Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Delaware County

Last updated on August 31, 2026

If you have been arrested, charged, or told that you are under investigation in Delaware County, you are facing a situation that could change the rest of your life. You may be worried about jail, your job, and what your family will think, and you may not know where to turn. As a criminal defense attorney Delaware County defendants can turn to for direct, personal representation, my role is to step in quickly and protect your rights from the start.

My name is David Shircliff, and I practice law my criminal defense firm, Shircliff Law LLC. I have focused my career on criminal defense work in central Indiana, including Delaware County. When you call me, you speak with the lawyer who will stand next to you in court, not a staff member or a junior attorney.

I understand that you may not have been through anything like this before. My goal is to take control of the legal side of your problem so you can breathe again, while giving you clear, honest explanations about what is happening and what your options are. I generally offer a free initial consultation so we can talk through your charges, your background, and what is at stake before you make any decisions about representation.

If you need a criminal defense attorney you can speak with directly, I invite you to reach out today. You can also call 317-516-6487.

Decades Of Criminal Trial Experience Working For You

When you are facing a criminal charge, you need more than someone who will just show up and talk to the prosecutor. You need a criminal attorney who serves Delaware County, who knows how to try cases, and who has been tested in front of juries and judges. I have been practicing criminal law since 1990 and have devoted my career to defending people accused of crimes in Indiana.

Over the years, I have handled thousands of criminal cases of all kinds. I have served as lead counsel in more than 180 jury trials and have tried hundreds of bench trials in courts across central Indiana. My trial work has involved everything from lower-level misdemeanors to serious felony charges, including murder, rape, and sex offenses. That experience has given me a deep understanding of how prosecutors build cases and how juries react to different kinds of evidence.

Even if your case does not go to trial, this background matters. Prosecutors and judges know which lawyers are prepared to take a case into the courtroom and which ones will simply accept the first plea offer. When I walk into negotiations, I bring a long history of litigating serious matters, which can affect how the other side evaluates your case. I have built a reputation as a lawyer who hates to lose and has won at every level, and I work every day to live up to that standard for the people I represent.

How I Defend You In Delaware County And The Surrounding Courts

As a criminal defense attorney serving Delaware County, I regularly appear in its courts and those in several other central Indiana counties, including Hamilton, Hendricks, Madison and Marion. Understanding how each local court works is an important part of building a strong defense strategy.

When I take on your case, I start by reviewing the charging documents, the police reports and any available evidence. I look closely at how the investigation was conducted, how any statements were obtained and whether your constitutional rights were respected. I then talk with you in detail about what happened and about your goals, whether that means minimizing the impact of a first offense, protecting a professional license or fighting a serious accusation head-on.

Criminal cases usually move through several stages. There is an initial hearing, where the court addresses the bond and informs you of the charges. There is the discovery stage, where the prosecution must provide the defense with any evidence they plan to use. There can be motions to suppress evidence, negotiations with the prosecutor and, if necessary, a trial before a judge or jury. I will guide you through each of these steps, explain what to expect in Delaware County or any other courts where we need appear, and help you decide when it makes sense to negotiate and when it may be better to prepare for trial.

Throughout this process, I will handle every aspect of your case myself. I do not pass hearings, negotiations, or strategy decisions to associates. When you have a question about a court date or a piece of evidence, you speak directly with me. My goal is to combine thorough legal work with clear, steady leadership so you always know where your case stands and where it is heading.

Criminal Defense Attorney Providing A Compassionately Aggressive Approach To Your Defense In Delaware County

People often tell me they want a lawyer who will be both tough and straightforward. That is how I would describe my practice. I call my style “compassionately aggressive,” because I believe you deserve someone who will fight hard in the courtroom and also treat you with honesty and respect in private.

In our conversations, I will tell you what I see in your case without sugar coating it. If there are weaknesses, I will point them out. If there are strong defenses, I will explain how we can use them. Clients have described me as sincere, upfront, honest, reliable, relentless and decisive. I work to earn those words by showing up prepared, making clear recommendations, and following through on the strategy we decide together.

As a solo criminal defense lawyer that people charged in Delaware County can call directly, I will take your calls and respond to your messages as promptly as I can. I know that waiting for answers can be one of the hardest parts of a criminal case. I make a point of keeping my clients informed about court dates, deadlines and developments so they are never left guessing. My aim is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your life, while still involving you in every important decision.

Criminal Charges I Commonly Handle In Delaware County

Criminal cases in Delaware County can involve a wide range of allegations. Over the course of my career, I have defended people facing many different types of charges in Delaware County and other central Indiana courts. Whether your case is a first offense or part of a longer history with the system, it deserves careful attention.

Some of the kinds of charges I regularly handle include operating while intoxicated (OWI) and other traffic-related offenses, drug possession and dealing allegations, theft and property crimes, and domestic-related accusations. I have also represented clients in serious felony matters such as violent offenses, murder, rape and other sex offenses. Each of these categories carries different potential penalties, from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences.

Every situation is unique. The facts of the incident, your prior record, the strength of the evidence and the court where the case is filed all play a role in what may be possible. When we meet, I will take the time to understand the details and to explain the specific risks and options that apply to you. I currently focus my practice on active criminal defense rather than on expungements, appeals, or post conviction work, so my energy stays on protecting clients facing live charges.

What To Do Right Now If You Are Facing A Charge

When you have just been charged with a crime, it is easy to feel frozen and unsure of what to do. The steps you take at this stage can affect your case, so it helps to have clear guidance. Here are some actions that can protect you while you decide how to move forward.

Take these practical steps to protect yourself:

• Do not talk to police or investigators without a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Politely state that you want an attorney and do not answer questions about the incident until you have legal advice.
• Keep paperwork and court notices organized. Save your charging information, bond documents, and any notices from the Delaware County court. Bring these to our consultation so we can see exactly what has been filed.
• Avoid discussing your case in public or online. What you say on social media, in text messages or even in casual conversations can sometimes be used against you. It is safer to keep the details between you and your lawyer.
• Write down what you remember while it is still fresh. Make notes about times, locations, names of witnesses and anything else that might be important. These details can be valuable later when we review the evidence.
• Do not skip court dates. Failing to appear can create new problems and additional charges. If you are unsure about where to go or what time to arrive, I can help you prepare.

The most important step is often to speak with a criminal defense attorney you can reach easily and early in the process. I am available to review your situation, explain what the charges mean, and discuss what we might be able to do before you decide whether to plead, negotiate or fight the case at trial.

To discuss your case in confidence, call 317-516-6487 and ask to speak with me.

Frequently Asked Questions

My clients often have a lot of questions when they haven’t worked with a lawyer on a legal matter or face criminal charges before. Here, I have answered some common questions to get you started.

What should you do right after being charged with a crime?

The first thing you should do after being charged is protect your rights by staying calm and avoiding any statements that could be used against you. That usually means not answering questions from police or investigators about the incident until you have spoken with a lawyer. You should keep all paperwork the court or officers give you and make sure you know the date and location of your next hearing, which will generally be in a Delaware County court.

It is also wise to avoid talking about the details of your case with friends, family, or on social media, because those conversations are not confidential. Instead, write down what you remember and bring that information to our meeting. When you contact me, I will review the charges with you, look at where your case is in the process, and help you decide on the safest next steps before you do anything that could limit your options.

How will you handle my case in Delaware County court?

When I handle a case in Delaware County court, I start by carefully reviewing the charging documents, police reports, and any other materials the prosecutor has provided. I meet with you to hear your account in your own words and to understand your priorities, such as avoiding a conviction, limiting jail exposure or reducing the impact on work and family. From there, I begin to identify legal and factual issues that we may be able to challenge.

I typically file any appropriate motions, such as motions to suppress evidence if your rights may have been violated, and I engage with the prosecutor to learn how they are viewing the case. Together, we will discuss potential plea options and the risks and benefits of going to trial, based on the evidence and the court involved. Throughout the process, I appear with you at hearings, explain what is happening in plain language, and work to ensure that every decision we make is informed and deliberate.

Will your case go to trial, or can it be resolved sooner?

Many criminal cases resolve without a trial, often through plea agreements or other negotiated outcomes. Whether your case should go to trial depends on a number of factors, including the strength of the evidence, the legal issues in the case, your goals, and the potential consequences of a conviction. As a criminal defense lawyer Delaware County defendants can rely on for trial experience, I am always prepared to take a case to trial when that is in your best interest.

When we meet, I will explain what the likely paths are in your specific situation. We talk about possible resolutions, what a plea would look like, and what it would mean to set the case for trial. I do not guarantee how any case will turn out, but I give you my honest assessment of the risks and potential outcomes so you can make a decision you can live with.

How much will it cost to hire me for your criminal case?

The cost of hiring me for a criminal matter depends on the nature of the charges, the complexity of the case and the amount of work that may be involved. Felony cases, multiple counts and matters that appear likely to go to trial usually require more time and preparation than a simple misdemeanor. I generally offer a free initial consultation, so we can talk about the case and I can give you a clearer sense of what representation may cost before you commit to anything.

I understand that a criminal charge can strain your finances, so I work to be fair and transparent about fees. While I do not publish a formal payment plan, I am often able to be flexible and find solutions that help clients manage their legal costs. During our meeting, we discuss fees openly, what work is included and how payments can be arranged so there are no surprises later.

Will you be able to talk directly with me about your case?

Yes. When you hire me, you work directly with me. I am a solo criminal defense attorney that people charged in Delaware County can call when they want to speak directly with the defense attorney handling their case. I will not assign your file to associates or junior lawyers. I will personally handle the hearings, negotiations and trial preparation, and I am the one who will stand beside you in court.

I take communication seriously. I strive to return calls and messages as promptly as I can, and I make a point of updating you when there are developments in your case or when decisions need to be made. You should never feel like you are in the dark about what is happening. My goal is that you always know who to call and that you feel heard and involved throughout the process.

What kinds of criminal cases do you take in Delaware County?

I handle a wide range of criminal cases that arise from incidents in this part of central Indiana. These include offenses such as operating while intoxicated, drug-related charges, theft and property crimes, and various types of violent or domestic-related allegations. I also represent people facing serious felony accusations, including murder, rape and other sex offenses, in Delaware County and nearby courts.

At this stage in my career, I focus primarily on active criminal defense. I currently take on fewer matters involving expungements, post-conviction proceedings, appeals, or sentence modifications. If you are not sure whether your situation fits within my practice, we can discuss it during a consultation, and I can let you know if I am the right person to assist you.

How honest will you be with you about my chances?

I believe you deserve straight answers about your case. When you ask about your chances, I will tell you what I see based on the evidence, the law, your history and the court where your case is pending. I do not make promises I cannot keep or offer guarantees about outcomes, because too many factors are outside any lawyer’s control.

What I do provide is a clear assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, along with realistic options for how to move forward. I explain the risks associated with different choices, whether that involves negotiating a resolution or preparing for trial. My goal is that you feel fully informed and that you can trust that the advice you receive from me is candid and focused on your long term interests.

I generally offer a free initial consultation so you can ask questions, learn how the Delaware County process works, and hear how I would approach your situation before you decide what to do next. Contact me online today.