Criminal Attorney in Hamilton County, IN
Jeff Cardella

If you are in need of a top rated criminal defense attorney in Noblesville, Hamilton 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.

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.

I was also rated one of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Carmel, Indiana and one of the Best DUI Lawyers in Fishers, Indiana. If you have questions about a legal matter in Noblesville, Carmel or Fishers, Indiana, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What types of criminal cases does Criminal Attorney 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 Hamilton County Criminal Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Hamilton County, Indiana, can be overwhelming, but having a dedicated criminal attorney by your side can make all the difference in understanding and maneuvering through the local court system.

The process often begins with an initial appearance in one of the Hamilton County Superior Courts, where bond reviews are conducted promptly to determine release conditions.

For cases involving OWI or drug possession, suppression hearings may be crucial, especially if evidence was gathered during traffic stops in areas like Carmel or Fishers, and these are typically held in the Judicial Center in Noblesville.

Plea agreements are common in Hamilton County, where prosecutors work closely with defense attorneys to resolve matters efficiently, avoiding the need for a full trial unless necessary.

If your case involves theft or battery charges, depositions of witnesses might be scheduled, providing an opportunity to build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specifics of Hamilton County’s judicial practices.

Hamilton County also offers specialized programs through community corrections, such as work release or electronic monitoring, which a skilled criminal lawyer can advocate for during sentencing hearings to potentially reduce incarceration time.

Trials in Hamilton County are held in the historic courthouse or modern facilities, with juries selected from local residents familiar with communities like Noblesville, ensuring a fair but community-oriented 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 Hamilton 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:

What should I know about hiring an OWI attorney in Noblesville?

Jeff Cardella provides experienced guidance for OWI cases in Noblesville, helping clients understand the local procedures and potential defenses. With reasonable fees and a commitment to personalized service, he works diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes in the Hamilton County courts. His approach includes reviewing evidence and video, ensuring you receive top-rated representation without breaking the bank.

How can a drug possession criminal lawyer in Hamilton County assist me?

As a skilled criminal lawyer, Jeff Cardella can help challenge drug possession charges by exploring options like suppression of evidence or diversion programs. His reasonable fees make quality defense accessible. He focuses on building a strong defense tailored to the specifics of your case.

What defenses does a battery defense attorney in Carmel offer?

Jeff Cardella offers strategies like self-defense claims for battery charges, ensuring thorough preparation for court proceedings. With flexible payment options and reasonable rates, he provides effective representation to protect your rights. His experience helps navigate the local justice system with confidence.

Why choose a theft criminal attorney in Fishers?

Selecting Jeff Cardella as your theft criminal attorney means getting personalized attention to mitigate penalties in Hamilton County. His reasonable fees and positive approach help clients avoid severe consequences through skilled negotiation. He understands the nuances of theft cases and works hard to get you a positive result.

How does a public intoxication lawyer in Hamilton County handle cases?

Jeff Cardella handles public intoxication cases with a focus on reducing penalties or seeking dismissals where possible. Offering reasonable fees, he provides top-rated service. His strategies are designed to minimize the impact on your record.

What can a disorderly conduct criminal defense attorney in Noblesville do for me?

As a criminal defense attorney, Jeff Cardella can advocate for you in disorderly conduct matters in, exploring dismissal options or trial defenses. With affordable rates, he ensures you receive dedicated support throughout the process. He aims to resolve cases favorably in the local courts.

How to find a trespass attorney in Carmel?

Jeff Cardella is a reliable trespass attorney serving Carmel, helping clients challenge accusations with effective strategies. His reasonable fees and flexible plans make high-quality defense attainable. He focuses on protecting your interests.

What does a possession of paraphernalia criminal lawyer in Fishers recommend?

Jeff Cardella recommends early intervention for possession of paraphernalia cases, using his expertise to pursue reductions or dismissal. He offers committed representation to help you move forward. His knowledge of local laws benefits clients significantly.

Why hire a resisting law enforcement defense attorney in Hamilton County?

Hiring Jeff Cardella as your resisting law enforcement defense attorney ensures thorough defense against misdemeanor charges. His reasonable rates and positive track record provide value. He works to achieve outcomes that protect your future.

How can a minor consumption criminal attorney in Noblesville help?

Jeff Cardella can assist with minor consumption charges by seeking alternatives like diversion or education programs. Offering reasonable fees, he provides supportive guidance for young clients. His approach helps minimize long-term effects on your record by attempting to have criminal charges dismissed.

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