1. Gregory A. Miller, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, OWI/DUI defense, expungement, probation violations, juvenile delinquency, traffic law
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OWI/DUI, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault and battery, probation violations, traffic violations, juvenile delinquency
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, expungement petitions, probation violation defense, driver’s license restoration, habitual traffic violator defense, specialized driving privileges
Background: Admitted to practice in Indiana in 1997 with over 27 years of experience. Handled more than 2,500 cases. Graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (B.S. Public Administration, 1992) and Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D. 1996), where he served as Managing Associate of the Law Review. Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. Currently serves part-time as public defender for juvenile delinquency and mental health cases with Allen County Public Defender’s Office. Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and National College for DUI Defense.
Location: 127 West Berry Street, 710 Fifth Third Metro Center, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: (260) 426-6666 | https://www.fortwaynecriminaldefenselawfirm.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, federal criminal defense, OWI/DUI defense, drug crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drug offenses, DUI/OWI, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons charges, violent crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, bail hearings, pretrial release advocacy, plea negotiations, appeals, motion practice, post-conviction relief
Background: Law firm with over 75 years of combined experience among attorneys. Firm includes former prosecutors with experience on both sides of criminal cases. Practice extends throughout Indiana in both state and federal courts.
Location: 127 West Berry Street, Suite 1000, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: (888) 912-7220 | https://www.fortwaynedefense.com
Consultation: Free telephone consultation offered
3. Matthew W. Chapel, Trial Lawyer
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, trial advocacy, serious felony defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, bench trials, plea negotiations, motion practice, case investigation
Background: Over 23 years of legal experience with more than 500 jury trials. U.S. Marine veteran. NITA Master Advocate designation. Studied trial advocacy under Gerry Spence at the Trial Lawyers College. Focuses exclusively on courtroom trial work with a track record of case results.
Location: 110 W Berry Street, Suite 1901, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: (260) 387-6236 | https://www.chapeltriallaw.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available
4. Gibson Law Office
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, university disciplinary defense, expungement, specialized driving privileges
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OWI/DUI, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault charges, university disciplinary matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, acquittal at trial, post-conviction relief, expungement petitions, university disciplinary hearing representation, specialized driving privileges applications
Background: Firm opened in 1999 by Brett B. Gibson with over 28 years of criminal defense experience. Has won acquittals in Class A felony and DUI trials. Represented clients in more than 80 counties throughout Indiana. Practice includes representation in both state and federal courts. Offices in Lafayette, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Anderson for statewide coverage.
Location: 701 S. Clinton Street, Suite 300, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: (260) 420-0000 | https://www.bbgibson.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available with secure client portal access
5. Kutsenok Law Office
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, drug offenses, domestic violence, DUI/DWI defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug trafficking, narcotics offenses, domestic violence, sexual battery, DUI/DWI
Background: Led by Emily Kutsenok, an attorney practicing exclusively in criminal defense. Before relocating to Fort Wayne, gained six years of experience in Miami, Florida handling serious criminal matters including narcotics trafficking, sexual battery, and domestic violence cases. Named Top 10 Under 40 Attorney in Indiana 2025 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Member of the National College for DUI Defense.
Location: 116 E. Berry Street, Suite 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: (260) 443-1676 | https://www.kutsenoklaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available upon request
Criminal Defense Regulations in Indiana
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must graduate from an ABA-approved law school, complete at least two semester hours in legal ethics, achieve a minimum score of 80 on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and pass the Indiana Bar Exam. Newly admitted attorneys must complete a six-hour applied professionalism course.
Continuing Legal Education: Indiana requires 36 hours of CLE credit per three-year period with a minimum of six hours per year. At least three hours must be in professional responsibility and legal ethics.
Public Defender System: The Allen County Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases, juvenile delinquency matters, CHINS cases, and mental health commitments. Eligibility is determined based on financial inability to afford private counsel as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, Indiana Constitution, and Indiana law.
Specialty Certifications: Indiana does not have a state-specific criminal law certification. However, attorneys may hold certifications from national organizations such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Criminal Trial Law.
Pretrial Release Laws: Indiana Criminal Rule 26 (effective 2017) emphasizes evidence-based risk assessment for pretrial release decisions. The rule encourages release without monetary bail for low-risk defendants and aims to reduce pretrial detention of individuals who pose no significant flight risk or danger to public safety. Allen County participated in the Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) Pretrial Pilot Project.
Felony Classification System: Indiana classifies felonies into six levels, with Level 1 being the most serious and Level 6 being the least serious. Penalties range from six months to 65 years imprisonment depending on the level. Murder is classified separately as a distinct category with penalties including life imprisonment.
Expungement Eligibility: Under Indiana Code 35-38-9, individuals may petition to expunge criminal records under the following conditions: arrests without conviction may be expunged after one year (or 60 days for charges filed after June 30, 2022 that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal); misdemeanor convictions after five years from date of conviction; Level 6 felonies (formerly Class D felonies) not reduced to misdemeanors after eight years; other felonies after eight years from conviction or three years from completion of sentence; and serious felonies after ten years from conviction or five years from completion of sentence. Individuals may file only one expungement petition in their lifetime covering all eligible convictions. Certain offenses are not eligible including sex offenses, crimes against children, and convictions of elected officials for offenses committed while in office.
Habitual Offender Enhancement: Indiana law provides for enhanced sentences for habitual offenders. Under IC 35-50-2-8, a person convicted of a felony may receive an additional sentence of between six and 20 years if they have accumulated three prior unrelated felony convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at an initial hearing in Allen County criminal court?
A: At an initial hearing in Allen County Superior Court, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of your constitutional rights including the right to an attorney, and address bail or bond. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for representation through the Allen County Public Defender’s Office. The court will set future hearing dates and may impose conditions of release such as no-contact orders or drug and alcohol restrictions.
Q: How does the Allen County Pretrial Diversion Program work?
A: The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office offers a Pretrial Diversion Program for certain first-time misdemeanor offenses. Eligibility is determined by a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who must refer you to the program. The program fee is $334 (with a minimum payment of $234 to enroll). Requirements may include counseling, community service, restitution, or proof of valid driver’s license. Upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed. Sign-up must occur before your next court date at the Criminal Justice Center, 101 East Superior Street, Fort Wayne.
Q: What are the penalties for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Indiana?
A: A first OWI offense with a BAC of 0.08 to 0.14 is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, up to one year probation, fines up to $500 plus court costs, and license suspension ranging from 90 days to two years. A first OWI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. OWI causing death is a Level 4 felony carrying two to 12 years imprisonment. Repeat offenses result in enhanced penalties and longer license suspensions.
Q: Can I get my Indiana criminal record expunged if I was convicted of a felony?
A: Yes, many felony convictions are eligible for expungement in Indiana under IC 35-38-9. Level 6 felonies (previously Class D felonies) may be expunged after eight years from the date of conviction. Other eligible felonies require waiting eight years from conviction or three years from completion of sentence. More serious felonies require ten years from conviction or five years from completion of sentence. However, sex offenses listed in IC 11-8-8-5, crimes resulting in serious bodily injury, and convictions of elected officials for crimes committed while in office are not eligible. You may only file one expungement petition in your lifetime.
Q: Where is the Allen County Jail located and how do I post bail?
A: The Allen County Jail is located at the Allen County Justice Center, 715 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Bail may be posted through a surety bond issued by a licensed bail bondsman (typically requiring 10% of the bail amount as a non-refundable fee) or by posting the full cash bond amount directly with the court. Indiana Criminal Rule 26 allows for release on personal recognizance for low-risk defendants. The Allen County courts use a bond schedule that varies based on the nature of the charges. An attorney can file a motion to modify bail or argue for release on personal recognizance at an initial hearing.