Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal charge in Indiana does not have to define the rest of your life, but without the right legal representation, it very well might. Whether you are looking at a misdemeanor that could cost you a professional license or a felony that carries the possibility of prison time, the decisions made in the early stages of your case will shape every outcome that follows. Rigney Law LLC represents people across Indiana who are caught up in the criminal justice system and need lawyers who understand how that system actually works, not just in theory, but in courtrooms throughout the state.

The Indiana criminal code covers a wide range of offenses, from OWI charges to drug crimes, weapons offenses, and more. Each charge carries its own set of statutes, penalties, and procedural rules. What makes Indiana criminal defense lawyer work genuinely difficult is not just knowing the law on paper. It is knowing how prosecutors build their cases, what judges expect to see, and where the real pressure points are in any given set of facts. That depth of knowledge only comes from years of doing this work, not just studying it.

Rigney Law LLC was built around the belief that quality criminal defense requires both experience and effort. The attorneys at this firm, Jacob Rigney and Kassi Rigney, put in the work behind the scenes because preparation in criminal defense is what creates results in front of a judge or jury. If you need representation, here is what you should know about criminal defense in Indiana and why the attorney you choose matters as much as anything else in your case.

Indiana Criminal Charges That Require Serious Legal Representation

• OWI and DUI Offenses: Indiana’s Operating While Intoxicated statutes treat even a first offense seriously, with potential jail time, license suspension, fines, and a criminal record. Repeat offenses or situations involving high BAC levels, minors, or accidents carry significantly elevated penalties that can alter the trajectory of a person’s life.
• Drug Crimes: From simple possession to dealing and trafficking, Indiana’s drug statutes cover a broad range of conduct and punish it with escalating consequences based on substance type and quantity. Law enforcement’s approach to drug cases often involves informants, search warrants, and traffic stops, each of which creates potential legal issues that a defense attorney can examine closely.
• Gun and Weapons Offenses: Indiana’s firearms laws can ensnare people who believe they are acting within their rights. Charges involving unlawful possession, carrying without a license, or possessing a firearm as a prohibited person can result in felony convictions, substantial fines, and the permanent loss of the right to own a firearm.
• Violent Crimes: Assault, battery, robbery, and related offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Indiana. These cases frequently turn on witness credibility, physical evidence, and the specific facts of the encounter, which is exactly why having an attorney who knows how to conduct a thorough factual and legal investigation is critical.
• Theft and Property Crimes: Indiana classifies theft offenses based on the value of property involved, which determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. Even a theft conviction at the misdemeanor level can create lasting problems with employment and housing.
• Probation and Parole Violations: A violation allegation does not always mean the underlying conduct actually violated the conditions of supervision, but it requires prompt legal attention. The Indiana Parole Board has wide discretion, and appearing before it without an attorney significantly reduces the chances of a favorable outcome.
• Expungeable Offenses: Not every criminal case ends at the verdict or plea. Indiana’s expungement statute allows certain arrests and convictions to be sealed from public records under specific conditions, effectively giving people a second chance when they qualify. An attorney can determine whether a past record qualifies and pursue maximum relief under the law.

What to Do When Facing Criminal Charges in Indiana

The most consequential thing a person facing criminal charges can do is exercise their right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney before making any statements to police or prosecutors. This applies whether you have been formally arrested or simply contacted for questioning. Law enforcement officers are trained to gather information in ways that can be used against you, and even truthful, well-intentioned statements can be taken out of context or used to build a case.

Criminal cases in Indianapolis and Marion County are handled through Marion Superior Court, which includes divisions for felony and misdemeanor matters. If you are in surrounding counties, Hamilton, Hendricks, Boone, Johnson, or elsewhere, the case will proceed through that county’s circuit or superior court. Knowing the specific courthouse where your case will be heard matters because local prosecutors, judges, and procedural norms vary. Attorneys who regularly appear in these courts have direct knowledge of those dynamics.

After arrest, there will typically be an initial hearing where bail is set, followed by pre-trial proceedings that can include hearings on motions to suppress evidence, challenges to the stop or search that led to the charges, and negotiations with prosecutors about plea agreements or charge reductions. Many cases are resolved before trial through pre-trial diversion programs, deferred prosecution agreements, or negotiated pleas. Other cases need to go to trial. Understanding which path serves your interests requires an honest assessment from a lawyer who knows Indiana courts.

One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting too long to hire an attorney. Evidence can be lost, witnesses become unavailable, and early opportunities to challenge the case or negotiate favorable terms narrow with the passage of time. If you have been arrested or charged with any offense in Indiana, contacting an Indiana criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is the single most important thing you can do for your case.

Gather any documentation you have related to the incident, including any paperwork you were given at the time of arrest, any correspondence from the prosecutor’s office or the court, and any contact information for potential witnesses. Bring all of this to your first meeting with your attorney. Do not discuss your case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.

How Indiana Classifies Criminal Offenses and What That Means for You

Indiana’s criminal code divides offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, and then further into levels within each category. Misdemeanors run from Class A down to Class C, with Class A misdemeanors carrying up to one year in county jail. Felonies are classified as Level 1 through Level 6, with Level 6 being the least serious and Level 1 carrying the highest potential sentences. Murder sits outside this structure as its own category.

The practical consequences of a conviction go far beyond the sentence itself. A felony conviction in Indiana can result in the loss of voting rights while incarcerated, restrictions on firearm ownership, barriers to professional licensing, ineligibility for certain types of housing, and complications with immigration status for non-citizens. Even a misdemeanor can cost someone their job, particularly in fields that require background checks or professional certifications.

This is why the level of charge matters enormously, and why a defense attorney’s ability to negotiate charge reductions or pursue dismissal can be the difference between a disrupted life and a life that moves forward. Indiana prosecutors have some discretion in how they charge and what they will consider in plea negotiations. A defense attorney who knows how to frame the facts, present mitigating circumstances, and identify weaknesses in the state’s case can directly affect what a prosecutor is willing to offer.

Indiana also offers certain diversion programs and alternatives to traditional prosecution that may be available depending on the offense and the defendant’s background. These programs, when available, can allow a case to be resolved without a conviction appearing on the permanent record, which has enormous long-term value. Knowing whether these options exist and how to pursue them is part of what a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney brings to a case.

Why Rigney Law LLC Handles Indiana Criminal Defense Differently

The attorneys at Rigney Law LLC bring years of practical courtroom experience to every case they handle. Jacob Rigney and Kassi Rigney have built this firm around a straightforward proposition: great criminal defense requires both the knowledge that comes from years in court and the willingness to do the work that winning requires. No attorney can guarantee outcomes, and no reputable firm would make such a promise. What clients at Rigney Law LLC can count on is that their attorneys will identify every legal issue in the case, evaluate every available defense, and stand ready to fight when fighting is the right call.

The firm’s philosophy starts with understanding the client’s actual goal. Not every case calls for the same strategy, and not every client wants the same outcome. Some people need to avoid a conviction at all costs because of professional licensing implications. Others are primarily concerned with staying out of jail. Some are focused on protecting their ability to continue working or driving. Rigney Law LLC takes the time to understand what matters most and builds a defense strategy from there, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to every matter that comes through the door.

As criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, the Rigney Law team regularly appears in Marion County courts and serves clients across central Indiana. The firm handles the full range of criminal matters, from OWI defense and drug offense representation to parole board hearings and post-conviction relief through expungement. For anyone searching for a criminal defense law firm in Indianapolis, this is a team that has already put in the years, and is ready to put that experience to work.

Questions People Ask About Indiana Criminal Defense

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Indiana?

Indiana misdemeanors are classified as Class A, B, or C. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, carrying up to one year in county jail. Felonies are classified Level 1 through Level 6, plus murder. Level 6 is the lowest-tier felony and can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor. Level 1 felonies involve the most serious offenses and carry the longest potential sentences. The practical difference matters beyond jail time, because felony convictions carry collateral consequences, including restrictions on firearm ownership and professional licensing, that misdemeanors typically do not.

Should I talk to police if I have been contacted for questioning?

No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. Politely decline to answer substantive questions and ask to speak with an attorney. This applies whether you believe you have done nothing wrong or not. Statements made during police questioning are routinely used against people in ways they did not anticipate at the time. Contact an attorney before any further communication with law enforcement.

How does Indiana’s expungement law work?

Indiana’s expungement statute allows certain arrests and convictions to be sealed from public view after a waiting period that varies depending on the type of offense and the outcome of the case. Arrests that did not result in conviction generally have a shorter waiting period than felony convictions. Not all convictions are expungeable, and certain serious felony convictions are categorically excluded. An attorney can review your specific record and advise you on whether you qualify and what relief is available.

Can a criminal conviction affect my professional license in Indiana?

Yes. Many Indiana licensing boards have authority to deny, suspend, or revoke professional licenses based on criminal convictions. This includes licenses for healthcare professionals, real estate agents, educators, attorneys, and many others. The specific effect depends on the licensing board’s standards and the nature of the offense. In some cases, the conviction itself triggers action; in others, the board has discretion. This is one reason why the outcome of a criminal case has stakes that extend well beyond the courtroom.

What happens at a parole board hearing in Indiana?

The Indiana Parole Board reviews cases and decides whether an incarcerated person should be released on parole or whether someone who has allegedly violated parole should be returned to custody. These hearings are not trials, but they are consequential. The board considers the nature of the offense, behavior while incarcerated, release plans, and other factors. Having an attorney prepare a presentation and advocate before the board can materially affect the outcome in ways that going in unrepresented simply cannot match.

Can I get a drug charge dismissed in Indiana if the search was illegal?

Potentially, yes. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence through a search that violated your constitutional rights, a motion to suppress can ask the court to exclude that evidence. If the suppressed evidence is the foundation of the prosecution’s case, dismissal may follow. Whether a search was unconstitutional depends on the specific facts, including whether there was a warrant, what exception the police claimed applied, and how the stop or search was conducted. This analysis requires careful legal review.

How long does a criminal case typically take in Marion County courts?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the charge level, court docket, and whether the case resolves by plea or goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases may resolve in a matter of months. Felony cases, particularly those heading toward trial, can take considerably longer. Pre-trial motions, discovery disputes, and court scheduling all affect the timeline. Your attorney can give you a more realistic estimate once your specific case is filed and assigned to a judge.

What is civil asset forfeiture and how does it affect Indiana residents?

Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize cash, vehicles, and other property that they allege was used in connection with a crime or represents proceeds of criminal activity. Critically, the property owner does not have to be convicted, or even charged, for the seizure to occur. Indiana law provides certain procedural protections, but navigating a forfeiture claim without legal representation leaves most people at a serious disadvantage. An attorney can challenge the legal basis for the seizure and pursue return of the property.

Is it worth hiring a criminal defense attorney for a first-offense OWI in Indiana?

Yes. Even a first-offense OWI in Indiana carries potential jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse programs, and a permanent criminal record. The collateral consequences, including effects on employment, professional licensing, and insurance rates, can follow a person for years. Beyond the penalties, a first OWI is prosecuted with real evidence, including chemical test results and officer observations, that can be challenged in some circumstances. The cost of legal representation is modest compared to the long-term cost of a conviction that could have been avoided or reduced.

What does it mean if my charge is filed as a Level 6 felony instead of a misdemeanor?

Indiana law allows certain Level 6 felonies to be entered as Class A misdemeanor convictions at sentencing, sometimes called a “felony entered as a misdemeanor.” This can significantly reduce the long-term impact of the conviction on things like professional licensing and background checks. Whether this option is available in a given case depends on the specific charge, the defendant’s criminal history, and the prosecutor’s and court’s discretion. This is exactly the kind of outcome that a defense attorney who knows Indiana sentencing law can sometimes negotiate.

Criminal Defense Representation Across Indiana

Rigney Law LLC represents clients throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding region. In Marion County, the firm handles matters across the city’s many communities, from the Near Northside and Broad Ripple to Irvington, Fountain Square, Lawrence, Warren Township, and Decatur Township. The firm also serves clients in the suburban counties surrounding Indianapolis, including Hamilton County communities such as Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield; Hendricks County residents in Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, and Danville; Johnson County clients in Greenwood, Franklin, Bargersville, and Whiteland; and Boone County clients in Lebanon and Zionsville.

Beyond the immediate Indianapolis metro area, the firm extends its representation to clients in Morgan County, Putnam County, Madison County, and other areas of central Indiana where people need experienced criminal defense representation. Whether a case is pending in a Marion County courtroom or a rural county courthouse, the attorneys at Rigney Law LLC are prepared to appear and advocate on behalf of their clients wherever the case requires.

Speak with an Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Case

A criminal charge in Indiana is a serious matter that deserves serious legal representation. Rigney Law LLC provides the kind of representation that comes from years of courtroom experience and a genuine commitment to doing the work that each case requires. Jacob Rigney and Kassi Rigney handle criminal defense cases across Indianapolis and central Indiana, and they are available to discuss your situation in a free consultation. Whether you are facing an OWI, a drug charge, a weapons offense, a parole violation, or any other criminal matter, speaking with an Indiana criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later can make a real difference in what happens next. Contact Rigney Law LLC today and schedule your free consultation.