Criminal Attorney in Boone County, IN
Jeff Cardella

Criminal Attorney, Boone County, Indiana Jeff Cardella Serving Lebanon, Zionsville and Whitestown

If you are in need of a top rated criminal defense attorney in Lebanon, Boone 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 Boone 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 Lebanon, Zionsville or Whitestown, Indiana, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What types of criminal cases does Jeff Cardella focus on?

I provide criminal defense represenation on a wide range of criminal matters but 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 Boone County Criminal Attorney

In Boone County, the criminal justice process begins with an arrest, often followed by an initial hearing at the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon. Here, bond reviews are crucial, where a skilled criminal defense attorney can argue for reasonable bail conditions to secure your release while awaiting further proceedings.

The county’s courts, including the Circuit Court which handles more serious felony cases like drug possession or theft, and the Superior Courts dealing with misdemeanors such as OWI or battery, emphasize efficient case management. Plea agreements are common, allowing for negotiated resolutions that can minimize penalties, especially in cases involving marijuana possession or public intoxication.

Suppression hearings play a key role in Boone County, where evidence from traffic stops leading to DUI charges can be challenged. If your case proceeds to trial, depositions of witnesses from local areas like Zionsville or Whitestown may be necessary, and having an experienced defense lawyer familiar with the local judges and prosecutors can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Boone County’s approach to diversion programs for low-level offenses, such as disorderly conduct or minor drug charges, offers alternatives to traditional prosecution, potentially leading to case dismissals upon completion. Working with a criminal attorney who understands these local options can help navigate pretrial conferences and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

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 Boone 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

What should I expect when hiring a DUI attorney in Lebanon?

Hiring a DUI attorney in means getting dedicated support tailored to your case. I provide thorough case reviews and strategic defenses to challenge evidence effectively. My reasonable fees ensure you receive high-quality representation without unnecessary financial strain.

How can a theft lawyer in Boone County assist with my charges?

A theft lawyer in Boone County can help by negotiating reductions or diversions in local courts. I focus on building strong defenses based on the details of your situation . With my approachable fees, you can afford experienced guidance to aim for the best possible resolution.

Why choose a public intoxication criminal attorney in Zionsville?

I offer personalized strategies to mitigate fines and records impacts. My fees remain reasonable, making top-tier defense accessible for local residents.

What role does a battery defense attorney play in Boone County?

A defense attorney in Boone County works to challenge allegations through evidence and witness reviews specific to the area. I strive for outcomes like probation or dismissals in your case. Reasonable pricing allows you to secure committed representation without compromise.

How does a drug possession criminal lawyer help in Whitestown?

A drug lawyer in can leverage local diversion programs to avoid harsh penalties. I provide comprehensive support from initial hearings  to trial. With my fair fees, you gain access to effective advocacy tailored to your needs.

What are the benefits of an OWI attorney in Boone County?

I aim to reduce license suspensions and criminal penalties through litigation and skilled negotiations. My reasonable rates ensure quality defense is within reach for those facing charges.

How can a disorderly conduct criminal defense attorney assist in Lebanon?

I focus on achieving dismissals or minimal consequences through a thorough understanding of Indiana law. Affordable fees make it easier to obtain dedicated legal help promptly.

Why hire a marijuana possession lawyer in Boone County?

Hiring a drug lawyer allows for exploration of treatment alternatives available locally. I offer strategic defenses to protect your future opportunities. With reasonable pricing, you can benefit from experienced representation.

What support does a trespassing criminal attorney provide in Zionsville?

A criminal attorney provides defense against misunderstandings and challenges the State’s evidence. I work towards quick resolutions to avoid records. My fees are set reasonably to ensure accessible, high-caliber assistance.

How can a resisting arrest defense attorney help in Boone County?

A defense attorney in Boone County can challenge procedural errors in local arrests. I aim for reduced charges through detailed case analysis. Reasonable fees allow for strong advocacy in the courtroom.

What does a minor consumption criminal lawyer do in Whitestown?

A lawyer handles cases with sensitivity to Boone County’s youth-focused approaches. I seek diversions to keep records clean. With my fair pricing, quality defense is available without financial burden.

Why consult a vandalism attorney in Boone County?

Consulting an attorney in Boone County ensures that your legal dense aligns with local programs. I provide guidance to minimize impacts on your life. Reasonable fees make experienced help readily available.

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

Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana Courthouse

Boone County operates a structured court system including the Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases and civil matters, and two Superior Courts focusing on misdemeanors, small claims, and probate.

  • Boone County Circuit Court
    Address: 307 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, IN 46052
    Phone: 765-482-0530
  • Boone County Clerk’s Office
    Address: 212 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, IN 46052
    Phone: 765-482-3510
  • Boone County Jail
    Address: 1905 Indianapolis Ave., Lebanon, IN 46052
    Phone: 765-482-1412
  • Boone County Adult Probation
    Address: 127 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Lebanon, IN 46052
    Phone: 765-482-6505
  • Boone County Community Corrections (including Medication Assistance Program for opioid and alcohol addiction)
    Address: 127 W. Main Street, Suite 300, Lebanon, IN 46052
    Phone: 765-482-2484
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