Hamilton County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Last updated on August 28, 2026

Drug crime charges can affect your freedom, career and reputation in ways that extend far beyond the courtroom. When your freedom is on the line, you need a lawyer who takes your case as seriously as you do.

I am attorney David Shircliff. With over 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney fighting for the rights of the accused, I have a long history of successfully defending against drug-related offenses, and I know what it takes to challenge the prosecution’s case.

I will personally oversee every detail of your defense, from the initial investigation to the final resolution. I do not hand cases off to associates. You get my full attention and decades of insight when you hire me. My approach is compassionate with my clients and aggressively strategic against the opposition. I aim to protect you, challenge the evidence against you and seek the best possible outcome. I am ready to fight for you in the courtroom, just as I have for thousands of other clients.

Understanding Your Rights: A Guide For Those Facing Drug Charges

When confronted with drug charges, it’s essential to understand your rights and the options available to you. The legal landscape surrounding drug offenses can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference. Here’s what you need to know:

• The right to remain silent: You are not obligated to answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s crucial to exercise this right.
• The right to legal counsel: If you’re arrested, you have the right to seek legal counsel. Contacting an experienced lawyer as early as possible can influence the outcome of your case.
• Understanding drug classifications: Different drugs have different legal implications. Knowing whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge is important for strategizing your defense.
• Potential defenses: There are various defenses that might apply to your case, including lack of possession, improper search and seizure, or the necessity defense. Your attorney can help identify which defenses may be most effective in your situation.

I prioritize educating my clients about their rights and legal options. I believe that staying informed empowers you to make the best decisions during this challenging time. Don’t navigate these murky waters alone – reach out today to discuss your case and explore your defenses.

Highway Traffic Stops And Legal Marijuana

Marijuana use and possession are illegal in Indiana, but that’s not the case just over the border in Michigan. It is a standard practice for people to cross the border to legally purchase marijuana and head home, but police set up checkpoints and can and do stop drivers along the main drags of Interstate 69 and state Route 37.

If you are stopped in one of these checkpoints designed to specifically search vehicles for marijuana, you still have rights. The police must have probable cause to conduct a search of any car, and without probable cause, anything found on a search is inadmissible in court.

Why Choose Shircliff Law LLC For Your Defense?

When it comes to navigating the complexities of drug crime charges, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. At Shircliff Law LLC, I understand the nuances of Indiana law and the high stakes involved in drug-related offenses. Here are several reasons why clients in Hamilton County and throughout central Indiana trust me with their defense:

• Personalized legal strategy: I take the time to understand your unique situation, ensuring a tailored approach that best addresses your needs and objectives.
• Extensive experience: I have successfully defended numerous clients against drug charges, leveraging my experience to negotiate favorable outcomes.
• Strong communication: I prioritize transparency and keep you informed at every stage of the legal process, so you always know what to expect.
• Comprehensive support: Beyond the courtroom, I provide guidance and resources to help you understand the potential consequences and options available to you.
• Commitment to your future: Our ultimate goal is to protect your rights and help you move forward in life, free from the burden of a criminal record.

Facing a drug charge can be daunting, but with Shircliff Law LLC by your side, you won’t have to navigate it alone. Contact my firm today for a consultation and let me help you take back control of your future.

FAQ On Drug Crimes

Indiana pursues criminal drug charges as aggressively as possible, and under the intense scrutiny of a drug case, the last thing you need is uncertainty. And that’s why I answer any questions you may have, including some common questions like the following.

What should you do if police find drugs in your car or home?

If police conduct a search of your home or car and find drugs of any type, you have only a few options available to you. You must exercise your right to remain silent, which means you should not try to explain the situation or deny ownership of the substance.

The fact is, during a search – even an illegal search – you don’t have the opportunity to put a stop to it. However, an officer’s belief in their probable cause is not the final word on the subject. I will examine all the circumstances of the search, and if there is any overreach in the procedure, it’s possible to seal and throw out any evidence collected. And if the presence and possession of marijuana are thrown out, there are no charges.

What is the difference between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute?

Under Indiana law, the difference between simple possession and intent to distribute is, functionally, a matter of amount. If you have more than a certain amount of the substance, or if you have paraphernalia such as a scale or baggies, or anything of that variety, these factors indicate a “plan to distribute.” However, as a charge, simple possession is a misdemeanor with lesser penalties, such as a lower fine and under a year in prison, while intent to distribute is a felony that can carry more than a decade of jail time and a fine of $10,000.

Can drug charges be dismissed if law enforcement performed an illegal search?

If the initial search that found drugs on your person, in your car or in your home is declared illegal, then the evidence against you and any revelations from that evidence are inadmissible. It is considered “fruit of the poisonous tree,” and the court will not use it. If the bulk of the evidence against you is unusable, the charges are very likely to be dropped or dismissed.

Strong Representation That Makes A Difference

I’ve fought for clients facing drug charges for decades. I have a reputation for strength and legal knowledge that I’m extremely proud of, and I’m ready to begin your defense. Contact my office today at 317-516-6487 or send an email using this online form to set up a free consultation about your case.