Experienced Drug Possession Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN

Protecting the rights and futures of Hoosiers across Marion County for decades. Proven defense counsel for simple possession, paraphernalia, and repeat offense charges.

Decades of

Drug Possession Defense Experience

Consultation

Available

Flat Fee

Options Available

Top Rated

Best Lawyers® Recognized

Overview

Drug Possession Attorney Services in Indianapolis

Facing a drug possession charge in Indianapolis can be an overwhelming and frightening experience that affects every aspect of your life. If you have been arrested and are scheduled to appear in Marion County court, it is essential to understand that you have rights under Indiana law that deserve protection. One of the most important rights available to you is the ability to challenge an unlawful search conducted by law enforcement. Under the Fourth Amendment and the Indiana Constitution, evidence obtained through an illegal search may be suppressed and excluded from your case. A skilled drug possession lawyer in Indianapolis can thoroughly examine the circumstances of your arrest and determine whether your rights were violated. You do not have to navigate this difficult process alone. With the right legal advocate by your side, you can pursue the best possible outcome and work toward protecting your future and your freedom.

The Stakes

Why You Need a Drug Possession Attorney in Indianapolis

Even a simple possession charge in Indiana can carry a permanent criminal record, loss of driving privileges, and barriers to housing and employment, with penalties that increase sharply for a second or third offense. Most possession cases begin with a traffic stop or search, and if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Marion County, the evidence against you may be suppressed entirely.

A skilled attorney will scrutinize the stop, search, and testing procedures used against you, and negotiate firmly with the prosecutor for diversion or a reduced charge, or take your case to trial if necessary. Without proper representation in Indianapolis, you risk a conviction that follows you for years.

Why Choose Us

Why Indianapolis Clients Choose RileyCate, LLC

Proven Results
In Possession Cases

Successful outcomes obtained for clients facing possession 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 Drug Possession Attorneys Handle

01. Simple Possession Charges

Charges under Indiana’s Controlled Substances law (IC 35-48-4) for possessing a controlled substance are matters a Drug Possession Lawyer defends, challenging whether the substance was lawfully seized and whether the state can prove knowing possession.

02. Marijuana Possession Charges

Allegations involving marijuana possession, where penalties vary significantly based on quantity and prior record, are defended by a Drug Possession Attorney who understands how Indiana law treats these cases differently from more serious controlled substances.

03. Possession of Paraphernalia

Charges for possessing pipes, syringes, scales, or other items associated with drug use are defended by a Drug Possession Lawyer who scrutinizes whether the items were lawfully discovered and properly linked to you.

04. Possession with Intent to Deliver

A possession charge that prosecutors elevate to intent to deliver based on quantity, packaging, or other circumstantial evidence requires a Drug Possession Attorney who can challenge the state’s inference of intent.

05. Repeat and Enhanced Possession Offenses

A second or subsequent possession charge, which Indiana law punishes far more severely than a first offense, calls for a Drug Possession Lawyer who understands how prior convictions affect sentencing exposure.

06. Possession on School or Park Property

Enhanced penalties for alleged possession near a school, park, or youth program, which can elevate a charge to a higher felony level, are challenged by a Drug Possession Attorney who examines whether the enhancement was properly applied.

07. Juvenile Possession Charges

A minor facing a possession charge in juvenile court, where the proceedings and potential outcomes differ significantly from the adult system, is represented by a Drug Possession Lawyer who understands how to protect a young client’s future.

Selecting Counsel

Choosing the Right Drug Possession Lawyer in Indianapolis

Not every drug possession lawyer in Indianapolis has the skill to challenge an illegal search or negotiate a meaningful diversion program. When evaluating representation, look for a documented track record winning motions to suppress and securing dismissals, not just negotiating pleas. Consider whether the firm has experience with your specific substance and circumstances, as a first offense and a repeat charge 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 drug possession 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
The U.S. and Indiana Constitutions

Right to Be Free from Unreasonable Search and Seizure

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

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.

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 Marion 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.

The Process

The Drug Possession Defense Process in Indianapolis, 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 the stop, search, lab results, and chain of custody 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 diversion, 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 Marion County. We do not back down.

Selecting Counsel

Drug Possession Defense Services Across the Indianapolis Metro Area

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

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Possession Charges in Indianapolis

01How much does a drug possession lawyer cost in Indianapolis?

A Drug Possession Lawyer in Indianapolis typically charges between $1,500 and $5,000 as a flat fee for misdemeanor cases, while felony drug possession cases can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the charges. Hourly rates generally fall between $150 and $400 per hour for attorneys handling these types of cases in the Indianapolis area. Many drug possession lawyers in Indianapolis offer free initial consultations, allowing potential clients to discuss their case and understand their legal options before committing financially. Some attorneys also offer payment plans to help make legal representation more accessible for those facing drug possession charges.

A first-time possession charge in Indiana is often a misdemeanor, though penalties increase based on the substance and quantity involved, and some circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony. A skilled attorney can often negotiate alternatives to a conviction for eligible first-time offenders.
If the police conducted an illegal stop or search, evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment, which can lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges if the state’s case depends on that evidence.
Eligibility for a problem-solving drug court or pretrial diversion program depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the specific county’s program requirements. RileyCate, LLC can evaluate whether this option may be available to you.
Many, but not all, possession convictions are eligible for expungement under Indiana’s Second Chance law (IC 35-38-9), depending on the offense level, how much time has passed, and your criminal history. RileyCate, LLC can evaluate your eligibility during a consultation.