Drug Crime Attorney in Westfield

Serious Drug Charges Need Serious Criminal Defense

If you are facing a drug charge after an arrest in or around Westfield, you are likely worried about what happens next. You may be thinking about jail, your job, your family, and how a conviction could follow you for years. In this situation, you need clear information and a drug crime attorney in Westfield who knows how to handle drug cases in Indiana courts.

I am a criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience in Indiana, and I have devoted my career to defending people accused of crimes. I have handled thousands of criminal cases and served as lead counsel in more than 180 jury trials, so I understand how drug prosecutions work and what is at stake. When you call my office, you talk directly with me, and I am the one who will guide you through the process from the first conversation through the final hearing.

My practice at Shircliff Law LLC regularly serves people charged with drug offenses that begin in Westfield and move through Hamilton County courts. I work to take as much of the stress off your shoulders as possible by giving you honest, straightforward advice and a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

To talk directly with a drug crimes attorney in Westfield about your drug case, call (317) 936-3404 today or contact us online.

Why My Trial Background Matters In Indiana Drug Cases

Drug cases can move quickly, and prosecutors often file serious charges based on traffic stops, searches, or confidential tips. In this environment, trial experience matters. I have been practicing criminal defense since 1990, including years as a public defender handling a high volume of serious cases. Over that time, I have been lead counsel in more than 180 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials, and I have represented clients on charges ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies such as murder and sex offenses.

This level of trial work gives me a practical understanding of how drug cases really play out in Indiana courtrooms. As your drug crime lawyer in Westfield, I know how officers typically testify about searches, how prosecutors tend to build their cases, and how judges in Central Indiana approach motions and trials. That helps me identify weaknesses in the evidence and decide when it makes sense to push a case toward a hearing or trial instead of simply accepting the first offer.

I also serve as an adjunct professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Teaching future lawyers keeps me current on criminal law and procedure, and it reinforces the importance of preparation and clear thinking. When I stand next to you in court, you have someone who has not only tried many serious cases, but who also lives and teaches criminal defense work on a regular basis.

Facing A Drug Arrest In Westfield: What To Do Right Now

A drug arrest can be confusing and frightening, especially if it is your first time in the criminal justice system. The decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest in Westfield or elsewhere in Hamilton County can affect your case. Even if you feel pressured to explain yourself, you do not have to go through this alone, and you do not have to guess at your rights.

Protect Your Rights Immediately

You have the right to remain silent and the right to have a drug crimes attorney in Westfield with you during questioning. It is usually better to say very little to police or investigators until you have talked with an attorney. Trying to clear things up on your own can lead to statements that are later used against you, even if you believed you were helping yourself at the time.

Preserve Information & Get Legal Help

It is helpful to keep and organize any paperwork you receive, such as charging information, bond documents, receipts for property, and court dates. These documents help me quickly understand where your case stands and what deadlines we are facing. If you contact my office, you can speak directly with a drug crimes attorney Westfield residents can rely on to review those materials and explain what they mean, and there is generally no charge for that initial conversation.

Types Of Drug Charges I Defend In Central Indiana as Your Drug Crimes Attorney in Westfield

Indiana drug laws cover a wide range of situations, and it is important to understand what type of charge you are facing. The potential penalties often depend on the kind of substance involved, the amount police claim to have found, and whether prosecutors believe there was an intent to sell or deliver. I represent clients in many different controlled substance cases throughout Central Indiana.

Common Indiana Drug Offenses

Common charges include possession of cocaine or methamphetamine, possession of other controlled substances without a valid prescription, and possession with intent to deliver or dealing. Some cases involve allegations tied to heroin, fentanyl, or prescription medications that are said to be traded or sold. As a drug crimes attorney in Wesfield, I also handle related offenses such as possession of paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance, and cases where drug charges are filed along with allegations like gun possession or operating while intoxicated.

Felony & Misdemeanor Consequences

In Indiana, these offenses can range from misdemeanors to high-level felonies, and the consequences can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and a record that affects employment or professional licensing. When you work with a drug crimes attorney Westfield residents can contact for help, my goal is to make sure you understand exactly what you are charged with and what the realistic range of outcomes looks like, so we can plan together.

How I Built a Defense Against Drug Allegations

A strong defense in a drug case starts with a careful look at how the police came into contact with you and how they claim to have found the evidence. Many controlled substance cases begin with a traffic stop, a knock at the door, or information from an informant. I review each step to see whether officers followed the Constitution and Indiana law, and whether they had a lawful basis to stop, detain, question, or search you.

Challenging Stops, Searches & Seizures

Search and seizure issues play a central role in many drug prosecutions. I examine whether there was a valid warrant, whether the scope of any consent you gave was exceeded, and whether the length of a stop was reasonable. If officers searched your car or home after a stop in the Westfield area, I would look closely at why they claim they had the right to do so, and whether a court should consider suppressing some or all of the evidence they found.

Evaluating Evidence & Lab Results

It is also important to evaluate how the substance was tested and handled. I consider whether the State can prove the chain of custody, whether the lab results are reliable, and whether the weight or classification of the substance has been correctly determined. In cases involving alleged sales or controlled buys, I evaluate informant credibility and the quality of any recordings or surveillance.

All of this work is done by me personally, drawing on decades spent filing motions, questioning officers, and trying cases in Indiana courts. I prepare every case as if it could go to trial, because that level of preparation often improves the options available to you, whether we ultimately resolve the case through an agreement or a verdict.

Local Courts, Westfield Drug Charges & Central Indiana Coverage

If you are arrested for a drug offense in Westfield, your case will typically be filed in Hamilton County courts located in Noblesville. The specific court that handles your case generally depends on how the prosecutor files the charge and how the Hamilton County system assigns cases. Understanding how those courts operate helps in planning a defense and preparing you for what to expect at each stage.

I regularly handle criminal cases in Hamilton County and other Central Indiana counties, including Marion, Madison, and Hendricks. This work has given me familiarity with local procedures, common scheduling patterns, and how hearings such as initial appearances, bond reviews, pretrial conferences, and trial settings are usually handled in these courts. When you are already dealing with the stress of a drug case, knowing what is likely to happen at your next date in Noblesville or another nearby courthouse can make the process less overwhelming.

Although each judge and prosecutor has their own way of doing things, being present in these Central Indiana courtrooms over many years has helped me understand what arguments tend to be most effective and what information about your background may be important. When you choose a drug lawyer Westfield residents can call for help, you are working with someone who is already familiar with the halls and courtrooms where your case will unfold.

My Approach To Defending You: Direct, Honest & Compassionately Aggressive

When you hire me, you get me. I am a solo criminal defense attorney, and I personally handle every aspect of your case from the first meeting until the matter is resolved. Your file is not passed to a junior lawyer or hidden behind layers of staff. You have direct access to the person who will be standing next to you at the defense table and making strategic decisions about your future.

Clients have described me as sincere, upfront, honest, reliable, relentless, and decisive. I try to earn those descriptions every day by being clear and straightforward about my situation. I do not sugarcoat the possible outcomes, but I also do not leave you in the dark. My goal is to explain the law and the process in plain language, answer your questions, and make sure you understand both the risks and the opportunities in your case.

I describe my style as compassionately aggressive. That means I take an aggressive posture in litigation where it helps protect your rights, whether that involves challenging a search, cross-examining an officer, or preparing for trial. At the same time, I recognize that you are a person under great stress, not just a case number. I work to reduce that stress by staying in contact, returning calls as promptly as I can, and letting you know what is happening and why.

I also understand that cost is a real concern. I generally offer a free initial consultation so we can discuss the facts of your case and your goals before you make any financial commitment. I do not publish a detailed payment plan, but I try to be flexible and fair in discussing fees with clients, so we can find a way to move forward with the defense you need.

If your drug charge began with an arrest in or near Westfield, I am prepared to help you navigate the Hamilton County court process and the broader impact on your life. Call me at (317) 936-3404.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go to Jail for a Drug Charge in Westfield?

Whether you go to jail or prison on a drug charge depends on several factors, including the level of the offense, your prior record, and the specific facts of the case. In Indiana, lower-level possession charges may sometimes be resolved without additional jail time, especially for people with little or no criminal history. Higher-level felonies, cases involving large quantities, or situations where someone is already on probation can carry a greater risk of time behind bars.

Court decisions in Hamilton County generally take into account your background, the nature of the allegation, any prior failures to appear, and recommendations from the prosecutor and probation. My role as your attorney is to explain these factors, work to put you in the best light possible, and seek options that protect your freedom where that is realistic. I cannot promise a particular result, but I can use my trial and sentencing experience to advise you honestly about the likelihood of various outcomes.

What Should I Do After Being Arrested for Drugs in Hamilton County?

After a drug arrest in Hamilton County, it is usually best to stay calm, say as little as possible to law enforcement, and focus on getting legal help. You have the right to remain silent, and you are not required to answer questions about where you got the drugs, who you know, or what you planned to do with them. Statements you make, even informal comments, can be used against you later.

You should also keep track of your charging documents, any bond information, and your initial hearing date. These materials help me quickly determine where your case is in the process and what steps we can take before the first court appearance. If you contact my office soon after an arrest, I can review your situation, advise you on interacting with law enforcement, and begin preparing for appearances in the Hamilton County courts that handle your Westfield case.

Can You Get My Drug Charge Reduced or Dismissed?

In some cases, drug charges can be reduced or dismissed, but no attorney can honestly guarantee that result. Whether that is possible in your case depends on the strength of the evidence, the legality of any search or seizure, your prior history, and how the prosecutor evaluates the file. If there are serious problems with the stop, search, or lab testing, that may give us grounds to challenge the evidence and sometimes leads to more favorable outcomes.

My job is to investigate those issues, file appropriate motions, and prepare the case in a way that shows the prosecutor and the court both the legal and human reasons to consider a different resolution. In some situations, that may mean negotiating for a reduced charge or alternative sentencing option. In others, the best path may be to set the matter for trial and ask a judge or jury to decide. I will walk you through these options and give you my candid assessment at each step.

How Will My Record Affect a New Drug Case?

Your record can have a significant impact on a new drug case in Indiana. Prior convictions may affect the level of the new charge, the range of possible sentences, and how a judge or prosecutor views your situation. If you are on probation or parole when a new arrest occurs, the court may also address alleged violations in addition to the new case.

In Hamilton County and other Central Indiana courts, prosecutors and judges often look closely at whether the new allegation is similar to past conduct and how you performed on previous supervision. As your drug crimes attorney in Westfield, I review your history carefully to understand how it might influence sentencing ranges, enhancement possibilities, and plea negotiations. We can then talk about realistic goals, such as avoiding additional incarceration if possible, and what steps you can take that might help your position.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire You for a Drug Case?

The cost of hiring me for a drug case depends on factors such as the level of the charge, how complex the evidence is, whether there are multiple counts, and whether we anticipate significant motion practice or a trial. More serious felonies or cases with extensive discovery typically require more time and work, which affects the fee. I do not have a one-size-fits-all price because each situation is different.

I generally offer a free initial consultation, either in person or by phone, so we can discuss your case before you make any financial commitment. During that meeting, I explain how I approach fees, what work I expect the case to involve, and what payment options may be available. My goal is to be open and fair about costs so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with your defense.

When you reach out to my office, you speak directly with a lawyer who has spent more than three decades trying criminal cases in Indiana courts, including serious and complex matters.