If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Indiana, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Whalin Legal represents adults and juveniles facing criminal charges in Noblesville, Hamilton County, and throughout Indiana. 

Attorney Trampas A. Whalin brings 17 years of practice in Indiana to every case, including experience as a public defender and extensive courtroom work. You work directly with the attorney handling your case from the first conversation forward.

Why Choose Us?

A criminal charge can affect your freedom, employment, professional license, driving privileges, and record. You need more than someone who knows the law. You need an attorney who understands the local courts and gives you a realistic assessment of what can be done.

When you work with Whalin Legal, you benefit from:

  • 17 years of Indiana legal experience, including work as a public defender
  • Extensive experience in Hamilton County courts and familiarity with local procedures
  • Trial experience ranging from suppression hearings and probation violations to jury trials
  • Representation of both adults and juveniles facing misdemeanor and felony charges
  • Direct access to Attorney Trampas Whalin rather than a rotating case manager
  • Free, confidential consultations before you decide how to proceed

If you are facing criminal charges, don’t go it alone. Call our office today.

Whalin Legal handles criminal matters ranging from first-time misdemeanor charges to serious felonies. Our criminal defense practice includes:

  • OWI and alcohol-related offenses: Defense against operating while intoxicated charges and related driver’s license consequences.
  • Marijuana and drug charges: Possession and other drug allegations involving marijuana and controlled substances.
  • Theft and property crimes: Shoplifting, theft, conversion, burglary, robbery, and related offenses.
  • Violent and weapons offenses: Charges involving battery, assaultive conduct, firearms, and other serious allegations.
  • Sex offenses: Defense against allegations that can carry significant criminal and long-term consequences.
  • Probation and community corrections violations: Representation when an alleged violation puts your existing sentence or freedom at risk.
  • Juvenile cases: Advocacy for young people and their families in Indiana’s juvenile justice system.
  • Diversion and pretrial alternatives: Evaluation of options that may allow eligible defendants to resolve a case without a criminal conviction.

We also represent clients facing charges connected with Ruoff Music Center and other Hamilton County venues.

What Happens After an Arrest in Indiana?

What happens next depends on the charge and circumstances, but a criminal case may involve an initial hearing, pretrial conferences, evidence review, motions, negotiations, and a bench or jury trial.

The early stages matter. Your attorney can obtain and review police reports, video, witness statements, test results, and other evidence while identifying legal or factual problems with the state’s case. If police want to question you before charges are filed, you can also speak with an attorney before deciding whether to make a statement.

You do not have to wait until a case reaches trial to begin building a defense.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Fight Your Charges?

There is no single defense strategy that applies to every criminal case. The first step is determining what the state can actually prove and whether the evidence was lawfully obtained.

Depending on the allegations, we may examine why you were stopped or detained, how a search was conducted, what you were told before questioning, the reliability of witnesses, surveillance or body-camera footage, physical or forensic evidence, and whether prosecutors can prove every required element of the offense.

When evidence was obtained unlawfully, a motion to suppress may prevent it from being used against you. Other cases may involve factual weaknesses, conflicting testimony, or evidence that does not establish the offense charged.

The right strategy may involve seeking suppression or dismissal, negotiating a reduced charge, pursuing diversion, or taking the case to trial. We explain the options and their consequences so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Can You Avoid a Criminal Conviction in Indiana?

In some cases, yes. A criminal charge does not automatically lead to a conviction.

Indiana diversion programs may allow certain eligible defendants to complete requirements such as classes, treatment, community service, or restitution in exchange for dismissal of the charge. Eligibility depends on factors including the offense, your criminal history, the county, and the prosecutor’s policies.

Other cases may be dismissed because of problems with the evidence or resolved through negotiation. If avoiding a conviction is possible, we will identify the available route and explain what it requires.

Talk to a Noblesville Criminal Defense Attorney

The earlier Whalin Legal understands what happened, the sooner we can identify the issues that may affect your case. If you have been arrested, charged, contacted by police, or learned that you are under investigation, contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation. You will speak directly with Attorney Trampas Whalin and get a clear assessment of where you stand and what comes next. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after being arrested in Indiana?

Avoid discussing the facts of the case with police or other people before speaking with an attorney. Follow any release or court orders, keep track of upcoming court dates, and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early review gives your attorney an opportunity to preserve evidence and identify issues that could affect the case.

Should I talk to police if I have not been charged yet?

Talk to a criminal defense attorney before agreeing to an interview or answering questions about a suspected crime. Whalin Legal represents clients during pre-charging investigations and police interviews as well as after formal charges have been filed.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Indiana?

Both are criminal offenses, but felonies are more serious and can carry substantially greater penalties. The specific consequences depend on the level of the offense, the facts of the case, your criminal history, and other factors. Attorney Whalin has represented clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges throughout his career.

How long does a criminal case take in Indiana?

There is no single timeline. How long a case takes can depend on the seriousness of the charge, the amount of evidence, whether motions are filed, negotiations with the prosecutor, court scheduling, and whether the case goes to trial. Your attorney can give you a better idea of the likely timeline after reviewing your specific case.