Experienced Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN

Defending the rights of the accused across Marion County for decades. Proven criminal defense counsel for misdemeanor and felony charges, from arrest through trial.

Decades of

Criminal Defense Experience

Initial

Consultation

Flat Fee

Options Available

Top Rated

Best Lawyers® Recognized

Overview

Defense Attorney Services in Indianapolis

Facing criminal charges in Indianapolis can be an overwhelming experience that puts your freedom and future at stake. Whether you have been arrested and are awaiting your initial hearing at the Marion County Superior Court or you are under investigation for a suspected offense, securing a skilled defense lawyer should be your top priority. Indiana criminal law classifies offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and felonies potentially resulting in years of incarceration depending on the level of the charge. The distinction between these categories significantly impacts sentencing outcomes and long-term consequences such as employment and housing eligibility. Early legal representation after an arrest is critical because the decisions made in the first hours and days of a case often shape its trajectory. A knowledgeable Indianapolis defense attorney can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and build a strong strategy from the very beginning of your case.

The Stakes

Why You Need a Defense Attorney in Indianapolis

Indiana’s criminal laws are complex, and prosecutors move quickly to build a case against you regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Indiana classifies misdemeanors into three classes and felonies into six levels under IC 35-50-2, and each carries its own sentencing range and long-term consequences for your record. Prior convictions can also trigger a habitual offender enhancement under IC 35-50-2-8, significantly increasing the potential sentence. Marion County courts also have specific procedural requirements and deadlines that can affect your defense if missed.

A skilled attorney will review the arrest, challenge improperly obtained evidence, and negotiate firmly with the prosecutor on your behalf, or take your case to trial if necessary. Without proper representation in Indianapolis, you risk facing the full weight of the charges without a defense built to protect your future.

Why Choose Us

Why Indianapolis Clients Choose RileyCate, LLC

Proven Results
For Criminal Defense Clients

Successful outcomes obtained for individuals facing criminal charges across Indiana.

Initial
Consultation

Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your charges.

Clear Fee
Options

We discuss fee structures upfront, offering flat fee and retainer options for criminal defense representation.

Best Lawyers®
Recognized

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

What We Handle

What Our Indianapolis Defense Attorneys Handle

01. Felony Charges

A Defense Lawyer defends clients facing serious felony charges across all six levels under Indiana law, building a defense from the moment of arrest. RileyCate, LLC works to protect your rights at every stage of the process.

02. Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges still carry lasting consequences for your record and your future, and a Defense Attorney works to minimize that impact. Strict court deadlines apply, making prompt action essential.

03. Violent Crime Charges

Battery, assault, robbery, and other violent offenses require a strong defense built at every stage, and a Defense Lawyer represents clients facing those serious accusations.

04. Theft and Property Crime Charges

Burglary, theft, and other property crimes put your record and your freedom at risk, and a Defense Attorney defends clients working to protect both.

05. Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges threaten your rights, your family, and your future all at once, and a Defense Lawyer represents clients navigating these sensitive cases.

06. White Collar Crime Charges

Fraud, embezzlement, and other white collar offenses carry serious financial and reputational consequences, and a Defense Attorney defends clients accused of these crimes.

07. Probation and Parole Violations

As a Defense Lawyer, RileyCate, LLC represents clients facing probation or parole revocation, working to avoid additional incarceration.

Selecting Counsel

Choosing the Right Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis

Not every defense lawyer in Indianapolis has the trial experience needed to stand up to an aggressive prosecutor. Prosecutors know which firms will push for a plea rather than fight. When evaluating representation, look for a documented track record handling trials, evidence suppression motions, and sentencing advocacy, not just volume of cases. Consider whether the firm has experience with your specific type of charge, as violent crime cases and white collar cases often require different defense strategies.

Ask how your case will be communicated to you, and by whom. Be cautious of firms that overpromise specific outcomes. Reputable 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
Indianapolis, IN

Phone

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Your Legal Rights

Your Rights Under
Indiana Criminal Law

Right to Remain Silent

Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent and should not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present.

Right to Legal Representation

Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to an attorney at every critical stage of a criminal proceeding, from arrest through trial and sentencing.

Right to a Speedy and Fair Trial

You have the right to a speedy trial and to have the prosecution prove every element of the charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Right to Challenge Unlawful Evidence

You have the right to challenge evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure, and improperly obtained evidence may be excluded from your case.

The Process

The Criminal Defense Process in Indianapolis, Indiana

Step 01

Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation

RileyCate, LLC reviews the charges, the arrest, and the facts of your case to give you an honest assessment of your legal options and potential defenses.
Step 02

Investigation & Evidence Review

Our team reviews police reports, evidence, and witness statements, and identifies any constitutional violations that occurred during your arrest or investigation.
Step 03

Pretrial Motions & Negotiation

We file pretrial motions to suppress unlawful evidence where appropriate and negotiate firmly with the prosecutor to pursue the best possible resolution.
Step 04

Trial if Necessary

If a fair resolution cannot be reached, RileyCate, LLC is fully prepared to take your case to trial in Marion County courts. We do not back down.

Selecting Counsel

Defense Legal Services Across the Indianapolis Metro Area

RileyCate, LLC proudly serves individuals facing criminal charges not only throughout Indianapolis and Marion County but across the surrounding communities and neighboring counties throughout Central Indiana. Our deep familiarity with Marion County courts, local prosecutors, and the criminal justice process allows us to build a strong defense with precision and dedication. Whether your case is being heard in the heart of Indianapolis or in a surrounding community, you will receive the same dedicated, results-driven representation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Indianapolis

01How much does a defense lawyer cost in Indianapolis?

In Indianapolis, defense attorney costs typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 or more for misdemeanor cases, while felony cases can run anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or higher depending on the complexity and severity of the charges. Most criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis handle cases through flat fee or retainer arrangements that are discussed in detail during an initial consultation. Many local defense lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations, making it easier for potential clients to understand their options and expected costs before committing. It is worth noting that factors such as the attorney’s experience, the type of charges, and whether the case goes to trial can significantly influence the final cost.

A misdemeanor generally carries up to one year in jail, while a felony carries a potential prison sentence and long-term consequences for your record. Indiana classifies misdemeanors into three classes and felonies into six levels, each with its own sentencing range.
No. You have the right to remain silent and should not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong.
At a bail hearing, a judge determines whether you will be released while your case is pending and under what conditions. Having an attorney present can significantly improve the outcome of this hearing.
Many criminal cases in Indianapolis are resolved through negotiated plea agreements without a full trial. However, RileyCate, LLC is fully prepared to take your case to trial in Marion County courts if that is the best path to protect your rights.