Hamilton County Criminal Defense Attorney

Last updated on September 18, 2026

If you face criminal charges, the outcome of your case can dramatically and permanently change your life. You need an attorney with experience, knowledge and a passion for criminal defense to fight for you.

I am attorney David Shircliff. At Shircliff Law LLC, I represent clients across central Indiana in tough criminal cases.

Relentless Defense To Protect Your Rights In Central Indiana

With over 30 years of experience, I know how to leverage my legal knowledge to help you achieve your goals, protect your reputation and, whenever possible, keep you out of jail. When you work with me, you receive the small-firm attention you deserve with the large-firm experience required to present a strong defense on your behalf.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Representation

No matter what criminal charge you face, you deserve experienced legal counsel. From violent offenses to drug crimes and traffic violations, I have decades of experience assisting clients in a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases.

At Shircliff Law LLC, I can defend you against a variety of criminal charges, including:

• Misdemeanors such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, petty theft and vandalism
• OWI and traffic offenses
• Felonies of all kinds
• Violent crimes, including homicide
• Drug charges, including possession and drug dealing offenses
• Weapons charges
• Domestic violence allegations
• Juvenile offenses

In some instances, a misdemeanor charge can be upgraded to a felony. Having a strong legal defender by your side is vital to protect your rights. Most felony offenses carry stiff penalties, and the judgment can be life-altering. I know that every case is different, and the conditions of a crime may vary. When you work with me, I will tailor a legal strategy to suit your needs and goals.

What To Do After You Are Arrested

When you are under arrest for a criminal charge, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, the first few moments are vital to building the foundation of your defense. Your defense rests on two important actions: remaining silent and asking for an attorney.

The right to remain silent is one of the most powerful weapons in your defensive arsenal because it puts you in control of information. Police and prosecutors have the right and the incentive to lie and manipulate you into revealing information. And, furthermore, any information you give them can once again be twisted into the worst possible interpretation. Speaking to police, without guardrails or advice, is one of the fastest ways to get into deeper water, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. But it can be hard to mount a defense if you don’t speak, which is why you should call for an attorney.

As your attorney, I will immediately use the levers available under your rights and the criminal justice system to give you breathing room. I protect your rights with toughness and strength, sure. But I also have experience and insight. I bring intellectual resources to the fight for your freedom that you will rely on and appreciate as things progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Law

If you’re facing a charge, you need answers now. And while some of your questions are going to be specific to your charge and circumstances, many are going to be more general. Most of my clients start discussions with me with questions like these below.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge?

Under Indiana law, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is only about how long you may spend incarcerated. If the time is less than a year, it is a misdemeanor; if it is more than a year, it is a felony.

However, that hard line of a year incarcerated does not describe the long-term impacts of a conviction, even for a misdemeanor. You can face problems with finding a job, securing a loan, opening a business and many other areas of your life.

How can a criminal defense lawyer help get your charges reduced or dismissed?

As a criminal defense lawyer, I can be aggressive with the evidence and testimony arrayed against you in ways that you can’t. Using evidentiary hearings and depositions, I can undermine or even have evidence thrown out. The more aggressive I am with the case against you, the more likely the prosecution will seek to lessen the charges or even outright dismiss them.

How long will your criminal case take?

There is no set amount of time for how long a criminal case can take. Depending on factors, you may be before a judge in a few weeks or months, or years in some cases. While you do have the right to a speedy trial, there are often delays that make it logistically difficult. I will fight for you to get you the fair outcome no matter how long it takes.

Rely On Me When You Have A Serious Charge

I’m a competitive person in my personal and professional life. I see the charges against you as the ultimate challenge and will fight to protect you with everything I have. I never lose sight of your personal stakes at any point. But I do not back down from protecting you. Call my office today for a free consultation at 317-516-6487 or send an email using this online form.