Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Shelbyville, IN

Protecting the rights and futures of Hoosiers across Shelby County for decades. Proven defense counsel for OWI, drug charges, domestic violence, and felony cases.

Decades of

Criminal Defense Experience

Consultation

Available

Flat Fee

Options Available

Top Rated

Best Lawyers® Recognized

Overview

Criminal Defense Attorney Services in Shelbyville

Facing criminal charges in Shelbyville, IN can be an overwhelming and frightening experience that affects every aspect of your life. Whether your case is being heard in Shelby County court or you are still under investigation, understanding your rights under Indiana criminal law is essential. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel, and exercising both of these protections early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Many people feel uncertain about what to say or do after an arrest, and that is completely understandable. A skilled criminal defense lawyer familiar with the Shelby County legal system can guide you through every step of the process while fighting to protect your freedom and your future. You do not have to navigate this difficult time alone, and seeking experienced legal representation is one of the most important decisions you can make.

The Stakes

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Shelbyville

Facing criminal charges in Indiana puts your freedom, your record, and your future at risk. Indiana’s Criminal Rule 4 imposes strict speedy trial deadlines, generally 70 days if you move for an early trial under Rule 4(B), or one year under Rule 4(C), and prosecutors in Shelby County will move quickly to build their case against you. Anything you say to police, even before you are formally charged, can be used against you.

A skilled attorney will investigate the evidence, challenge unlawful searches or improper procedure, and negotiate firmly on your behalf, or take your case to trial if necessary. Without proper representation in Shelbyville, you risk a conviction, harsher sentencing, or a criminal record that follows you for years.

Why Choose Us

Why Shelbyville Clients Choose RileyCate, LLC

Proven Results
In Criminal Court

Successful outcomes obtained for clients facing criminal charges across Indiana.

Consultation
Available

Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your charges.

Clear Fee
Options

We discuss flat-fee and payment plan options upfront, before you retain us.

Best Lawyers®
Recognized

William N. Riley named a Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year by peer recognition.

What We Handle

What Our Shelbyville Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle

01. OWI / DUI Defense

Charges for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated under IC 9-30-5 require an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney who can challenge field sobriety tests, breath and blood test procedures, and the legality of the traffic stop itself.

02. Drug Crime Defense

Drug possession, dealing, and manufacturing charges under Indiana’s Controlled Substances laws (IC 35-48-4) demand close scrutiny of how evidence was searched, seized, and tested by Shelby County law enforcement, and RileyCate, LLC provides that defense as a Criminal Defense Lawyer.

03. Assault and Battery Charges

When clients face assault and battery charges under IC 35-42-2, a Criminal Defense Attorney works to identify self-defense claims, procedural errors, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

04. Theft and Property Crimes

Theft, burglary, and other property crime charges under IC 35-43 often turn on the state’s evidence of intent and ownership, and RileyCate, LLC challenges that evidence as a Criminal Defense Lawyer representing clients.

05. Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic battery charges under IC 35-42-2-1.3 carry serious consequences for family relationships, firearm rights, and future protective orders, making early representation from a Criminal Defense Attorney essential.

06. Felony Defense

Level 1 through 6 felony charges carry sentencing ranges that can mean years in prison under Indiana law, and a Criminal Defense Lawyer builds an aggressive defense at every stage, from arraignment through trial.

07. Expungement and Record Sealing

As a Criminal Defense Attorney, RileyCate, LLC helps eligible clients seal or expunge past criminal records under Indiana’s Second Chance law (IC 35-38-9), removing barriers to employment and housing.

Selecting Counsel

Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in Shelbyville

Not every criminal defense lawyer in Shelbyville has courtroom trial experience. Many push clients toward a plea regardless of the strength of the state’s case. When evaluating representation, look for a documented track record taking cases to trial, not just resolving them by plea. Consider whether the firm has experience with your specific type of charge, as an OWI case and a felony drug case require very different defense strategies.

Ask how your case will be communicated to you, and by whom. Be cautious of firms that overpromise specific outcomes. Reputable criminal defense attorneys provide honest assessments, not guarantees. RileyCate, LLC was founded on a commitment to expertise, creativity, and results, and has never shied away from a courtroom when that is what it takes.

Our Office

Our Office Serving
Shelbyville, IN

Phone

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Your Legal Rights

Your Rights Under
The U.S. and Indiana Constitutions

Right to Remain Silent

Under the Fifth Amendment, you cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself. Anything you say to police, before or after arrest, can be used against you. You have the right to say nothing at all.

Right to Legal Counsel

Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to an attorney at every critical stage of a criminal proceeding, including questioning by Shelby County law enforcement.

Right to a Speedy Trial

Under Indiana Criminal Rule 4, you may be entitled to trial within 70 days of requesting an early trial date, or the charges against you may be discharged.

Right to Be Free from Unreasonable Search and Seizure

Under the Fourth Amendment, evidence obtained through an illegal search or traffic stop may be suppressed and excluded from your case.

The Process

The Criminal Defense Process in Shelbyville, Indiana

Step 01

Consultation & Case Evaluation

RileyCate, LLC reviews the charges against you, the police report, and the facts of your arrest to give you an honest, confidential assessment of your options.
Step 02

Investigation & Evidence Review

Our team reviews police reports, body camera footage, lab results, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and possible constitutional violations.
Step 03

Pretrial Motions & Negotiation

We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence when appropriate, and negotiate firmly with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or dismissal where possible.
Step 04

Trial if Necessary

If the state will not offer a fair resolution, RileyCate, LLC is fully prepared to take your case to trial in Shelby County. We do not back down.

The Process

Our Criminal Defense Services in Shelbyville

Selecting Counsel

Criminal Defense Services Across the Shelbyville Metro Area

RileyCate, LLC proudly defends clients not only throughout Shelbyville and Shelby County but across the surrounding communities and neighboring counties throughout Central Indiana. Our deep familiarity with Shelby County prosecutors, judges, and local court procedures allows us to build a strong, informed defense strategy. Whether you were charged in the heart of Shelbyville or in a surrounding community, you will receive the same dedicated, aggressive representation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Shelbyville

01How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Shelbyville?

Criminal defense lawyers in Shelbyville, IN typically charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $350 depending on experience and the complexity of the case. For common charges such as misdemeanors, many attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements that generally fall between $1,500 and $5,000, while more serious felony cases can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Factors such as trial preparation, negotiations and the severity of the charges will influence the final cost. A consultation is available to discuss pricing and case details with a qualified attorney in the area.

Remain calm, do not resist, and clearly state that you wish to remain silent and want to speak with an attorney. Avoid answering questions or explaining your side of the story to police in Shelby County before speaking with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
In Indiana, misdemeanors (Class A, B, or C) are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies (Levels 1 through 6) carry state prison sentences ranging from six months to life, depending on the level and circumstances of the offense.
Many, but not all, criminal records are eligible for expungement under Indiana’s Second Chance law (IC 35-38-9), depending on the type of offense, how much time has passed, and your criminal history. RileyCate, LLC can evaluate your eligibility during a consultation.
Many criminal cases in Shelbyville are resolved through plea negotiations without a full trial. However, RileyCate, LLC is fully prepared to take your case to trial in Shelby County if the prosecution will not offer a fair resolution. Our willingness to go to trial is one of our greatest negotiating advantages.