1. Jeff Cardella Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense and expungement with law school teaching experience
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, expungement, firearm rights restoration, federal criminal defense, state criminal defense
Background: Attorney Jeff Cardella has been a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis for his entire legal career with two decades of experience. He taught criminal law at the Indiana University School of Law. His office has been recognized as one of the ten best law firms in Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. He has been recognized as one of the top ten criminal defense attorneys in Indiana and selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers. He filed the Federal Class Action lawsuit Washington v. Marion County Prosecutor, which held Indiana’s vehicle forfeiture statute unconstitutional, and co-authored the amicus brief for Timbs v. State of Indiana before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (serves Marion County, Hamilton County, Hendricks County, Madison County, Hancock County, Johnson County, Monroe County, Delaware County, Boone County, Morgan County, and Federal Court)
Contact: (317) 695-7700 | https://cardellalawoffice.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Hessler Law, PC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, CHINS cases, domestic violence
Background: Attorney Sean Hessler is the founder of Hessler Law and a former prosecutor. His inside perspective allows him to anticipate how prosecutors approach cases and present cases in the best possible light. The firm gives every case complete attention, keeping each client informed and comfortable throughout the process. The firm handles cases in Indianapolis and throughout Marion County, specializing in challenging evidence and protecting client rights. Attorneys understand Indiana’s felony level system (Level 1 through Level 6) and misdemeanor classifications.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (serves Marion County)
Contact: (317) 430-1002 | https://www.hesslerlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case review available
3. Banks & Brower
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, alcohol crimes, violent crimes, assault and battery, crimes against children, fraud, financial crimes, robbery, burglary, sex crimes, theft, property crimes, minor consumption, expungement
Background: Banks & Brower has an award-winning team of Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers with more than 80 years of combined experience. Attorneys Brad Banks and Adam Brower are former Indiana prosecutors, giving the firm a unique inside perspective on criminal cases. The firm offers free consultations and is available 24/7 to take calls. Attorneys understand Indiana’s Second Chance Law, which allows individuals to seal criminal records under specific conditions. The firm has a record of excellent legal representation throughout Indianapolis.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: (317) 870-0019 | https://banksbrower.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7
4. Wruble Law LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense exclusively
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, DUI/DWI, violent crimes, expungement, probation matters
Background: Wruble Law only handles criminal cases, dedicating full focus to defending clients. Lead attorney Stan Wruble embraces challenging cases and leverages expertise and fearlessness to tackle complex legal matters. The firm serves clients throughout Indianapolis, Marion County, Hamilton County, Hendricks County, Boone County, and Johnson County. Attorney Wruble helps clients understand the legal process with clear language, explaining concepts like statute of limitations without unnecessary jargon. The firm works to secure favorable probation terms and guide clients through probation to avoid violations.
Location: 1512 N Delaware St., Ste 201, Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: (317) 308-8584 | https://wrublelaw.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation case review available
5. Kammen & Moudy, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense for serious charges with 50+ years of experience
Practice Areas: Felonies, federal crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes
Background: Kammen & Moudy has been defending criminal cases throughout Indiana for more than 50 years. Attorney Richard Kammen, the founder, has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 30 consecutive years and selected for inclusion in the Indiana Super Lawyers list for the past decade. The firm is capable of handling both state and federal criminal offenses. Attorneys are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of the legal system and fighting serious criminal charges. The firm creates tenacious defense strategies to protect clients’ rights and future freedoms.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: (317) 759-7814 | https://www.kammenlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case review
Criminal Defense Laws in Indiana
Felony Classifications
Indiana classifies felonies into six levels, with Level 1 being the most serious:
Murder: An unclassified felony carrying 45 to 65 years imprisonment, with an advisory sentence of 55 years. Life without parole or death penalty may apply in certain circumstances.
Level 1 Felony: The most serious classified felony, including aggravated rape and certain drug dealing offenses. Penalties range from 20 to 40 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 30 years, and fines up to $10,000.
Level 2 Felony: Includes voluntary manslaughter, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, and certain drug dealing offenses. Penalties range from 10 to 30 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 17.5 years, and fines up to $10,000.
Level 3 Felony: Includes aggravated battery, robbery, and certain drug dealing offenses. Penalties range from 3 to 16 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 9 years, and fines up to $10,000.
Level 4 Felony: Includes arson, burglary, and sexual battery. Penalties range from 2 to 12 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 6 years, and fines up to $10,000.
Level 5 Felony: Includes battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness, and certain drug possession offenses. Penalties range from 1 to 6 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 3 years, and fines up to $10,000.
Level 6 Felony: The least serious felony (formerly Class D felony), including theft over $750, residential entry, and possession of controlled substances. Penalties range from 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment with an advisory sentence of 1 year, and fines up to $10,000. Level 6 felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors under certain conditions.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including battery, domestic battery (first offense), OWI (first offense), and theft under $750. Maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and possession of marijuana (under 30 grams, first offense). Maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Class C Misdemeanor: The least serious misdemeanor, including possession of paraphernalia and certain traffic offenses. Maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
Record Clearing Options (Second Chance Law)
Indiana’s Second Chance Law allows individuals to seal criminal records under specific conditions:
Expungement of Arrests Without Conviction: Available 1 year after arrest if no charges were filed, or immediately if charges were dropped or defendant was acquitted.
Expungement of Misdemeanors: Available 5 years after conviction (or 1 year after completion of sentence, whichever is later) for Class D felonies reduced to misdemeanors and most misdemeanors.
Expungement of Level 6 Felonies (Former Class D): Available 8 years after conviction if the conviction was not for a violent crime or sex offense.
Expungement of Other Felonies: Available 8-10 years after conviction for certain non-violent felonies. More serious felonies may be sealed (restricted from public view) but not expunged.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain offenses cannot be expunged, including murder, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses involving serious bodily injury to victims under 18. Official misconduct and perjury are also ineligible.
Firearms Rights Restoration: Indiana allows restoration of firearms rights through the expungement process for eligible offenses.
OWI/DUI Laws
Indiana’s Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws carry significant penalties. A first offense is typically a Class C misdemeanor, but can be elevated to Class A misdemeanor if BAC is .15 or higher. Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses and can reach felony level for habitual violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indiana’s Second Chance Law and how can it help me?
Indiana’s Second Chance Law allows individuals to petition for expungement or sealing of criminal records under specific conditions. Arrests without conviction can be expunged 1 year after arrest (or immediately if charges were dropped). Misdemeanors can be expunged 5 years after conviction. Level 6 felonies can be expunged 8 years after conviction if not for violent or sex crimes. More serious felonies may be sealed (restricted from public access) rather than expunged. Expungement removes records from public view and allows you to legally deny the arrest or conviction in most circumstances. An attorney can help determine your eligibility and navigate the petition process.
What is the difference between Level 6 felony and a misdemeanor in Indiana?
A Level 6 felony is the least serious felony classification in Indiana, carrying 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment. A Class A misdemeanor (the most serious misdemeanor) carries up to 1 year in jail. However, Level 6 felonies have a unique feature: they can potentially be reduced to misdemeanors. If you successfully complete your sentence (including probation) and meet certain conditions, the court may convert a Level 6 felony conviction to a Class A misdemeanor. This can significantly reduce the long-term impact on your record, employment prospects, and civil rights.
What should I do if I’m arrested in Marion County?
If arrested in Marion County, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. You will be taken to the Marion County Jail for booking and processing. Within 48-72 hours, you will have an initial hearing where a judge will inform you of charges and set bail. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, as early intervention can affect bond terms and sometimes influence whether charges are filed. Many Indianapolis defense attorneys offer 24/7 availability for arrests.
Can I get an OWI/DUI expunged from my record in Indiana?
OWI convictions in Indiana can potentially be expunged under the Second Chance Law, unlike many other states that prohibit DUI expungement. A misdemeanor OWI may be eligible for expungement 5 years after conviction. However, if your OWI resulted in serious bodily injury or death, or if you have multiple OWI convictions, expungement may not be available. If your OWI charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, those records can be expunged 1 year after the arrest or immediately upon dismissal/acquittal. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation.
How does having a former prosecutor on my defense team benefit my case?
Many Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys, including those at Hessler Law and Banks & Brower, are former prosecutors. This experience provides valuable advantages: they understand how prosecutors build cases and evaluate evidence, know what factors influence charging decisions and plea negotiations, have existing professional relationships with current prosecutors and judges, can anticipate prosecution strategies and prepare effective counter-arguments, and understand the internal priorities and pressures of the prosecutor’s office. This insider perspective allows them to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and develop more effective defense strategies.