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 Monticello, White County, Indiana

Monticello, the county seat of White County, Indiana, is a picturesque small town of approximately 5,300 residents, nestled along the banks of the Tippecanoe River in north-central Indiana. White County, with a population of around 24,000, is characterized by its rolling farmlands, scenic lakes, and vibrant recreational culture, particularly centered around Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, which draw tourists for boating, fishing, and the annual Indiana Beach amusement park season. The county’s economy thrives on agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing, with local events like the White County Ag Fair and Monticello’s Riverfest showcasing its tight-knit community spirit. Monticello’s historic downtown, with its charming brick buildings and riverfront views, reflects a blend of rural heritage and seasonal vibrancy. The criminal justice system in White County, centered in Monticello, is a well-coordinated network of courts, the prosecutor’s office, jail, probation department, and community corrections, tailored to serve the unique needs of this lake-region community. For individuals navigating this system, understanding its components and the county’s specific characteristics is essential, often requiring the guidance of a defense attorney familiar with local dynamics.

The White County court system is the foundation of the criminal justice process, primarily operating out of the White County Courthouse at 110 North Main Street in Monticello. This stately building, constructed in 1918, houses the Circuit Court and Superior Court, each with distinct roles. The Circuit Court handles serious felony cases, such as drug trafficking or violent crimes, as well as civil matters like probate and family law. The Superior Court focuses on misdemeanors, traffic violations, and some felony cases, with juvenile delinquency charges processed separately. The courts adhere to strict local rules of criminal procedure, requiring timely filing of defenses and discovery, with deadlines like the Pre-Trial Conference for motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. The county’s moderate caseload, reflecting a low crime rate, allows for efficient case processing, but these rules demand prompt action from defendants. The courts also oversee specialized proceedings, such as expungement under Indiana’s Second Chance Law, which is significant in a community where a criminal record can impact employment at local businesses like Indiana Beach or NIPSCO. A criminal attorney with knowledge of these courts can navigate their procedures and deadlines effectively.

The White County Prosecutor’s Office, located at 120 North Main Street in Monticello, is responsible for initiating and pursuing criminal cases, handling felonies, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and juvenile matters. Led by an elected prosecuting attorney, the office operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and prioritizes issues specific to White County, such as drug-related offenses, which are a concern due to the county’s proximity to Interstate 65, a corridor for drug trafficking. The office also addresses tourism-related crimes, like DUIs or public intoxication, which spike during the summer months around Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman. Programs like victim assistance and child support enforcement reflect the office’s community focus, supporting residents in towns like Wolcott and Brookston. The prosecutor’s office works closely with the White County Sheriff’s Department and Monticello Police, ensuring a hands-on approach to case preparation. A criminal lawyer engaging with this office must understand its emphasis on drug crimes and seasonal offenses to navigate plea negotiations or evidence challenges effectively.

The White County Jail, situated at 915 Hanawalt Street in Monticello, is a modern facility managed by the White County Sheriff’s Department. With a capacity of approximately 100 inmates, the jail houses individuals awaiting trial, serving short sentences for misdemeanors, or awaiting transfer to state facilities for felony convictions. The facility is equipped with updated security systems and offers limited rehabilitation programs, such as substance abuse counseling, which are critical given the county’s drug-related challenges. Its location near the courthouse ensures efficient inmate transport for hearings, and its modest size reflects White County’s low incarceration rates. The jail serves a diverse population, from local farmers to seasonal tourists, with staff often familiar with inmates from the community. For example, inmates with ties to the agricultural sector may have work release considerations during planting or harvest seasons. A criminal defense attorney can assist clients by addressing detention conditions or advocating for access to these programs, ensuring their needs are met within the jail’s framework.

The White County Probation Department, based in the courthouse, oversees individuals sentenced to probation, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions like drug testing, community service, or restitution. The department is small, with a few probation officers serving the county’s modest population, allowing for personalized supervision. Officers conduct home visits in rural areas like Reynolds or Chalmers, monitoring compliance while considering local factors, such as the demands of farming or employment at tourism-driven businesses like the Madame Carroll cruise boat. The department prepares presentence investigation reports for the Circuit Court, particularly for felony cases, and emphasizes rehabilitation to support the county’s close-knit community. Probation terms may be tailored to allow defendants to continue working at local farms or seasonal jobs. A criminal defense lawyer can help clients understand and meet these probation requirements, addressing any compliance issues that arise.

White County’s Community Corrections Office, located at 103-B South Main Street in Monticello, provides alternatives to incarceration, such as home detention, work release, and electronic monitoring. Operating from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, the program is funded by the Indiana Department of Correction and tailored to the county’s rural and tourism-driven character. The work release program is particularly significant, enabling defendants to work at local businesses like IU Health White Memorial Hospital or lakefront restaurants during the day while returning to a correctional setting at night. The program collaborates with local organizations to offer counseling and job training, aiming to reduce recidivism in a community where social ties are strong. Unlike urban counties, White County’s community corrections emphasizes flexibility to accommodate the tourism season, adjusting monitoring schedules during peak summer months. A criminal attorney can assist clients in exploring eligibility for these programs, particularly for non-violent offenses like DUI or minor theft.

White County’s criminal justice system is shaped by its unique blend of agricultural and tourism-driven characteristics. The county’s economy revolves around farming, with crops like corn and soybeans, and tourism, with Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman attracting thousands of visitors annually. This duality influences case types, with courts handling rural issues like agricultural theft or disputes over farm equipment alongside tourism-related offenses like boating under the influence or disorderly conduct at Indiana Beach. The county’s proximity to Interstate 65 drives drug-related cases, particularly methamphetamine and opioid offenses, while its low crime rate ensures a personal approach to justice. Cultural events like the Wolcott Summer Festival and Monon’s Railroad Days reinforce community ties, and a criminal record can significantly impact one’s ability to secure employment at local institutions like the White County Historical Society or seasonal lake businesses. A criminal lawyer with local expertise can tailor strategies to these dynamics, addressing the specific context of White County.

The county’s rural setting and seasonal economy further define its criminal justice system. Monticello’s riverfront, with its scenic trails and lakeside cottages, reflects a community where personal relationships and seasonal rhythms matter. The criminal justice system prioritizes rehabilitation, recognizing that offenders often remain part of the community after their sentences. For example, judges may consider community input, such as letters from local farmers or business owners, when making sentencing decisions, reflecting White County’s interconnected nature. The system also addresses unique challenges, such as ensuring defendants can meet probation or community corrections requirements while maintaining farm operations or seasonal tourism jobs. A criminal defense attorney familiar with these local nuances can guide defendants through the system, addressing the specific needs of a rural, lake-region community.

Navigating the criminal justice system in White County requires understanding its interconnected components and the county’s distinct context. From arrests handled by the White County Sheriff’s Department or Monticello Police, often along rural routes like U.S. 24 or during lakefront patrols, to the completion of probation or community corrections, each stage involves specific procedures. The courts’ adherence to strict local rules, the prosecutor’s focus on drug and tourism-related crimes, and the availability of flexible community corrections programs reflect White County’s commitment to addressing local challenges. A criminal defense lawyer with knowledge of Monticello’s system can assist defendants at each stage, from initial hearings to compliance with probation terms.

For residents of Monticello and White County, facing criminal charges can be challenging in a small community where social and economic roles are significant. A conviction, whether for a misdemeanor like public intoxication or a felony like drug possession, can impact employment at major employers or participation in community events like the Brookston Apple Popcorn Festival. The criminal justice system in White County is structured to balance accountability with rehabilitation, offering programs that prioritize reintegration into the community. A criminal attorney with experience in this system can assist defendants in navigating its complexities, ensuring they understand their options and responsibilities within the county’s framework.

In conclusion, the criminal justice system in Monticello, White County, Indiana, is a cohesive network of courts, prosecutors, jail, probation, and community corrections, designed to serve a community defined by its agricultural roots and tourism appeal. The historic courthouse, proactive prosecutor’s office, and flexible rehabilitation programs reflect the county’s commitment to justice and local values. Shaped by White County’s unique blend of rural and seasonal dynamics, the system addresses specific challenges like drug trafficking and lake-related offenses. For those facing charges, understanding the local courts, prosecutor priorities, and rehabilitation options is crucial. A criminal defense attorney with experience in White County can provide guidance through this system, addressing the specific needs of defendants in a community where justice is both personal and community-focused.

White County Indiana Superior and Circuit Court

White County Indiana has 1 Superior Court and 1 Circuit Court.  The Superior and Circuit Court are located in the Monticello town square at 110 North Main Street, Monticello, IN 47960. The Courthouse is open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, but is closed on all government holidays.  The contact information is:

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

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

If you are accused of a felony or misdemeanor in Monticello, White 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 Monticello, White County, Indiana.