Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney ~ Jeff Cardella, Serving Franklin, Greenwood & Whiteland
If you are in need of a top tier criminal defense attorney in Franklin, Johnson 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, reckless driving, 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.
For additional information, please click on any of the following links:
Criminal Defense Attorney in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana ~ Jeff Cardella
The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney for Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Level 6 Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Major Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Navigating the Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney
The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Franklin, the county seat of Johnson County, Indiana, is a city of approximately 24,000 residents, located just south of Indianapolis in the heart of Central Indiana. Johnson County, with a population of around 165,000, is a rapidly growing region known for its blend of suburban development, historic charm, and agricultural roots.
Franklin City Court, Johnson County, Indiana
The Franklin City Court handles various cases, including traffic violations and other infractions. It is located at 1 Caisson Drive, Franklin, Indiana 46131. Contact the court at 317-736-3619 for inquiries related to traffic tickets, court appearances, or general information.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and Jail, Johnson County, Indiana
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services across Johnson County, including Franklin, Greenwood, and Whiteland, and manages the Johnson County Jail. Both are located at 1091 Hospital Road, Franklin, IN 46131. Contact the Sheriff’s Department at (317) 736-9155 and the jail at (317) 346-4716 or (317) 346-4717.
Johnson County Clerk’s Office, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
The Johnson County Clerk’s Office serves as a central administrative hub for court records, elections, marriage licenses, and other county functions. It is located at Five East Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 368, Franklin, IN 46131, and can be reached at (317) 346-4450.
Greenwood City Court, Johnson County, Indiana
The Greenwood City Court handles traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations. It is located at 186 Surina Way, Greenwood, IN 46143, and can be contacted at 317-882-5129.
Call 317-695-7700 for a Free Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Case in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Call 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana defense attorney if you have questions about a criminal matter in Franklin, Johnson 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 Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
There are three levels of misdemeanor cases in Indiana: A, B, and C, with A being the most serious and C the least. A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 365 days, B misdemeanor up to 180 days, and C misdemeanor up to 60 days. Misdemeanor convictions can impact employment opportunities, so it’s important not to dismiss these charges lightly.
Level 6 Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
A Level 6 felony carries a penalty range of 6 months to 2.5 years, with a presumptive sentence of 1 year. While a lower-level felony, a conviction can result in the loss of rights, such as firearm possession, and may hinder employment. Some Level 6 felonies are eligible for Alternative Misdemeanor Sentencing (AMS), which may convert the felony to a misdemeanor at sentencing or upon successful completion of the sentence. Failure to comply with probation may result in the conviction remaining a felony.
Major Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Felony cases classified as Level 1 through 5, including murder, are considered major felonies. The penalty ranges are: Level 5 (1-6 years, 3 years presumptive), Level 4 (2-12 years, 6 years presumptive), Level 3 (3-16 years, 9 years presumptive), Level 2 (10-30 years, 17.5 years presumptive), Level 1 (20-40 years, 30 years presumptive), and murder (45-65 years, 55 years presumptive).
Navigating the Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Franklin, Johnson 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規制. Even a short period of incarceration can cause 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 tougher 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 defendant’s 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 judgment 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 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 Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
Navigating the legal system without an attorney can be challenging. An attorney can help you understand the legal 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 criminal cases does the Law Office of Jeff Cardella handle in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
Our office handles a wide variety of criminal cases in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana, ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies, including DUI, drug possession, theft, battery, and expungement cases.
What is expungement and how can it help with my criminal record in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
Expungement is a legal process that can clean your criminal record. Law Office of Jeff Cardella has extensive experience in successfully handling expungement cases in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana, to help clients clear their records efficiently.
How can I contact the Law Office of Jeff Cardella for a consultation in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
You can contact the Law Office of Jeff Cardella by phone at 317-695-7700 or by email at jeffcardella@cardellalawoffice.com for a free consultation regarding your case in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.
What are the benefits of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
An experienced criminal defense attorney like Jeff Cardella provides expert legal representation, protects your Constitutional rights, and works to achieve the best possible outcome for your case in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.
Does the Law Office of Jeff Cardella offer payment plans for legal services in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana?
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 in Indiana does Jeff Cardella practice as a criminal lawyer?
I handle cases throughout all of Indiana, including the Federal District Courts, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.
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.