Felony Attorney in Indianapolis

Facing A Felony Charge In Central Indiana

If you or someone you care about has been accused of a felony in Indianapolis, you are facing one of the most serious situations of your life. A conviction can mean prison, a permanent criminal record, and harm to your family and career that does not simply go away. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady, experienced felony attorney in Indianapolis.

I am the founding attorney of Shircliff Law LLC. I have spent more than 30 years in criminal defense, including years as a public defender, and I have personally handled thousands of cases in Marion County and across Central Indiana. When you hire me, you get me, and I manage every aspect of your felony case from start to finish.

As a felony attorney Indianapolis defendants turn to in their toughest moments, my goal is to take as much stress off your shoulders as I can while building a strong defense. If you are ready to talk about what happened and what comes next, you can call (317) 936-3404 or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation.

Why My Felony Defense Matters

When the state files a felony, you are suddenly facing prosecutors who handle serious cases every day. You deserve someone on your side who has lived in that world for decades. I have been practicing criminal law since 1990, and my career has been defined by my willingness to go to trial when that is in my client’s best interest.

I have served as lead counsel in more than 180 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials. Those trials have included serious allegations such as murder, rape, and sex offenses, as well as major drug and property offenses. That depth of experience means I understand how judges, juries, and prosecutors in Marion County and surrounding counties evaluate felony cases, and I use that insight when I negotiate and when I step into the courtroom.

My practice is intentionally a solo practice. When you call my office looking for a felony lawyer in Indianapolis, you are hiring me, not a law firm that might hand your case to a younger lawyer you have never met. I personally review the evidence, meet with you, appear in court, and make the strategic decisions that shape the direction of your case. Clientes describe me as sincere, upfront, honest, reliable, relentless, and decisive. I consider myself compassionately aggressive, which means I am direct about the risks you face, and at the same time, I work hard to support you through a confusing and intimidating process.

I also serve as an adjunct professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. Teaching future lawyers requires me to stay grounded in the details of Indiana criminal law, and it keeps me closely connected to the legal community where your case will be decided. All of this matters because your felony defense is only as strong as the person standing next to you in court.

How I Build A Felony Defense as Your Felony Attorney in Indianapolis

People often come to me feeling like they have lost control of their lives. My first job is to listen carefully, without judgment, so I can understand what happened from your perspective. In our first meeting, I want to know what you have been told, what paperwork you have received, and what concerns keep you up at night. I explain the charges in everyday language, and I do not sugarcoat the possible outcomes.

Once I am involved, I work methodically. I review every piece of discovery the state provides, and I look for what might be missing or inconsistent. I examine how the police conducted their investigation and whether your constitutional rights were respected. I consider whether expert input or further investigation could strengthen your position. My decades of felony trial work inform how I evaluate the state’s case and whether the evidence would likely stand up in front of a jury.

In many situations, we will discuss both negotiated resolutions and trial as potential paths. Sometimes, a carefully negotiated plea in Marion County or another Central Indiana court can significantly reduce your risk. Other times, the only fair option is to prepare for trial. Because I have tried so many cases, prosecutors know that I am prepared to stand in front of a jury when that is the right call for a client. Throughout this process, I keep you informed and involved, using plain language so you understand every choice that affects your life.

Here are practical steps you should take right away if you are facing a felony charge:

• Stay silent about the facts of your case with law enforcement or others, and politely ask for an attorney before answering questions.
• Keep and organize all paperwork you receive from the court or police, including charging documents and hearing notices.
• Avoid posting about the incident on social media, and consider making your accounts private while the case is pending.
• Write down your memories of what happened as soon as you can, including times, locations, witnesses, and any text messages or calls.
• Contact a felony attorney Indianapolis residents can meet with promptly, so you have guidance before important court dates.

Felony Cases I Commonly Handle

Over more than three decades, I have defended people charged with a wide range of felonies in Marion County and other Central Indiana courts. Some involve allegations of violence, such as robbery, battery, or homicide. Others center on accusations of drugs, property offenses, or operating while intoxicated at a felony level. I also regularly handle complex cases involving sex offenses and allegations that carry significant stigma and media attention.

The fact that I have tried so many serious felonies means that very little surprises me. I have seen how a single piece of overlooked evidence can change the direction of a case. I have also seen how early missteps, such as speaking to investigators without counsel, can make the situation more difficult. Whether your case is at the investigation stage or already filed, I can usually step in, review what has happened so far, and help you understand your options.

Every felony charge is different, and so is every client. Some people are most worried about staying out of prison because they support children or aging parents. Others are focused on professional licenses or immigration status. I work to tailor my legal strategy to your specific priorities while still grounding it in the realities of Indiana law and the tendencies of judges and prosecutors in our courts. My core work is active criminal defense in trial courts, rather than appeals or post-conviction litigation, so my attention stays on the cases that are in front of judges and juries right now.

Call (317) 936-3404 to talk with me about your felony case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go to Prison for My Felony Charge?

Not every felony conviction results in prison, but incarceration is always a real possibility. The outcome depends on the level of the charge, your record, the evidence, and the judge. My role as your felony attorney in Indianapolis is to explain your risk clearly and work toward the best outcome that the facts and law allow.

How Soon Should I Call You After an Arrest?

You should contact me as soon as you know you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early involvement allows me to advise you before you speak with law enforcement and to prepare for initial hearings in Marion Superior Court or other Central Indiana courts.

Will You Personally Handle My Felony Case?

Yes. I am a solo attorney, so when you hire Shircliff Law LLC, you are hiring me. I personally review your file, meet with you, appear at your hearings, and prepare the case for negotiation or trial. You are not passed off to an associate you have never met.

How Do Fees Work in a Felony Case?

I generally offer a free initial consultation so we can discuss your charges before you make any financial commitment. After that, we talk openly about fees and payment options. I understand that felony charges create financial stress, and I work to be fair and flexible when we structure fees.

Can You Help if My Case is Already Filed?

In many situations, I can step into a case that is already pending in Marion County or another Central Indiana court. I review the existing file, evaluate what has been done, and discuss realistic options with you. The sooner you contact me, the more room we usually have to shape the case.

If you or a loved one is charged with a felony, time matters. Evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and early decisions can have lasting consequences. Reaching out now can put an experienced advocate on your side before the next court date arrives.