Jeffrey Richard Cardella

Jeff Cardella is a criminal defense attorney and expungement lawyer serving clients throughout Indianapolis and the entire State of Indiana. He has personally handled thousands of criminal cases and has extensive experience in every stage of the criminal justice process, including jury trials, court trials, suppression hearings, post-conviction relief, forfeiture litigation, civil rights lawsuits, federal and state appeals, oral argument, probation violations, expungements, specialized driving privileges, and plea negotiations. Jeff began his legal career as a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, focused on protecting the Constitutional rights of individuals accused of crimes. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the best criminal attorneys in Indianapolis, known for his deep knowledge of criminal law, strategic defense work, and the ability to identify flaws in the State’s case that other attorneys might miss. Many clients specifically seek him out when they want an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who combines trial experience with detailed legal analysis. He also taught Criminal Law at the Indiana University School of Law and has served as a Judge pro tem. His experience teaching criminal law has helped him stay current on developments in Indiana criminal procedure, constitutional law, and evidentiary issues that affect everyday cases. Jeff’s work has shaped Indiana law. He filed the federal class action Washington v. Marion County Prosecutor, in which Indiana’s vehicle forfeiture statute was held unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution. He also co-authored the amicus brief in Timbs v. State of Indiana, a landmark United States Supreme Court case holding that Indiana’s forfeiture practices violated the Excessive Fines Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In addition, Jeff has filed more than a dozen successful federal lawsuits against the Indiana Department of Correction challenging solitary-confinement procedures, and he has prevailed in multiple civil rights lawsuits against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for unconstitutional arrests violating the First Amendment. Jeff has been selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys by The National Trial Lawyers, recognized as a Top Ten Attorney in Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and honored as a Top 10 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. These recognitions, along with the results he has achieved for clients, have led many to regard him as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Indiana. His appellate work, expungement practice, and criminal trial experience have further strengthened this reputation statewide. His clients have included a fellow criminal defense attorney, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer, and two former Marion County Sheriff’s deputies accused of criminal misconduct—individuals who placed their professional reputations in his hands. This trust reflects the level of confidence placed in Jeff by people who understand the criminal justice system. In law school, Jeff worked for the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office, giving him key insight into how prosecutors build cases and where procedural weaknesses can be found. This dual perspective allows him to spot errors, leverage technical defects, and identify opportunities to protect his clients’ rights. Jeff is known for providing high-quality representation at reasonable prices compared to other top criminal defense attorneys in Indiana. He treats every client as a real person—not just a case number—and he believes that even good people can find themselves facing criminal charges. His goal is simple: provide excellent legal representation, explain the law clearly, listen to each client’s goals, and fight for the best possible result. Jeff serves clients across all 92 Indiana counties, including Indianapolis/Marion County; Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville in Hamilton County; Greenwood and Franklin in Johnson County; Danville and Plainfield in Hendricks County; Bloomington, Muncie, Anderson, Lebanon, Martinsville, Greenfield, and many more communities throughout Indiana. His work throughout these regions has led many longtime clients to refer to him—quietly and without fanfare—as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Indiana, a reflection of both results and reputation. If you have been charged with a crime, are seeking an expungement, or need help with forfeiture, civil rights violations, DUI, drug cases, domestic violence allegations, theft charges, federal criminal matters, or any other criminal issue, you may contact Jeff directly at 317-695-7700 for a free consultation. Phone calls are answered seven days a week. Awards and Honors Honors Top 100 Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers, 2025 - Present Top Ten Attorney in the State of Indiana by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2019 Top 10 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2019

• Owner

• Hendricks County Prosecutors Office

• Criminal Procedure Skills, IU Mckinney, 2016 - 2022
• UPWARD! HIGHER: HOW A LAW FACULTY STAYS AHEAD OF THE CURVE, IU Mckinney, 2017 - Present

• Indiana
• Supreme Court of the United States of America
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit