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:

The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana

Morgan County, Indiana, with its county seat in Martinsville, is a vibrant community of approximately 71,000 residents, located just 30 miles southwest of Indianapolis. Positioned in the heart of central Indiana, the county blends rural charm with suburban growth, featuring rolling hills, lush forests, and attractions like the Morgan County Fair and the historic Martinsville Candy Kitchen, a local landmark since 1919. Martinsville, a city of about 12,000, serves as the county’s administrative and cultural hub, with a revitalized downtown showcasing the Morgan County Courthouse, a Beaux-Arts structure built in 1857, surrounded by local shops and seasonal events like the Fall Foliage Festival. The county’s economy thrives on manufacturing, healthcare, and small businesses, with major employers like the Indiana University Health Morgan Hospital and proximity to Indianapolis driving growth. Morgan County’s location along State Road 37, a major corridor, and its recreational offerings, such as Lieber State Recreation Area, shape a unique criminal justice system—encompassing the courts, prosecutor’s office, jail, probation office, and community corrections—that balances urban influences with rural values, addressing local challenges like drug offenses tied to its highway access and growing population. This exploration delves into these components, highlighting their roles and specific attributes in Martinsville, optimized for search engine visibility using terms like defense attorney, criminal attorney, criminal lawyer, criminal defense attorney, and criminal defense lawyer.

The Morgan County court system is a multifaceted framework designed to handle a diverse caseload, reflecting the county’s growing population and strategic location. The county operates one Circuit Court and three Superior Courts, all located at 10 East Washington Street in Martinsville, within the historic Morgan County Courthouse, a central landmark in the town square, near community events like the Martinsville Farmers’ Market. The Circuit Court handles felony cases, juvenile matters, and civil disputes, including probate and family law, serving as the primary venue for serious criminal proceedings. The Superior Courts focus on misdemeanors, traffic violations, lower-level felonies, and small claims, with Superior Court I also managing juvenile cases and Superior Court III specializing in drug and veterans’ treatment courts. The courts process common offenses like OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), drug possession, and theft, influenced by Morgan County’s access to State Road 37, which facilitates drug trafficking, and its proximity to Indianapolis, contributing to suburban crime patterns. The county’s Problem-Solving Courts, including a Drug Treatment Court and a Veterans Treatment Court, offer non-violent offenders rehabilitation through treatment and monitoring, addressing the county’s challenges with opioid abuse and mental health issues, particularly in areas like Mooresville. Additionally, Martinsville City Court, located at 59 South Jefferson Street, handles city ordinance violations and minor traffic cases, while Mooresville Town Court at 26 South Indiana Street manages similar matters for its jurisdiction. A criminal defense attorney in Martinsville must navigate this multi-court system, adapting to the specialized roles of each court and the community-oriented approach of local judges.

The Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office, located at 10 East Washington Street in Martinsville, is a pivotal component of the criminal justice system, representing the State of Indiana in all criminal prosecutions. Led by an elected prosecuting attorney and supported by a team of deputy prosecutors, investigators, and administrative staff, the office handles approximately 2,000 criminal cases annually, with a focus on OWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, and property crimes, reflecting Morgan County’s suburban growth and rural roots. The office reviews complaints from law enforcement agencies, such as the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, Martinsville Police Department, and Mooresville Police Department, deciding whether to file charges. It also manages juvenile delinquency cases, enforces child support orders, and operates a Victim Assistance Division, providing emotional support and case updates to crime victims, a critical service in a county with tight-knit communities like Brooklyn and Paragon. The office’s Traffic Infraction Deferral Program is a distinctive feature, allowing drivers with minor traffic violations to avoid points on their licenses by completing conditions like defensive driving courses, often involving local providers in Martinsville. A criminal lawyer in Martinsville frequently engages with this office, negotiating on behalf of clients facing charges like DUI or theft, in a system that balances accountability with fairness while respecting constitutional rights.

The Morgan County Jail, located at 160 North Park Avenue in Martinsville, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. Managed by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, the jail is a modern facility with a capacity of approximately 240 inmates, designed to accommodate the county’s law enforcement needs. The jail houses pre-trial detainees and those convicted of minor offenses, with common charges including OWI, drug possession, and public intoxication, driven by the county’s highway access and community events like the Morgan County Fair. The facility offers services like medical care, educational programs, and substance abuse counseling, emphasizing rehabilitation through partnerships with local recovery groups, addressing the county’s opioid and methamphetamine issues. The Sheriff’s Department maintains a strong community presence, with deputies participating in events like the Martinsville Cookie Stroll, fostering trust with residents. Overcrowding is managed through coordination with community corrections, with the jail’s work release program allowing eligible inmates to maintain employment while monitored, often with local businesses in Martinsville’s industrial park. A criminal defense lawyer in Martinsville 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.

The Morgan County Probation Department, based at 10 East Washington Street in Martinsville, oversees individuals placed on probation as an alternative to incarceration or following a sentence. Staffed by a team of certified probation officers, the department serves the Circuit and Superior Courts, managing a caseload that includes both adults and juveniles. The department focuses on reducing recidivism through conditions like drug testing, community service, and regular check-ins, tailored to individual needs. In Martinsville, probation officers collaborate with local organizations, such as the Morgan County Substance Abuse Council and Desert Rose Foundation, to provide addiction treatment and domestic violence support, addressing the county’s challenges with substance abuse and family-related crimes. The Juvenile Probation Division works closely with Morgan County Schools, including Martinsville High School, to support at-risk youth through mentoring and educational programs, often involving community service at local sites like the Morgan County Historical Society or Burkhart Creek Park. Probationers may participate in community initiatives, such as volunteering at the Mooresville Pioneer Days or maintaining facilities at Lieber State Recreation Area, to promote reintegration. A defense attorney in Martinsville 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-focused environment.

Morgan County Community Corrections, located at 395 Peter’s Way in Martinsville, provides alternatives to traditional incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing jail overcrowding. The program offers options like home detention, electronic monitoring, and work release, allowing offenders to maintain employment or family responsibilities while serving their sentences. In Morgan County, the program partners with local employers, such as manufacturers in Martinsville’s industrial corridor or healthcare providers like IU Health Morgan, to facilitate work release, reflecting the county’s manufacturing and healthcare-driven economy. The Community Corrections Advisory Board ensures the program aligns with local needs, particularly addressing OWI and drug-related offenses, which are significant due to the county’s highway access and suburban growth. Participants might engage in community service projects, such as supporting the Morgan County 4-H program or cleaning up facilities at Jimmy Nash City Park. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practices, including substance abuse counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy, promotes community safety and reduces recidivism. A criminal attorney representing clients in this program must understand its specific requirements, such as monitoring protocols, to ensure compliance. The program’s focus on reintegration, leveraging Morgan County’s community resources, distinguishes its approach from more punitive systems in urban counties.

Morgan County’s criminal justice system is shaped by its unique position as a growing suburban county with deep rural roots, with Martinsville serving as a central hub for legal proceedings. The historic Morgan County Courthouse fosters collaboration among courts, prosecutors, probation, and community corrections, but the county’s rapid growth requires efficient resource management. The county’s challenges with OWI and drug-related crimes, driven by its access to State Road 37 and proximity to Indianapolis, influence the priorities of each component, from the prosecutor’s deferral programs to the jail’s rehabilitation efforts. The Problem-Solving Courts and Juvenile Probation initiatives reflect Morgan County’s commitment to innovative solutions, addressing substance abuse and veterans’ issues despite resource constraints. A criminal defense lawyer in Martinsville must navigate this interconnected system, understanding its suburban dynamics and community focus to effectively represent clients. The county’s cultural landmarks, like the Candy Kitchen and Lieber State Recreation Area, and its economic reliance on manufacturing and healthcare 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 Morgan County’s distinct identity. The Circuit and Superior Courts, alongside city and town courts, provide a comprehensive legal process, handling cases with a community-focused approach, while the prosecutor’s office drives case progression, often favoring deferral programs to manage resources. The jail serves as a temporary holding facility, with efforts to address capacity through community corrections, which promotes reintegration through local employment opportunities. The probation department bridges punishment and rehabilitation, leveraging Martinsville’s dedicated resources to address issues like addiction and youth challenges. Together, these elements balance justice and community welfare in a county known for its natural beauty and growing economy. For individuals facing charges in Martinsville, a criminal lawyer familiar with Morgan County’s system is essential for navigating its unique challenges, from the historic courthouse to the innovative community corrections program.

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

Call 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana defense attorney if you have questions about a criminal matter in Martinsville, Morgan 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 Martinsville, Morgan 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 Martinsville, Morgan 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 Martinsville, Morgan 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 Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Martinsville, Morgan 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 Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana.