Finding the right criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference when you are facing an arrest, investigation, or criminal charge in Indianapolis. The right lawyer should understand Indiana criminal law, know how local courts operate, and have meaningful experience handling cases similar to yours.
Indianapolis and Marion County have numerous criminal defense lawyers and firms, ranging from solo practitioners who personally handle every case to larger defense teams with experience in complex felony and federal matters.
This guide highlights 10 Indianapolis-area criminal defense firms worth considering. The attorneys and firms were selected based on factors such as criminal defense experience, courtroom background, familiarity with Indiana prosecutors and courts, areas of practice, and the types of cases they regularly handle.
When evaluating a criminal defense lawyer, consider more than online reviews or advertising. Ask whether the attorney regularly practices in the court where your case is pending, whether they have handled similar charges, and who will actually represent you at hearings and trial.
Here is the list of all Indianapolis criminal defense law firms:
1. The Criminal Defense Team (Baldwin, Perry & Wiley, P.C.)
- Key Attorneys: Andrew J. Baldwin, Founding Partner; Kathie A. Perry, Managing Partner Indianapolis Office: 1060 Villa Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203
- Phone: (317) 687-8326
- Website: criminaldefenseteam.com
- Primary Focus: Criminal defense
- Practice Area Page: Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
Firm Overview:
Established in 2007 by Andrew Baldwin, the firm is managed by Kathie Perry, who brought nearly 15 years of litigation experience opposing Marion County prosecutors prior to joining. Five team members—Baldwin, Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael Cunningham—hold certification as Criminal Trial Specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
Strategically situated less than a mile from the Marion County Criminal Justice Campus, the firm offers rapid access for jail consultations and urgent hearings. For federal cases, they deploy a two-attorney team to every file. Their successful defense of Alison Davis in *State of Indiana v. Alison Davis* gained national attention on CBS’s *48 Hours*.
2. The Renner Law Office
- Key Attorneys: Stephanie Renner, Founding Attorney; Mark Renner, Attorney
- Address: 1512 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Phone: (317) 771-8535
- Website: therennerlawoffice.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, federal defense, expungement, protective orders, family law
Firm Overview:
Stephanie Renner brings extensive expertise in complex white-collar litigation, homicide defense, and federal Sentencing Guidelines, complimented by a background serving as a judicial clerk in Marion Superior Court. Attorney Mark Renner adds over four decades of legal tenure. His past roles include serving as a Marion County judicial officer, founding the county’s Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, and acting as a chief felony DUI prosecutor.
Key Takeaways:
Clients benefit from deep judicial and prosecutorial insights across nearly 150 jury trials, along with flexible payment options. Because the practice handles both criminal defense and domestic relations, individuals seeking a sole-focus criminal firm should discuss caseload distribution.
3. Keffer Hirschauer LLP
- Key Attorneys: Bradley Keffer, Founding Partner; Tom F. Hirschauer III, Partner
- Address: 8440 Allison Pointe Blvd., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46250
- Phone: (317) 648-9560
- Website: indyjustice.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/OWI, drug crimes, firearms offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, white-collar crimes, expungement, Title IX defense
Firm Overview:
Built on a foundation of defense litigation and constitutional advocacy, Keffer Hirschauer features attorneys with direct history as Indiana deputy prosecutors and public defenders. Team members have held targeted roles within the Marion County DUI Prosecution Unit, directed the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team, and managed the county's Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Key Takeaways:
The firm manages cases across the full spectrum—from early pre-filing investigations to post-conviction relief and appeals. Ancillary legal services like Title IX representation and gun permit appeals make the firm well-suited for professionals, students, and gun owners facing collateral legal issues.
4. Banks & Brower, LLC
- Key Attorneys: Brad Banks and Adam Brower, Founding Attorneys
- Address: 8710 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
- Phone: (317) 870-0019
- Website: banksbrower.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, OWI/DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, theft, firearms offenses, probation violations, expungement
Firm Overview:
Formed in 2012 by two former deputy prosecutors, Banks & Brower has established a track record of trial victories, including jury acquittals in homicide and drug dealing trials, as well as pre-trial dismissals achieved through evidence suppression motions.
Key Takeaways:
Their reach spans Marion County and adjacent jurisdictions including Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Shelby, Hancock, and Boone counties. While offering 24/7 client response and jail visits, defense representation is provided alongside civil practice areas like personal injury and immigration.
5. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Key Attorney: Joe Suhre, Managing Attorney
- Address: 101 W. Ohio St., Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Phone: (317) 759-2599
- Website: suhrelawindianapolis.com
- Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, criminal defense, federal defense, sex crimes, drug offenses, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Firm Overview:
Headquartered in downtown Indianapolis near the State Capitol and local courts, Suhre & Associates is led by a former law enforcement officer. The practice incorporates former police personnel trained in standardized field sobriety protocols and chemical breath testing equipment.
Key Takeaways:
The firm leverages law enforcement technical knowledge to scrutinize police procedures in OWI and felony arrests. Immediate 24/7 intake support ensures that clients detained outside standard business hours receive immediate legal intervention.
6. Marc Lopez Law Firm
- Key Attorney: Marc Lopez, Founding Attorney
- Indianapolis Offices: 120 E. Market St., Suite 710, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 8435 Keystone Crossing, Suite 250, Indianapolis, IN 46240
- Phone: (317) 632-3642
- Website: marclopezlaw.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, OWI/DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex offenses, personal injury
Firm Overview:
Prior to founding his defense practice, Marc Lopez prosecuted thousands of criminal cases as a Marion County deputy prosecutor. He is an active member of the National College for DUI Defense, giving him dedicated insight into field testing and chemical analysis protocols.
Key Takeaways:
With dual offices downtown and on the Northside at Keystone Crossing, the firm offers convenient access throughout the city. Their dual focus on personal injury is beneficial for cases involving motor vehicle accidents that give rise to both criminal charges and civil litigation.
7. Jackson Legal Services, P.C.
- Key Attorney: Katie Jackson-Lindsay, Founder and Managing Attorney
- Address: 3676 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205
- Phone: (317) 974-9779
- Website: jacksonlegalindy.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, major felonies, drug crimes, firearms cases, homicide
Firm Overview:
Katie Jackson-Lindsay established her firm in 2013 following service as a Marion County deputy prosecutor. Having conducted more than 150 jury trials, her practice concentrates primarily on complex, high-level felony defense in central Indiana courts.
Key Takeaways:
Recognized by Super Lawyers (2024–2026) and inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers in March 2025, Jackson-Lindsay brings top-tier courtroom advocacy to clients facing severe criminal penalties.
8. Eskew Law
- Key Attorney: Christopher Eskew, Founding Attorney
- Address: 255 Alabama St., Floor 3, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Phone: (317) 974-0177
- Website: eskewlaw.com
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, weapons charges, property crimes, personal injury, family law
Firm Overview:
Christopher Eskew developed early trial skills through the Criminal Defense Clinic at IU McKinney School of Law. A Super Lawyers honoree, he maintains active memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense.
Key Takeaways:
The firm emphasizes a readiness to take cases to trial when favorable plea negotiations cannot be reached. Prospective clients seeking pure criminal specialization should evaluate how the firm allocates time across its civil and family practice areas.
9. Stark DUI Lawyers (Stark Law Offices, P.C.)
- Attorney: Gregg J. Stark
- Address: 450 E. 96th St., Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46240
- Phone: (317) 846-7777
- Website: indianaduiattorney.org
- Practice Areas: DUI/OWI defense, criminal defense, juvenile defense
Firm Overview:
Gregg Stark has dedicated more than three decades to defending drunk driving allegations across Indiana. Located near Meridian Street and I-465, his office provides prompt access to both Marion and Hamilton County courtrooms, where he has practiced for 25 years.
Key Takeaways:
Stark offers personal representation, guaranteeing that every case is directly managed by a senior attorney. While ideal for clients seeking individual focus on OWI charges, complex multi-defendant felony trials may benefit from larger legal defense teams.
10. Rigney Law LLC
- Key Attorneys: Jacob T. Rigney and A. Kassi Rigney, Founding Partners
- Address: 250 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205
- Phone: (317) 623-0989
- Website: rigneylawindy.com
- Practice Areas: OWI/DUI, drug crimes, homicide, weapons offenses, domestic violence, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, expungement, driver's-license rehabilitation
Firm Overview:
Jacob Rigney spent over a decade rising from misdemeanor prosecutor to major felony supervisor in Marion County. He partnered in 2017 with A. Kassi Rigney, who similarly served nearly 12 years as a deputy prosecuting attorney.
Key Takeaways:
Both partners bring deep prosecutorial insights into state charging strategies and plea bargaining dynamics in Marion County. Combined with a focus on expungements and license relief, the firm delivers end-to-end representation centered on trial readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OWI and DUI in Indiana?
Indiana law generally uses the term operating while intoxicated (OWI), although "DUI" remains a common term used by the public and many law firms.
In practical terms, both terms generally refer to impaired-driving offenses. An OWI arrest can create both a criminal court case and separate driver's-license consequences. Because those processes can operate independently, contacting an attorney early can help you understand both.
How serious are criminal charges in Indiana?
Indiana divides felony offenses into six levels, with Level 6 being the least serious felony classification and Level 1 generally representing the most serious felony offenses. Misdemeanors are classified separately.
The potential sentence depends on the specific offense, the defendant's criminal history, and other circumstances. A Level 6 felony can carry substantially different consequences from a Level 1 felony, while serious violent offenses can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Anyone facing criminal charges should ask an attorney to explain the specific classification of the offense, possible sentencing range, and any enhanced penalties that could apply.
Should I hire a former prosecutor as my defense lawyer?
A former prosecutor can bring valuable insight into how the State approaches criminal cases. Prosecutors routinely evaluate evidence, determine charges, negotiate plea agreements, and prepare cases for trial.
Several firms on this list have attorneys with prosecution backgrounds, including Banks & Brower and Marc Lopez Law Firm. Blankenship Law also has relevant prosecutorial experience.
However, prosecutorial experience alone does not guarantee that an attorney is the right fit. Trial experience, knowledge of the particular charge, communication style, availability, and familiarity with the court handling the case should also be considered.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal criminal case?
Federal criminal cases are different from ordinary state prosecutions. In Indianapolis, federal criminal matters are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and follow federal rules and sentencing procedures.
If federal investigators are contacting you, you have received a grand jury subpoena, or you have already been federally charged, look for an attorney who specifically handles federal criminal defense.
The Criminal Defense Team and Suhre & Associates are among the firms on this list that advertise federal criminal defense services.
Can a criminal record be expunged in Indiana?
Some Indiana arrests and criminal convictions may qualify for expungement or record sealing under Indiana law. Eligibility depends on factors such as the offense, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time that has passed.
The process can also involve filing requirements that vary depending on where records exist.
Firms such as Keffer Hirschauer, Banks & Brower, and Blankenship Law offer expungement-related services. An attorney can review your specific record and explain whether you may qualify.
Is a large criminal defense firm better than a solo attorney?
Not necessarily. Each model has advantages.
A larger practice can provide multiple attorneys and additional resources for complicated cases. That may be useful when a case involves numerous witnesses, extensive forensic evidence, multiple defendants, or a lengthy trial.
A solo attorney may offer more direct communication with one lawyer and continuity throughout the case. That can be attractive in matters such as a straightforward OWI or other case where personal attention is particularly important.
The most important question is not simply the size of the firm. Ask who will handle your case, how much relevant experience that lawyer has, and whether the firm's resources match the complexity of your charges.
Final Thoughts
An Indianapolis criminal charge can have consequences extending well beyond the courtroom. Depending on the circumstances, a case can affect your driver's license, employment, professional credentials, finances, family relationships, and future opportunities.
The firms on this list offer different approaches. Some concentrate almost exclusively on criminal defense, while others combine criminal work with areas such as family law, personal injury, or immigration. Some have large teams, while others emphasize direct representation by one experienced attorney.
Before choosing a lawyer, compare the attorney's experience with the specific charge you are facing, ask who will personally handle your case, and make sure you understand the firm's fees and representation process.
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