Criminal Attorney in Shelby County, IN
Jeff Cardella

Criminal Attorney, Shelby County, Indiana Jeff Cardella Serving Shelbyville, Morristown and Fairland

If you are in need of a top rated criminal defense attorney in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana, call me at 317-695-7700 or email me for a free consultation.

I was selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association. I have been recognized as a Top Ten Attorney in the State of Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. I was also recognized as a Top 10 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. I taught criminal law at the IU McKinney School of Law and served as a Judge pro tem. I filed the Federal Class Action lawsuit of Washington v. Marion County Prosecutor, in which Indiana’s vehicle forfeiture statute was held to be unconstitutional, under the Due Process clause of the US Constitution. I also co-authored the amicus brief for the United States Supreme Court case of Timbs v. State of Indiana, in which the United States Supreme Court held that Indiana’s attempts at forfeiture were unconstitutional under the Excessive Fines clause of the US Constitution. I filed over a dozen successful lawsuits against the Indiana Department of Corrections, challenging solitary confinement procedures under the Due Process Clause of the US Constitution. I also filed several successful lawsuits against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for arrests that violated the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Additionally, I have represented a fellow criminal defense attorney, a Metro Police Officer, and two former Sheriff's deputies after they were arrested and accused of illegal activity. As members of the legal community, these individuals spend a great deal of time in Court and have first hand experience with many different criminal lawyers. These individuals, having familiarity with many different criminal attorneys, were aware of the high quality of legal representation that I provide and trusted me to serve as their Indiana criminal defense lawyer. You can find additional information about my career as an Indiana criminal defense attorney and cases that I have handled on my In the News page.
Top-Rated Criminal Lawyer in Shelby County, Indiana Jeff Cardella
I have handled thousands of cases and been lead counsel in hundreds of trials. As a criminal lawyer in Indiana, I have represented persons accused of a wide variety of crimes, ranging from murder to minor possession of alcohol. I have experience in all stages of criminal litigation, including jury trials, bench trials, suppression hearings, post-conviction relief proceedings, appellate law and oral argument, expungement and sealing of records under the Indiana Second Chance law, civil forfeiture, constitutional challenges under 42 USC 1983, hardship licenses and specialized driving permits, probation violations, and plea negotiations.

As an Indiana criminal defense attorney, I take a client-centered approach to each case. I treat each client the way I would want to be treated if I were in their shoes, interacting with and representing them directly. I realize that every one of my clients is a unique person with specific goals, and not merely a file. As an Indiana criminal lawyer, I believe it is my job to help you get through a case as painlessly as possible – without passing judgment. I am aware that as humans, even the best of us occasionally make mistakes. I believe that anyone in our legal system who is accused of wrongdoing deserves to have a criminal defense attorney fighting for their best interests in court and protecting their Constitutional rights. My legal representation is client-centered and focused on accessibility.

If you have questions about a legal matter in Shelbyville, Morristown or Fairland, Indiana, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What areas of criminal law does Jeff Cardella specialize in?

I provide criminal defense represenation on a wide range of criminal matters and I specialize in the following areas of law:

  • Alcohol offenses

I routinely handle alcohol offenses, such as DUI, chemical test refusals, underage drinking (minor in possession of alcohol), and public intoxication cases.

  • Drug cases

I represent individuals with drug related charges, including possession, manufacturing, trafficking, paraphernalia, dealing and visiting or maintaining a common nuisance.  We fight cases based on an inability of the state to prove actual or constructive possession and challenge illegally seized evidence through suppression.

  • Domestic violence

I defend individuals who are accused of domestic violence, such as domestic battery, invasion of privacy, strangulation, stalking, harassment, intimidation, no contact order violations and criminal confinement.

  • Property crimes

I represent people who have been accused of property crimes, such as theft, shoplifting, conversion, criminal mischief, burglary, robbery and arson. 

  • Allegations of violence

I defend individuals who have been accused of violent crimes, such as assault, battery, manslaughter, and homicide cases.

  • Sex crimes

I handle sex crime cases, including public nudity, public indecency, prostitution, sexual battery, rape, child molestation, exploitation, and sex-offender registry offenses.

  • White collar crimes

I defend individuals who have been accused of white collar criminal activity such as forgery, fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, identity theft and tax crimes.

  • Breach of the peace crimes

I represent people who have been accused of breach of the peace crimes, including disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, trespassing and neglect of a dependent.

  • Gun charges and weapons offenses

I defend individuals who have been accused of gun and weapon related offenses (which can range from low level misdemeanors to high level felonies) such as unlawful carrying, possession by a felon, pointing a firearm and criminal recklessness. My office also helps individuals who are seeking to restore their Second Amendment right to possess a firearm.

  • Driving offenses

I also represent individuals facing criminal charges related to driving, such as habitual traffic violator (HTV), driving while suspended, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving.

  • Expungement for misdemeanor and felony cases

I handle expungement cases in every county in the State of Indiana, ranging from low level simple misdemeanor expungements to complex multi-county major felony expungements and requests for permission to file early expungement.

  • Federal criminal charges and investigations

Federal criminal charges carry much harsher penalties than cases in State Court. I represent individuals in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the Southern and Northern District of Indiana who have Federal criminal cases or active Federal investigations.

Navigating the Criminal Justice System and Courts with a Shelby County Criminal Attorney

Dealing with criminal accusations in Shelby County, Indiana, can feel stressful and confusing, yet working with an experienced local criminal defense lawyer often helps you navigate the system more effectively and protect your rights at every stage.
Proceedings usually start with an initial hearing held promptly at the Shelby County Courthouse in Shelbyville, where the court reviews bond and sets release terms—often the very next business day for those in custody. For matters like OWI, drug-related offenses, or traffic stops in rural areas or along major routes, motions to suppress evidence can play a key role and are typically addressed early in the process within the county’s Superior Courts.
Negotiated resolutions remain frequent in Shelby County. Prosecutors and defense counsel routinely collaborate on plea deals that resolve cases without proceeding to trial, saving time and reducing uncertainty for everyone involved. When charges involve property crimes or assault allegations, witness statements and depositions provide valuable chances to challenge the state’s case and shape a customized approach based on local procedures.
Shelby County supports alternatives to traditional jail time through its Court Services programs, including pretrial supervision, home detention with electronic monitoring, and other community-based options. A knowledgeable attorney can effectively advocate for these during sentencing to minimize disruption to your life and family while still meeting court expectations.
Jury trials, when needed, take place in the historic Shelby County Courthouse at 407 S. Harrison Street in Shelbyville. Local residents from communities across the county form the jury pools, bringing a practical understanding of the area to the proceedings and promoting balanced outcomes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge for criminal defense representation in Indiana?

For the majority of cases, I charge a flat fee. This fee varies from case to case and can be affected by many factors, such as the level of the charges, the likelihood of a trial or litigation, the amount of trial preparation that is anticipated, and the actual county. My fees are very reasonable (compared to other top criminal attorneys in the State of Indiana).

Does your office accept Payment Plans?

We offer flexible payment plans for many legal matters. Click the following link to learn more about affordable criminal defense representation in Shelby County, Indiana. We also accept “Buy Now Pay Later” through Affirm. (Using “Buy Now Pay Later” is similar to using a credit card in that the repayment plan would be between you and Affirm.) In order to learn more about the “Buy Now Pay Later” option, click this option on the payment page of my website:
Criminal Defense Attorney with Payment Plans, Buy Now Pay Later, and Affordable Legal Representation

How can an OWI attorney in Shelbyville help if I’m charged with operating while intoxicated?

An experienced OWI attorney in can thoroughly review your case, challenge field sobriety tests, and work towards minimizing penalties. I focus on building a strong defense tailored to State legal requirements, potentially leading to reduced charges or dismissal. 

What should I look for in a drug possession lawyer in Shelby County?

A top drug possession lawyer, such as Jeff Cardella, brings extensive knowledge of Indiana laws and Constitutional rights to fight your charges effectively. I can explore options like diversion programs available in and negotiate with prosecutors for better outcomes. With affordable rates and personalized attention, I strive to protect your rights and future.

Why hire a theft criminal defense attorney in Morristown?

Hiring a theft attorney ensures you have expert guidance through the legal process . Jeff Cardella can investigate the circumstances of your arrest, gather evidence, and aim for reductions or acquittals. His approach emphasizes reasonable fees and strong advocacy for clients facing theft allegations.

How does a battery lawyer assist with charges in Shelby County?

A dedicated lawyer can analyze the incident details, interview witnesses, and develop a defense strategy suited to the facts of your case. As your attorney, Jeff Cardella works diligently to achieve favorable resolutions. He offers competitive pricing and flexible payments to make quality representation accessible.

What is the benefit of a public intoxication criminal attorney in Fairland?

A criminal attorney provides crucial support by challenging the evidence against you and navigating court proceedings. Jeff Cardella’s experience allows for effective representation, potentially resulting in dismissed charges. With reasonable fees, he ensures his clients receive top-notch defense without financial strain.

Can a marijuana possession defense attorney reduce penalties in Shelbyville?

Yes, a drug attorney can pursue strategies to lessen penalties, including arguing for diversion or suppression of evidence. Jeff Cardella is committed to exploring all avenues for his clients. His services come with affordable options to help you through this challenging time.

Why choose a disorderly conduct criminal lawyer in Fairland?

Jeff Cardella can help mitigate consequences and protect your record with strategic defense. He provides high-quality service at reasonable costs.

How can a trespass criminal defense attorney help in Morristown?

A criminal defense attorney can defend your rights by questioning the validity of the charges and seeking resolutions that avoid harsh punishments. As your lawyer, Jeff Cardella leverages his knowledge of Shelby County procedures for optimal results. His fees are designed to be accessible, with payment plans available.

What should I expect from a resisting law enforcement attorney in Morristown?

You should expect thorough case evaluation and aggressive representation in Shelby County courts. Jeff Cardella aims to challenge police accounts and secure fair outcomes for his clients. 

Is a minor consumption lawyer worthwhile for alcohol charges in Fairland?

A lawyer in Shelby County is invaluable for navigating charges that could impact your future, offering defenses based on state laws. Jeff Cardella provides expert guidance to potentially expunge records. His reasonable fees ensure quality defense is within reach.

Additional Resources for the Courts and Criminal Justice System in Shelby County, Indiana

Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana Courthouse

The courts in Shelby County, Indiana, include the Circuit Court and two Superior Courts, all housed in the historic courthouse in Shelbyville, handling a range of criminal matters from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Shelby County Courthouse
    Address: 407 S. Harrison St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6320
  • Shelby County Circuit Court
    Address: 407 S. Harrison St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6360
  • Shelby County Superior Court 1
    Address: 407 S. Harrison St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6350
  • Shelby County Superior Court 2
    Address: 407 S. Harrison St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6340
  • Shelby County Clerk
    Address: 407 S. Harrison St., Rm. 111, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6320
  • Shelby County Jail
    Address: 107 West Taylor Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6345
  • Shelby County Probation Department
    Address: 20 W. Polk St, Suite 100, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6492
  • Shelby County Community Corrections
    Address: 10 W. Polk St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Phone: (317) 392-6492

Contact Shelby County, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Cardella for a Free Consultation

If you have questions about a criminal case in Shelbyville, Morristown or Fairland, Indiana, call my office for a free consultation to discuss your legal matter.

Phone: 317-695-7700

Email: jeffcardella@cardellalawoffice.com

Address: 350 Massachusetts Ave #357, Indianapolis, IN 46204

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