally must fall 45 to 75 days after the completion of the initial hearing (unless the parties agree otherwise).

Misdemeanor-only cases: The omnibus date must be set at the completion of the initial hearing and must be 30 to 65 days after the initial hearing (unless agreed earlier), and it is the trial date.

Step 4: Discovery exchange and motion practice

Discovery is the evidence exchange phase. Indiana’s criminal discovery rule sets timelines for State disclosure and defense disclosure.

This is also where legal motions may happen (for example, motions to suppress evidence, exclude statements, or address procedural problems). Some cases are won, or dramatically improved, here.

Step 5: Trial (or negotiated resolution)

If a case does not resolve through dismissal, diversion/deferral, or a negotiated agreement, it proceeds toward: Bench trial (judge decides) or Jury trial (jury decides).

The timing depends heavily on the county’s calendar, the type of case, and whether motions must be heard first.

If you have questions about your case, call Brinkley Law today at 317-766-1379.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless a case is accepted and a fee agreement is signed.