Muncie & Delaware County, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney ~ Jeff Cardella
Serving Muncie, Yorktown & Selma
If you are in need of a top tier criminal defense attorney in Muncie, Delaware 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 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 Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana ~ Jeff Cardella
The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney for Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Level 6 Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Major Felony Criminal Defense Attorney for Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Navigating the Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney
The Courts and Criminal Justice System in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Delaware County Circuit Courts, Indiana
The Delaware County Circuit Court system consists of five Circuit Courts. The Circuit Courts primarily handle felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, family law, and juvenile matters, operating out of the Delaware County Justice Center.
Address: 100 W Washington St, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-7780
Muncie City Court, Indiana
The Muncie City Court serves the judicial needs of Muncie, Indiana. This court handles various local legal matters, including traffic infractions, ordinance violations, and some misdemeanor cases within Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. If you need to contact the Muncie City Court for information regarding a case or payments, you can find them at:
Address: 300 North High Street, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-4703
For Information about Muncie or Criminal Defense Representation in Muncie City Court, click here.
Delaware County Clerk’s Office, Indiana
The Delaware County Clerk’s Office, located in Muncie, Indiana, serves as a central administrative and judicial hub for residents across Delaware County. This vital office is responsible for maintaining court records for all Delaware County courts, processing marriage licenses, and overseeing elections throughout Delaware County, Indiana. If you need to access public documents, file legal paperwork, or have questions about court proceedings in Delaware County, you can reach them at:
Address: 3100 South Tillotson Avenue, Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765) 747-7726
The Delaware County Clerk’s Office is a key resource for individuals in Muncie, Yorktown, Selma, and other communities within Delaware County, Indiana.
Delaware County Jail, Indiana
The Delaware County Jail is a critical facility within the criminal justice system of Delaware County, Indiana. Located in Muncie, Indiana, this jail is operated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. For inquiries related to inmates, visitation schedules, or general jail operations within Delaware County, Indiana, you can use the following contact information:
Address: 3100 South Tillotson Avenue, Suite 150, Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765) 747-7885
Call 317-695-7700 for a Free Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Case in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana
Call 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana defense attorney if you have questions about a criminal matter in Muncie, Delaware 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 Muncie, Delaware 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 Muncie, Delaware 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 Muncie, Delaware 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 Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana Legal System with a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Muncie, Delaware 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
What is an Expungement and how can it help me in Indiana?
An expungement in Indiana, under the Second Chance Law, allows eligible individuals to seal or remove certain criminal records, improving opportunities for employment, housing, and education by limiting public access to past convictions.
What types of cases does the Law Office of Jeff Cardella handle in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana?
The Law Office of Jeff Cardella handles a wide range of cases in Muncie and throughout Delaware County, Indiana, including DUI, drug possession, theft, battery, domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, criminal mischief, trespass, and expungements under Indiana’s Second Chance Law.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Indiana?
In Indiana, misdemeanors carry penalties of up to one year in jail, while felonies can result in longer prison sentences and more severe consequences, such as the loss of certain legal rights.
How long does an expungement take in Delaware County, Indiana?
An expungement in Delaware County, Indiana, typically takes 60-90 days, depending on case complexity and court schedules. Jeff Cardella streamlines the process for clients in Muncie, Yorktown, and Selma, handling all paperwork and hearings efficiently.
What should I expect when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Muncie, Indiana?
When hiring Jeff Cardella in Muncie, expect personalized representation, thorough case analysis, and aggressive defense strategies. He offers free consultations, reasonable fees, and flexible payment plans to protect your rights in Delaware County courts.
How can a criminal defense attorney help with a DUI charge in Muncie, Indiana?
Jeff Cardella, a DUI attorney in Muncie, can challenge evidence like breathalyzer results or unlawful stops, negotiate plea deals, or seek dismissals. His experience in Delaware County courts ensures tailored defense for DUI charges.
What are the benefits of hiring an expungement lawyer in Delaware County, Indiana?
An expungement lawyer like Jeff Cardella can help seal your criminal record in Delaware County, improving job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal freedom under Indiana’s Second Chance Law, with expertise in Muncie, Yorktown, and Selma courts.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Muncie, Indiana?
Costs for a criminal defense attorney in Muncie vary based on case complexity, but Jeff Cardella offers reasonable fees and flexible payment plans for clients in Delaware County, ensuring affordable representation for misdemeanors, felonies, or expungements.
Can Jeff Cardella assist with drug charges in Delaware County, Indiana?
Yes, Jeff Cardella, a drug charge lawyer in Delaware County, can challenge unlawful searches, negotiate reduced charges, or seek dismissals for drug offenses like possession or trafficking in Muncie, Yorktown, and Selma.
Who is eligible for expungement in Muncie, Indiana?
In Muncie, Indiana, eligibility for expungement depends on the type of conviction, time elapsed, and compliance with Indiana’s Second Chance Law. Jeff Cardella can evaluate your case in Delaware County to determine if your record qualifies for sealing.
Testimonials for Delaware County, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Cardella
★★★★★ Great expungement atty, I highly recommend Jeff to anyone looking for an experienced atty that takes pride in doing exceptional research into making sure that your expungement is done correctly, I was kinda comprehensive about him at first because I had over 40 offenses that I needed expunged, but he he gave me confidence that he could do it, he always kept me informed, when I called called or texted him even when he was on vacation he always immediately got back in touch with me, he’s treats his clients like he would want to be treated and understands how having a criminal record expunged can change the prospects for a person. Jeff has truly been a blessing for me and my family and his fees r quite reasonable and services r great, I would refer anyone looking for a great expungement atty to contact Jeff first, I bet u won’t be sorry. Thanks Jeff for your excellent atty skills and your great personal abilities to work well with me in my Tyme of a needing great atty.Job well done!
★★★★★ I cannot say enough about Jeff and his abilities as an attorney. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond to fight your case Jeff is your guy. He’s not one of these lackadaisical attorneys doing the bare minimum and charging you an outrageous amount per minute. His fees are very reasonable and he will make REASONABLE payment plans if you can’t come up with all the money at once. He went above and beyond in my case and it is currently being expunged. He’s well respected and has lots of good relationships in the legal world which I believe is important. He’s quick to respond to any questions or concerns and works very hard for his clients to get the best outcome. He worked a miracle for me and I highly recommend retaining Jeff as your legal representation. Lawyers like Jeff are a dime a dozen and im lucky to have had his assistance with my legal issue and I will forever be grateful.
★★★★★ I cannot begin to express my gratitude with Jeff, if you have had any experience dealing with lawyers in the past you will understand it can be such a headache and can mentally drain you! I researched and contacted various different lawyers and was looking for a great criminal attorney in specific an expungement lawyer and found Jeff, I’m glad that I hired him to do my expungement so I can finally feel free to go about my life that has been holding me back for so many years! He is knowledgeable, professional and very thorough, he answered any questions I had for him very quickly. Please trust he will get the job done of what can be done on his end! I would highly recommend anyone to hire him!
★★★★★ I was extremely satisfied with the services of Jeff Cardella. This was by far the best Attorney I have ever dealt with. Communication was outstanding, as every question i had was answered in a complete and fast manner. I live out of town, so we were able to complete all related business through email. Mr. Cardella was caring, compassionate and straight to the point. If you need an Attorney who will answer your emails, calls and get the job done fast, this is who you want to hire. I would not consider hiring anyone else if i ever needed representation again. Thank you to the law firm of Jeff Cardella, you are one of the greatest here in Indiana.
★★★★★ Jeff Cardella is a very good criminal defense attorney. He’s a straight shooter who is honest and diligent. I will never forget the situation that I was going through. I didn’t realize it at the time but do now, that a good attorney will listen first and tell you the truth about your situation and how he’s going to resolve your situation. One last thing about Jeff Cardella. He is very good communicator, you will be communicated with on a consistent basis. I thank you Jeff for representing me and making me feel like I mattered. I have my life back and I feel blessed that you represented me.
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