Criminal Defense Attorney Noblesville, IN
Defending Your Rights Through Every Step
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Noblesville, IN Help Fight for You?
A criminal charge in Noblesville can move fast, and the decisions you make in the first hours and days matter more than most people realize. The moment you were charged, the damage started. Your name is attached to an accusation. Your employer, family, and people who know you may already be looking at you differently. But an accusation is not proof, and the State must still prove every element of its case.
At Summerfield-Dandurand Law Group, LLP, Founders of Custom Law, we represent people in Noblesville and throughout Hamilton County, including Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, and Westfield. Our founding attorneys, Robert Summerfield and Nicholas Dandurand, both served as prosecutors in Hamilton County before building this firm. That background gives our team a clear understanding of how the state builds its cases and where those cases can be challenged.
Even charges that seem minor carry real consequences. A conviction can show up on background checks for years. It can affect your job, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
Our team knows these courts. We know the local procedures, the prosecutors, and how cases move through Hamilton County Superior Court. That knowledge shapes how we approach every case we take on, from the first consultation through the final resolution.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Noblesville, the right time to get legal help is now. Custom Law is ready to review your case, explain your options, and build a strong defense focused on your specific situation.
How We Help Clients Facing Criminal Charges in Noblesville
A criminal charge does not begin and end with an arrest. After charges are filed, the prosecution begins building its case through reports, evidence, witness statements, and other information. Decisions made early in the process can affect how your case develops.
Without proper guidance, you may make decisions without fully understanding how they could affect your record, future opportunities, or available legal options. Even misdemeanor charges can carry consequences beyond the immediate penalties, including issues involving employment, professional licenses, and background checks.
At Custom Law, we take the time to understand what happened and examine the details that matter. Our approach may include:
- Examining whether the stop, search, or arrest followed the law.
- Finding inconsistencies in police reports and evidence.
- Challenging weak points in the State’s case.
- Negotiating when it serves your goals.
- Preparing every case for trial from day one.
Our attorneys use their experience in both prosecution and defense roles to understand how criminal cases are evaluated and how to approach each matter strategically.
Why Noblesville Clients Choose Custom Law
Choosing a criminal defense attorney in Noblesville is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make. Here’s what sets Custom Law apart from other options in Hamilton County.
Both Founding Attorneys Prosecuted Cases in Hamilton County
Robert Summerfield and Nicholas Dandurand both served as prosecutors in Hamilton County before building this firm. They know how prosecutors think, what evidence they look for, and where a criminal case can start to break apart.
For clients, that means having attorneys who can anticipate the other side’s approach and identify opportunities to challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Over a Decade of Indiana Trial Experience
Criminal defense requires more than knowing the law. It requires knowing how cases actually move through the courtroom. Robert Summerfield has handled criminal matters as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, giving him experience with trial strategy, negotiations, and courtroom advocacy from multiple perspectives.
That background allows the firm to approach each case strategically, whether the goal is negotiating a resolution or preparing for trial.
A Registered Mediator on the Team
Nicholas Dandurand is a registered domestic relations mediator with the Indiana courts. Before joining the firm, he worked at Arnold and Porter LLP, managing large-scale document review projects and e-discovery workflows. He also served six years in the Indiana Army National Guard. His combination of legal skill, procedural experience, and attention to detail adds real depth to the firm’s defense work.
A Local Firm With Deep Community Roots
Custom Law is based right here in Noblesville at 215 South 10th Street. The firm’s founding attorneys aren’t passing through Hamilton County. They live and practice here, and they’ve built careers in these courts. Fewer clients per attorney means more focused attention on your case.
Thorough Preparation on Every Case
The firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial. That’s true for a first-time OWI charge, and for any other criminal matter the firm handles. Preparation matters. The prosecution knows when a defense team is ready to challenge the evidence, question the report, and fight every step of the way.
Each defense is built around the specific facts of the case: the charge, the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and the client’s goals. That approach leads to more targeted outcomes and fewer surprises along the way.
What Happens After You’re Charged in Noblesville
A criminal charge in Indiana moves quickly. Knowing what comes next can help you make better decisions and avoid missteps that complicate your case. Here’s what the process typically looks like, step by step.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first conversation is about facts. We need the truth: what happened, what was said, what the police did, and what evidence exists. Your attorney cannot fight what they do not know.
The attorney listens carefully, reviews the basic details of the charge, and gives you an honest assessment of where things stand. This conversation helps set the direction for everything that follows.
Step 2: Evidence Review
Once you’re represented, the attorney gets to work on the evidence. That means pulling the police report, any available video footage, witness statements, and other records tied to your case. In Indiana, the prosecution must share its evidence with the defense.
Every report, video, statement, and piece of evidence matters. A criminal case can turn on details most people miss.
Step 3: Building Your Defense
After reviewing the evidence, the attorney builds a defense plan around your specific facts. The right approach depends on the charge, the evidence, your history, and what outcome matters most to you.
Some clients want to fight the charge at trial. Others want to resolve it as quickly and quietly as possible. Both are valid goals, and both require a strategy tailored to your situation. Your attorney explains your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Step 4: Negotiations and Pre-Trial Hearings
Many misdemeanor cases in Hamilton County are resolved before trial. That may happen through a plea agreement, a reduced charge, or, in some cases, a diversion program. The goal at every stage is the best outcome the facts of your case allow.
If the prosecution offers something, your attorney explains what it means in plain terms, including what it means for your record long-term. You make the final call with a clear picture of what you’re agreeing to.
Step 5: Court Appearances
If your case goes to a hearing or trial in Hamilton County Superior Court, your attorney is there with you. The legal arguments, the evidence, and the procedural steps are all handled on your behalf.
Misdemeanor cases in Indiana can move through the system in a few weeks or stretch to several months, depending on the charge and the court’s schedule. Your attorney keeps you informed at every stage so you’re never left guessing.
Step 6: Resolution
Every case ends somewhere: a dismissal, a plea, a verdict, or a diversion agreement. Once your case is resolved, your attorney walks you through what the outcome means going forward. If there are steps you can take to fight to protect your record down the line, you’ll know about them.
Talk to a Noblesville Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The State has already started building its case. Now you need someone willing to examine every detail, challenge weaknesses, and fight for your side of the story. At Custom Law, we help clients understand their legal options and fight through the criminal process with guidance tailored to their circumstances.
Our attorneys bring experience from both prosecution and defense roles, allowing us to evaluate cases from different perspectives and develop strategies based on the facts involved.
If you have been charged with a crime in Noblesville or Hamilton County, contact Custom Law for a confidential case review.
FAQs About Criminal Defense in Noblesville
What if I’ve Already Spoken to Police Without a Lawyer?
It happens. Many people speak with police before realizing how quickly an investigation can become a criminal case. The important thing now is understanding what was said, what evidence exists, and what steps should happen next.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Typically Cost?
Attorney fees vary based on the charge, the complexity of the case, and how far it goes in court. Custom Law offers confidential consultations so you can understand your options before deciding how to move forward.
Can a Misdemeanor Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed in Indiana?
In some cases, yes. Prosecutors may agree to reduce or drop charges based on the facts, your record, or gaps in the evidence. No outcome can be guaranteed, but outcomes depend heavily on the details of your case and how your defense is built.
What Happens if I Miss My Court Date in Hamilton County?
Missing a court date in Hamilton County may result in a warrant for your arrest and additional charges. If this has happened, contact an attorney right away. The sooner you act, the more options you have to address the situation.
Does a Misdemeanor Conviction Stay on My Record Permanently in Indiana?
Indiana law allows some misdemeanor convictions to be expunged after a waiting period, depending on the offense and your record. A criminal defense attorney in Noblesville, IN, can review your situation and tell you whether you may qualify for expungement.
