Choosing a criminal defense attorney or expungement lawyer that is a good match for you is a difficult decision. Selecting a criminal attorney who is a good match for you is crucial for several reasons. A good match ensures that your attorney understands your needs and concerns, and you feel comfortable communicating openly with them. Effective communication is essential for building a strong defense strategy. You’ll be placing a lot of trust in your attorney to handle a critical and potentially life-altering situation. It’s important to have confidence in their abilities and trust that they have your best interests at heart. Different attorneys have varying areas of expertise and experience. Finding someone who specializes in criminal law and has experience with cases similar to yours increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Legal issues can be stressful and overwhelming. An attorney who is a good match will provide not only legal expertise but also emotional support, helping you navigate the process more smoothly. Your attorney should align with your preferred legal strategy. Some clients may prefer a more aggressive approach, while others might opt for negotiation and settlement. A good match will ensure your attorney’s methods align with your goals.

Finding the right criminal attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your overall experience throughout the legal process. It is important to also choose an attorney who is in your pice range.

While I obviously have a bias in my recommendations (especially towards myself and attorneys  work closely with) I also understand that I might not be a perfect match for every single client.  It is important to have a good connection with your attorney, and to select a lawyer who is a good match for your goals and your budget.  There are many qualified attorneys in Indianapolis, and I recommend a few that you should consider below:

1. Christina Gomez

Christina Gomez is a criminal defense litigation attorney and expungement lawyer who practices in Indiana, including Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Madison, Henry, and Monroe county Indiana. Gomez focuses her practice on criminal law matters, including criminal defense, expungements, DUI/DWI and other drug or alcohol-related offenses, as well as sentence modifications. Gomez handles litigation involving violations of individual civil rights and due process as well as abuse and overreach by law enforcement and other government actors. Gomez was born and raised in the inner city of Los Angeles, California. Coming from this area exposed her to the trials and tribulations faced by many in economically depressed areas. This has given Gomez a unique perspective and made her a zealous advocate for individuals when are facing a crisis, are accused of committing a crime or are forced to respond to action initiated by a governmental entity. Gomez went to undergrad in Southern California, earning her B.A. in History from California State University Dominguez Hills. Gomez later recieved her J.D. from Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Gomez is very family orientated and spends much of her free time enjoying Indiana’a many State Parks with her family. If you have questions about a criminal matter in Indiana, you can contact Indianapolis criminal lawyer Christina Gomez by clicking here.

2. Jeff Cardella

Jeff Cardella launched his legal career in Indianapolis as a dedicated criminal defense attorney, fiercely protecting his clients’ Constitutional rights against government overreach. Throughout his career, he has navigated every aspect of the criminal justice system, including jury trials, court trials, suppression hearings, post-conviction relief, forfeiture proceedings, civil rights actions, appeals, oral arguments, probation revocation hearings, expungements, record sealing, hardship license petitions, specialized driving privileges, and plea negotiations.

Cardella’s office has earned recognition as one of Indiana’s top ten law firms by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. He has also been acknowledged as one of the top ten criminal defense attorneys in Indiana under 40 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Additionally, Cardella has taught criminal law at the Indiana University School of Law and served as a Judge pro tem in Indianapolis.

Cardella’s impressive portfolio includes representing a fellow criminal defense attorney, an Indianapolis Metro Police Officer, and two former Marion County Sheriff’s deputies in cases involving illegal activity allegations. He successfully filed the Federal Class Action lawsuit of Washington v. Marion County Prosecutor, which led to the declaration of Indiana’s vehicle forfeiture statute as unconstitutional under the Due Process clause of the US Constitution. Cardella also co-authored the amicus brief for the landmark United States Supreme Court case of Timbs v. State of Indiana, which held that Indiana’s attempts at forfeiture were unconstitutional under the Excessive Fines clause of the US Constitution.

Furthermore, Cardella has successfully handled over a dozen lawsuits against the Indiana Department of Corrections, challenging solitary confinement procedures under the Due Process Clause of the US Constitution. He has also filed several successful lawsuits against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for arrests violating the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Cardella’s primary objective is to deliver exceptional legal representation at reasonable prices, especially when compared to other top-tier criminal attorneys in Indiana. He recognizes that each client is an individual, not just a case file. Cardella believes that everyone deserves an attorney who will vigorously defend their rights in court and protect their Constitutional freedoms.

For more information about Cardella’s services and practice areas is available here. If you have any questions about your case, and wish to speak with an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney, Indiana Expungement Attorney, Indiana Forfeiture Lawyer, or Indiana Civil Rights Lawyer, and are looking at the higher end of the price spectrum, and wish to speak to Indianapolis Criminal Lawyer & Expungement Attorney Jeff Cardella, you can visit the website for the Law Office of Jeff Cardella Criminal Defense Attorney & Expungement Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana by clicking here

3. Josiah Swinney

Josiah Swinney is a seasoned trial lawyer with a strong track record of handling complex criminal cases that have garnered significant public attention. He has successfully represented clients at both the trial and appeal levels, securing favorable outcomes in high-profile matters ¹. Swinney’s impressive work has earned him recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2022, 2023, and 2024, a distinction reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40.

Swinney graduated with honors from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and began his legal career clerking for Solicitor General Thomas M. Fisher. During this time, he drafted for multiple cases litigated in the Supreme Court of the United States, including one that went to oral argument. Swinney also advised the Indiana Attorney General on whether to join cases in other states and federal circuits.

His success in this role led to his appointment as Deputy Attorney General, where he served his community. Today, Swinney practices in trial courts across Indiana, the Court of Appeals, and the Indiana Supreme Court. His published wins can be found on Casetext or Westlaw. If you want to contact Indianapolis Criminal Attorney Josiah Swinney, you can visit his website by clicking here.

4. Stephanie Renner

Stephanie Renner’s law practice concentrates on providing expert counsel in criminal defense, expungement proceedings, prenuptial agreements, and divorce cases. Renner earned her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Following graduation, she gained valuable experience in criminal defense work at both the state and federal levels as a law clerk for J. Edgar Law Offices.

Renner’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Butler University, which she earned in 2016. Prior to attending law school, she worked as a bailiff in the Marion Superior Court, Civil Division, under Judge Joven. Renner is known for bringing her canine companions to the office, affectionately referring to them as her “para-beagles.” If you would like to contact Indianapolis Criminal Lawyer and Expungement Attorney Stephanie Renner, you can visit her website by clicking here.

5. Bob Hill 

Bob Hill is an experienced attorney who now runs the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  While he generally does not personally handle cases, he has many deputy criminal lawyers who handle criminal cases in Indianapolis.  Public defenders are an excellent option for many individuals who cannot afford private legal representation.