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 client’s 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.

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The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Vanderburgh County, Indiana, with its county seat in Evansville, is a vibrant community of approximately 180,000 residents, making it one of the state’s most populous counties. Located in southwestern Indiana along the Ohio River, Evansville, a city of about 117,000, serves as a regional economic and cultural hub. The county boasts a diverse economy rooted in manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with major employers like Deaconess Health System, Toyota’s manufacturing plant, and the University of Southern Indiana. Evansville is known for its rich cultural scene, featuring the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, the Victory Theatre, home to the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, and the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, one of the largest street festivals in the nation. The county’s historic Old Courthouse, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a 4,500-pound bell and 7.5-foot clock faces, contrasts with the modern Civic Center Complex, where most county government functions, including the courts, are housed. The criminal justice system in Vanderburgh County, encompassing the courts, prosecutor’s office, jail, probation office, and community corrections, operates with a distinct character shaped by the county’s urban environment, economic diversity, and commitment to innovative rehabilitation. This exploration delves into these components, highlighting their roles and specific attributes in Evansville, optimized for search engine visibility using terms like defense attorney, criminal attorney, criminal lawyer, criminal defense attorney, and criminal defense lawyer.

The Vanderburgh County court system is a robust framework designed to handle a high volume of criminal cases, reflecting the county’s significant population and urban dynamics. The county operates one Circuit Court and seven Superior Courts, all located in the Civic Center Complex at 1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in downtown Evansville, a modern facility seven blocks north of the Ohio River. The Circuit Court, presided over by an elected judge, handles felony cases, grand jury proceedings, and some civil matters, serving as the primary venue for serious criminal proceedings. It also manages the County Law Library and the Adult Felony Probation Department. The Superior Courts handle a diverse range of cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile delinquencies, and protective orders. Superior Court 1 focuses on felony and civil cases, while Superior Court 2 specializes in domestic relations and mental health commitments. Superior Courts 3 through 7 manage a mix of misdemeanor and felony cases, with specific courts overseeing specialized programs like the Vanderburgh County Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Juvenile CHINS Drug Court, which address substance abuse and mental health issues prevalent in Evansville’s urban setting. The county’s high caseload, driven by its role as a regional hub and issues like drug offenses and OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), requires efficient case management. A criminal defense attorney in Evansville must navigate this complex court system, adapting to the specific procedures of each courtroom, from felony trials in the Circuit Court to misdemeanor hearings in the Superior Courts.

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, located in Room 108 of the Civic Center Complex, is a pivotal component of the criminal justice system, representing the State of Indiana in all felony and misdemeanor prosecutions. Led by an elected prosecuting attorney and supported by a team of deputy prosecutors and investigators, the office handles a substantial caseload, focusing on drug offenses, violent crimes, and traffic-related violations like OWI, reflecting Evansville’s challenges as a transportation and economic hub along U.S. Highway 41 and I-69. The office conducts criminal investigations, supervises grand jury proceedings, and enforces child support orders, a critical service in a county with a diverse socioeconomic population. Its Victim Assistance Program provides support to those affected by crime, emphasizing a community-oriented approach. The Drug and Alcohol Deferral Service (DADS), a pioneering program in Indiana since the late 1970s, allows first-time OWI offenders to have charges dismissed upon successful completion, a unique feature that highlights Vanderburgh County’s emphasis on rehabilitation. Plea agreements are common due to the high caseload, allowing the office to maintain efficiency. A criminal lawyer in Evansville frequently engages with this office, negotiating on behalf of clients facing charges such as theft, DUI, or drug possession, in a system that balances accountability with fairness while respecting constitutional rights.

The Vanderburgh County Jail, located at 3500 North Harlan Avenue in Evansville, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. Managed by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, the jail has a capacity of approximately 512 inmates, reflecting the county’s significant law enforcement needs. The facility handles detainees charged with a range of offenses, from minor traffic violations to felonies, with a particular focus on local issues like drug-related crimes and OWI, prevalent due to Evansville’s urban environment and major roadways. The jail offers rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse counseling and educational courses, tailored to address the county’s challenges with opioid use and alcohol-related offenses. Overcrowding is a persistent concern, prompting reliance on community corrections to manage capacity. The Sheriff’s Department maintains an online inmate lookup system, enhancing transparency for the public, a feature that distinguishes Vanderburgh County’s approach to community engagement. A criminal defense lawyer in Evansville often interacts with the jail to arrange bail or client visits, navigating its procedures in a facility that balances security with community-oriented sheriff services, employing local residents familiar with the county’s urban and suburban neighborhoods.

The Vanderburgh County Adult Probation Department, located in Room 127 of the Civic Center Complex, oversees individuals placed on probation as an alternative to incarceration or following a sentence. Staffed by certified probation officers with college degrees, the department serves all county courts, managing a diverse caseload that includes adults sentenced directly to probation, those on split sentences from correctional facilities, and offenders transferred from other jurisdictions. The department focuses on reducing recidivism through conditions like drug testing, community service, and regular check-ins, tailored to individual needs. In Evansville, probation officers collaborate with local organizations, such as the Evansville Rescue Mission, to provide addiction treatment and job training, reflecting the county’s emphasis on rehabilitation. The department also manages the Alcohol Abuse Probation Services and Drug Abuse Probation Services, which work closely with the Circuit Court’s treatment programs. The Community Transition Program (CTP) supports offenders granted early release from the Department of Corrections, a unique initiative in Vanderburgh County. Probationers may participate in community initiatives, like volunteering at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival or maintaining facilities at Mesker Park Zoo, to promote reintegration. A defense attorney in Evansville works closely with the probation department to ensure clients comply with conditions or address violations, navigating a system that balances rehabilitation with accountability in a community with significant resources.

Vanderburgh County Community Corrections, based in Evansville, provides innovative alternatives to traditional incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing jail overcrowding. The program offers options like work release, home detention, and electronic monitoring, allowing offenders to maintain employment or family responsibilities while serving their sentences. In Vanderburgh County, the program partners with local employers, such as healthcare providers like Deaconess or manufacturers in the Evansville Industrial Park, to facilitate work release, reflecting the county’s robust economy. The Community Corrections Advisory Board, which also serves as the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, ensures the program aligns with local needs, particularly addressing the high rate of drug-related offenses and OWI. Participants might engage in community service projects, such as supporting events at the Victory Theatre or maintaining trails at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. A criminal attorney representing clients in this program must understand its specific requirements, such as GPS monitoring protocols, to ensure compliance. The program’s focus on reintegration, leveraging Vanderburgh County’s economic and community resources, distinguishes its approach from more punitive systems in less urban counties.

Vanderburgh County’s criminal justice system is shaped by its unique position as a major urban center in southwestern Indiana, with Evansville serving as a central hub for legal proceedings. The Civic Center Complex houses the Circuit and Superior Courts, prosecutor’s office, and probation department, fostering collaboration but straining resources due to the county’s high caseload. The county’s challenges with drug trafficking and OWI, driven by its role as a transportation hub and urban environment, influence the priorities of each component, from the prosecutor’s focus on drug offenses to the jail’s rehabilitation efforts. The DADS program, Treatment Courts, and Community Transition Program reflect Vanderburgh County’s commitment to innovative solutions, addressing issues like substance abuse and recidivism. A criminal defense lawyer in Evansville must navigate this interconnected system, understanding its urban dynamics and resource advantages to effectively represent clients. The county’s cultural landmarks, like the Old Courthouse, and its economic vibrancy shape a justice system that balances accountability with opportunities for reform.

The interplay of these components—courts, prosecutors, jail, probation, and community corrections—creates a criminal justice system that reflects Vanderburgh County’s distinct identity. The Circuit and Superior Courts provide a structured legal process, handling cases with a community-focused approach, while the prosecutor’s office drives case progression, often favoring plea deals to manage resources. The jail serves as a temporary holding facility, with efforts to address overcrowding through community corrections, which promotes reintegration through local employment opportunities. The probation department bridges punishment and rehabilitation, leveraging Evansville’s resources to address issues like addiction. Together, these elements balance justice and community welfare in a county known for its urban vitality and cultural richness. For individuals facing charges in Evansville, a criminal lawyer familiar with Vanderburgh County’s system is essential for navigating its unique challenges, from the modern Civic Center Complex to the innovative community corrections program.

Call 317-695-7700 for a Free Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Case in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Call 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana defense attorney if you have questions about a criminal matter in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.  I have practiced criminal defense my entire career, have taught criminal law at the IU School of Law, and have personally handled thousands of cases. I provide reasonably priced criminal defense representation (compared to other top criminal attorneys in the State) and practice in the entire State of Indiana. I look forward to hearing from you.

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney for Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

There are 3 levels of misdemeanor cases in Indiana which are A misdemeanor, B misdemeanor, and C misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is the most serious while C misdemeanor is the least serious. A misdemeanor cases carry a minimum sentence of zero days and a maximum sentence of 365 days. B misdemeanor cases carry a minimum sentence of zero days and a maximum sentence of 180 days. C misdemeanor cases carry a minimum sentence of zero days and a maximum sentence of 60 days. Misdemeanor cases carry lesser penalties than felony cases, but the conviction itself can still make it more difficult to obtain employment, so it is important not to brush off a misdemeanor criminal charge.

Level 6 Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

A level 6 felony carries a potential penalty range of ½ a year to 2.5 years with 1 year being the presumptive sentence. While a level 6 felony is a low level felony, being a convicted felon can carry serious penalties beyond the sentence, including the loss of legal rights such as the right to possess a firearm. Being a convicted felon can also ake it more difficult to obtain employment. Some (but not all) level 6 felony cases are eligible for alternate misdemeanor sentencing, which is often called AMS for short. AMS allows what would otherwise be a low level felony to be converted to a misdemeanor. AMS is most often addressed at the time of sentencing. However, if AMS is not brought up at the time of sentencing, AMS can still be requested at a later point in time. AMS generally can be ordered (1) at the front – meaning that on the day of sentencing, the conviction will go on the defendant’s record as a misdemeanor, or (2) at the back – meaning that the conviction will begin as a felony but can change if the defendant successfully completes the sentence. It is important to remember that when AMS is ordered at the back, if there are violations of probation, it is likely that the conviction will stay a felony.

Major Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Felony cases that are level 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are considered major felony cases. Murder cases are the most serious major felony charge. A level 5 felony carries a potential penalty range of 1 year to 6 years with 3 years being the presumptive sentence. A level 4 carries a potential penalty range of 2 years to 12 years with 6 years being the presumptive sentence. A level 3 felony carries a potential penalty range of 3 years to 16 years with 9 years being the presumptive sentence. A level 2 felony carries a potential penalty range of 10 years to 30 years with 17.5 years being the presumptive sentence. A level 1 felony carries a potential penalty range of 20 years to 40 years with 30 years being the presumptive sentence. A murder case carries a potential penalty range of 45 years to 65 years with 55 years being the presumptive sentence.

Navigating the Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, the process generally starts with a summons or arrest and can end with charges being dropped or a conviction through a guilty plea or trial. Without a good defense attorney, the process can be confusing and stressful and put your liberty at jeopardy.  In Indiana, misdemeanors can carry up to a year of incarceration and felonies can result in prison time for longer periods of time.  Even a short period of incarceration can cause an individual major life problems, such as loss of employment.

Convictions also have long-lasting effects, like court-mandated supervision, fines, drug treatment programs, community service, and more. Plus, the stigma of a conviction makes it more difficult to tough to find a job, get an education, access public benefits, or find housing.

When facing charges in Indiana, your first move should be to call a good and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Jeff Cardella has helped thousands of clients dealing with felonies and misdemeanors in Indiana. Jeff Cardella provides solid legal representation and is committed to defending your rights.

Cases generally begin with an investigation. Someone makes a complaint with the police or an individual might be arrested at the scene.  When an on scene arrest does not occur, law enforcement might ask a judge for a warrant based on probable cause. If police think you committed a crime, they can seek a Judicial arrest warrant. If they suspect you have contraband or evidence in your place or vehicle, they can request  a search warrant, which might lead to your arrest.

If an arrest occurs, the individual is taken to the jail or will receive a summons telling them when to appear in court for the initial hearing. During processing, law enforcement will obtain fingerprints and take the defendants picture.  If incarcerated, the defendant will generally have a bond review hearing to determine how much bond must be posted in order to be released. The defendant might merely be ordered to re-appear in Court or might be supervised by Pretrial Services (which could mean drug tests, reporting in person or by phone, GPS ankle monitoring, and/or no contact orders).

At the initial hearing, charges will be read and a plea of not guilty is entered on the defendant’s behalf.

As the case progresses, there will be hearings before the Judge.  If there is a failure to appear, a warrant is likely to be issued, which can result in being incarcerated until trial.  The prosecutor might make plea or diversion offers at any status hearing. Deferred Prosecution is an agreement where the prosecutor agrees to dismiss your case if you do certain things (pay money, community service, classes, etc).  A plea offer is a deal negotiated between the prosecutor and you that might result in dismissal of some charges or a lighter sentence.

Any motions to suppress evidence based on Constitutional violations will likely be heard at these hearings.

If there is no diversion, dismissal, or plea, then the case will generally proceed to trial. 

Before trial, your defense attorney plans a defense strategy. The trial starts with opening statements from the prosecutor and your defense attorney. The prosecutor presents their case, calling witnesses and questioning them. Your attorney is allowed to cross-examine each witness.  After the state rests, the Defense Attorney will often move for Judgement on the Evidence, arguing that the case should be dismissed for lack of evidence.  The defense then has the opportunity to present evidence (although a defendant has a right to remain silent).   

After each side makes closing arguments, the Jury will decide if you are guilty or not guilty.  If convicted, the judge decides your sentence, considering things like the severity of the crime and your criminal history.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Indiana

Federal cases generally carry far harsher penalties as compared with State cases. It is not rare that a charge that would result in probation in State Court could result in over a decade of prison in Federal Court. If you are being charge with a Federal case it is important to take the case very seriously as many federal cases result in significant prison time. It is also important to be mindful that Federal cases are far more time consuming for the attorney and legal representation can be very expensive. For more information about representation in Federal Court, click here.

Miscellaneous Information

For questions about specific areas of Indiana criminal law, click here.   Additional information about my office is available on the home page and the in the news page.

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.  I am of the opinion that my fees are very reasonable, compared to other top criminal attorneys in the State of Indiana.  However, for people who are looking for bargain basement pricing or low end discount legal services, there might be better options.  There are many alternative lawyers for those who are looking for attorneys at the lower end of the price spectrum.  If you realistically know that you are looking for options at the lower end of the price spectrum, it may be a good idea to contact attorneys that have internet advertisements, as an attorney who is willing to pay to provide a free consultation is generally in need of business and might offer lower fees.

• Does your office accept Payment Plans?

We accept flexible payment plans for many legal matters.  Our office allows for “Buy Now Pay Later” through Affirm.  If you use the “Buy Now Pay Later” option, it is important to remember that qualification for a loan goes through Affirm and our office has no ability to approve eligibility.  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:

• Where do you practice?

I handle cases throughout all of Indiana, including the Federal District Courts, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.