Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Cardella, Serving Greenfield, Fortville & New Palestine, Indiana

If you are in need of a top tier criminal defense attorney in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, call me at 317-695-7700 or email me for a free consultation. I have been a criminal attorney in Indiana for my entire legal career, have almost two decades of experience and taught criminal law at the IU School of Law.
My office has been recognized as one of the Ten Best Law Firms in the State of Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, I was selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association, my office has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Law Firms in the State of Indiana by the American Association of Attorney Advocates, and I have been recognized as one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State under the age of forty by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. I taught criminal law at the Indiana University School of Law and served as a Judge pro tem in Indiana. 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.
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. My office routinely handles a variety of case types. Some of the most common case types that I handle are DUI, drug possession, dealing, white collar offenses, federal drug trafficking charges, possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication, theft, battery, possession of marijuana, domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, trespass, possession of methamphetamine, dealing in methamphetamine, driving while suspended, burglary, robbery, fraud, forgery, invasion of privacy, intimidation, pointing a firearm, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, possession of paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance, neglect of a dependent, dealing in a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, murder, homicide, sex and prostitution offenses, operating a vehicle after being adjudged a habitual traffic offender, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal recklessness, stalking, arson, auto theft, check deception, and welfare fraud.

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.
If you have questions about a legal matter in Hancock County, Greenfield, Cumberland, Fortville, Maxwell, McCordsville, New Palestine, Shirley, Spring Lake or Wilkinson, please do not hesitate to contact me. For additional information, please click on any of the following links:

The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana

Courts: Hancock County Circuit Court and Superior Courts, located at 9 East Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140, handle criminal cases from misdemeanors to major felonies. Circuit Court focuses on serious felonies like drug trafficking. Superior Courts address misdemeanors and juvenile cases, including a Drug Court program.

• Phone: 317-477-1107

Prosecution and Law Enforcement: Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office, at 9 East Main Street, prosecutes criminal cases. Collaborates with Greenfield Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.

• Phone: 31-477-4410
• Hancock County Sheriff’s Department 317-477-1147

Jail: Hancock County Jail, at 398 Malcolm Grass Way, houses inmates and offers rehabilitation programs.

• Phone: 317-477-1158

Probation and Corrections: Probation Department oversees offenders and supports reintegration. Community Corrections, at 801 North State Street, provides alternatives like home detention.
Court Administration: Hancock County Clerk’s Office, at 9 East Main Street, Room 213, manages court records.

• Phone: 317-477-1109

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

Call 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana defense attorney if you have questions about a criminal matter in Greenfield, Hancock 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 and practice throughout Indiana. I look forward to hearing from you.

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney for Greenfield, Hancock 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 Greenfield, Hancock 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 make 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 Greenfield, Hancock 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 Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Greenfield, Hancock 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 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 charged 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

Do I need a criminal defense attorney in Hancock County?

Navigating the legal system without a lawyer can be challenging. An attorney can help you understand the complexities of local judicial processes and protect your Constitutional rights. Law Office of Jeff Cardella offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide legal guidance.

What types of cases does the Law Office of Jeff Cardella handle in Indiana?

Our office handles a wide variety of criminal cases in the state of Indiana, ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies. Our practice areas include, but are not limited to, DUI, drug possession, theft, battery, and domestic violence.

What is expungement and can it help with my criminal record in Indiana?

Expungement is a legal process that can clean your criminal record. Law Office of Jeff Cardella handles expungement cases and has been very successful in getting records expunged quickly and efficiently for clients.

How can a criminal defense attorney help with DUI charges in Hancock County?

A criminal defense attorney can review the details of your DUI case, challenge evidence such as breathalyzer results, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties. Jeff Cardella has extensive experience handling DUI cases in Hancock County, ensuring your rights are protected.

What should I do if arrested for a crime in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana?

If arrested in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, remain silent, request an attorney, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Jeff Cardella provides 24/7 services and free consultations for criminal defense in Greenfield.

How does the criminal justice process work in Hancock County, Indiana?

In Hancock County, Indiana, the process typically starts with arrest or summons, followed by initial hearing, pretrial hearings, and possibly trial. A criminal defense attorney can guide you through each step in the Hancock County courts.

What are common criminal charges handled by attorneys in Fortville, Hancock County?

Common charges in Fortville, Hancock County include DUI, drug possession, theft, and domestic battery. Jeff Cardella handles these and other criminal defense cases in Fortville and surrounding areas.

Can a criminal defense attorney assist with expungement in New Palestine, Indiana?

Yes, expungement services are available in New Palestine, Indiana. Contact Jeff Cardella for help sealing or expunging criminal records under Indiana’s Second Chance Law in Hancock County.

What are the penalties for drug possession in Hancock County, Indiana?

Penalties for drug possession in Hancock County, Indiana vary by substance and amount, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. A criminal defense attorney can explain specifics and defend against such charges in Greenfield courts.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Greenfield, Indiana?

Costs for a criminal defense attorney in Greenfield, Indiana vary based on case complexity. Jeff Cardella offers flat fees for many cases and free consultations to discuss pricing for Hancock County criminal matters.

Do you offer payment plans for criminal defense services in Hancock County?

Yes, flexible payment plans are available for criminal defense services in Hancock County. Contact the Law Office of Jeff Cardella to learn about options including Buy Now Pay Later through Affirm for Indiana clients.

Where does Jeff Cardella practice criminal defense in Indiana?

Jeff Cardella practices criminal defense throughout Indiana, including Hancock County areas like Greenfield, Fortville, and New Palestine, as well as federal courts.

Contact My Office for a Free Consultation

Call me for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Phone: 317-695-7700

Email: jeffcardella@cardellalawoffice.com

DISCLAIMER – The information contained on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice or as an offer to perform legal services on any subject matter. The content of this web site contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments or information. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or current. We make no warranty, expressed or implied, about the accuracy or reliability of the information at this website or at any other website to which it is linked. Recipients of content from this site should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in the site without seeking appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an Indiana Criminal Defense attorney or attorney licensed in the recipient’s state. Nothing herein is intended to create an attorney-client relationship and shall not be construed as legal advice. This is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.