Criminal Attorney in Morgan County, IN
Jeff Cardella

Criminal Attorney, Morgan County, Indiana Jeff Cardella Serving Martinsville, Mooresville, and Monrovia

If you are in need of a top rated criminal defense attorney in Martinsville, Morgan 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.
Top-Rated Criminal Lawyer in Morgan County, Indiana Jeff Cardella
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.

If you have questions about a legal matter in Martinsville, Mooresville or Monrovia, 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 Morgan County Criminal Attorney

In Morgan County, Indiana, the criminal justice system operates through the Morgan Circuit Court and three Superior Courts, all housed in the modern Judicial Center in Martinsville. When facing charges such as DUI or operating while intoxicated, the process typically begins with an initial appearance where bond is set or reviewed, often within the Superior Courts for misdemeanors. Jeff Cardella, with his extensive experience, can guide you through these early stages, advocating for reasonable bond conditions tailored to Morgan County’s practices.

For cases involving drug possession or marijuana possession, suppression hearings are crucial, where evidence can be challenged based on local law enforcement procedures common in areas like Mooresville. Plea agreements are frequently negotiated in Morgan County to resolve matters efficiently, avoiding the need for a full trial, which can be lengthy in the Circuit Court for more serious felonies. Jeff’s knowledge of the local prosecutors and judges helps in securing favorable outcomes.

If your case proceeds to trial for offenses like theft or battery, depositions and witness preparations are key, with juries drawn from Morgan County’s diverse communities including Monrovia. Post-conviction options, such as probation reviews through the county’s Court Services, can include participation in specialized programs like ADAPT for substance-related issues. Engaging a dedicated attorney like Jeff ensures every step, from arraignment to potential appeals, is handled with precision suited to Morgan County’s court dynamics.

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 Morgan 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:
Criminal Defense Attorney with Payment Plans, Buy Now Pay Later, and Affordable Legal Representation

What should I expect from a DUI attorney in Martinsville?

Jeff Cardella will thoroughly review your case, including field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results, to build a strong defense. Jeff can negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing. His reasonable fees and commitment to his clients ensure you receive top-notch representation without financial strain.

How can a public intoxication lawyer in Morgan County help?

Jeff Cardella can challenge the evidence against you, such as officer observations. He focuses on achieving dismissals or diversions, leveraging his familiarity with Indiana law. With flexible payment options, Jeff makes effective defense possible.

Why choose a theft criminal attorney in Mooresville?

Selecting Jeff Cardella as your criminal attorney means benefiting from his strategic approach. He works diligently to mitigate penalties, often securing dismissals. Jeff’s reasonable pricing and positive track record make him an excellent choice for defending against theft accusations.

What does a battery defense lawyer in Morgan County offer?

Jeff Cardella provides comprehensive support as a battery defense lawyer, investigating incidents to uncover self-defense claims or witness inconsistencies. His experience helps in pursuing reduced sentences or acquittals. Affordable fees and personalized attention ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

How does a drug possession attorney in Martinsville assist?

Jeff Cardella excels as a drug possession criminal defense attorney, challenging search and seizure methods. He aims for treatment programs over incarceration. With his competitive rates, Jeff delivers high-quality advocacy for these sensitive matters.

How do I find a disorderly conduct lawyer in Morgan County?

Jeff Cardella offers expert guidance, negotiating fines or community service instead of harsher penalties. His understanding of your case strengthens your defense. Reasonable fees and free consultations make starting your defense easy.

What role does a trespass criminal attorney in Monrovia play?

Jeff Cardella helps clarify misunderstandings in property disputes. He pursues dismissals by highlighting lack of intent or issues relating to agency law. His approachable style and fair pricing provides reliable legal support.

How can a minor consumption defense attorney in Morgan County support me?

Jeff Cardella assists with minor consumption charges by advocating for educational programs or deferred prosecutions. His insights into youth-related incidents ensure effective strategies. With flexible payments, Jeff makes premium defense attainable.

What to know about a resisting law enforcement lawyer in Martinsville?

Jeff Cardella, as a resisting law enforcement lawyer, examines arrest footage and reports for overreach in police encounters. He strives for charge reductions, drawing on his thorough understanding of the law. Affordable rates and dedicated service highlight his commitment to clients.

Why hire a conversion criminal defense attorney in Morgan County?

Jeff Cardella provides robust defense , often resolving cases through diversion agreements. His knowledge of the law and reasonable fees ensure you get exceptional representation.

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

Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana Courthouse

The Morgan County courts include one Circuit Court and three Superior Courts, providing general jurisdiction for criminal matters at the Judicial Center in Martinsville.

  • Morgan County Courts
    Address: 180 S Main St, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Phone: (765) 342-1020
  • Morgan County Clerk’s Office
    Address: 180 S Main St Suite 172, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Phone: (765) 205-1548
  • Morgan County Jail
    Address: 160 N. Park Avenue, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Phone: (765) 342-4303
  • Morgan County Probation Department
    Address: 180 S Main St Suite 145, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Phone: (765) 342-1082
  • Morgan County Community Corrections
    Provides 24/7 sobriety programming, electronic monitoring, community supervision, and case management services.
    Address: 180 S Main St Suite 145, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Phone: (765) 342-1082


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