Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Indiana

Indiana Criminal Lawyer Jeff Cardella

317-695-7700

Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Cardella

If you are facing criminal charges anywhere in Indiana, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the courts and the law. I am Jeff Cardella, and I have practiced criminal defense in Indiana for my entire legal career—almost two decades. I taught criminal law at the Indiana University School of Law and have served as a Judge Pro Tem in Indiana courts.

Professional Recognition and Notable Cases

I have been selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers. I have been recognized as a Top Ten Attorney in the State of Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys and as a Top 10 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Some of the significant cases I have handled include the following:

  • I filed the federal class-action lawsuit Washington v. Marion County Prosecutor, in which Indiana’s vehicle forfeiture statute was held unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution.
  • I co-authored the amicus brief for the United States Supreme Court case Timbs v. State of Indiana, in which the Supreme Court held that Indiana’s forfeiture practices violated the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment.
  • I successfully handled more than a dozen federal lawsuits against the Indiana Department of Correction that challenged solitary confinement procedures under the Due Process Clause.
  • I obtained favorable outcomes in several lawsuits against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for arrests that violated the First Amendment.

I have also represented fellow criminal defense attorneys, a Metropolitan Police officer, and former sheriff’s deputies when they faced charges. These individuals, who know many criminal lawyers personally, chose me because they trusted the quality of my representation.

Areas of Law

I have handled thousands of cases and served as lead counsel in hundreds of trials. My experience covers every stage of criminal litigation, including jury trials, bench trials, suppression hearings, probation violations, post-conviction relief, appeals and oral argument before appellate courts, expungement and record sealing under Indiana’s Second Chance Law, civil forfeiture defense, constitutional claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, hardship licenses and specialized driving privileges, and plea negotiations.

My office routinely represents clients charged with DUI/OWI, drug possession and dealing (including methamphetamine and cocaine), federal drug trafficking, domestic battery, theft, burglary, robbery, fraud, forgery, white-collar offenses, gun charges, sex offenses, murder, public intoxication, resisting law enforcement, invasion of privacy, operating while suspended or as a habitual traffic violator, and virtually every other misdemeanor and felony offense in Indiana.

My Approach to Representation

I take a client-centered approach to every case. I treat each client the way I would want to be treated if I were in their position and handle their case personally. I understand that every client is a unique person with individual goals, not just another file. My job is to guide you through the process as painlessly as possible, without judgment, and to fight aggressively to protect your constitutional rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Free Consultation • Reasonable Fees • Statewide Service

I offer a free, confidential consultation and reasonably priced representation. You will always know the cost upfront, and I am happy to work out payment arrangements when needed.

Call 317-695-7700 or email me to discuss your case today.

I accept criminal defense and expungement cases in every county throughout the State of Indiana.

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