Criminal Attorney
Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana
Jake Salathe

Call Jake for a free consultation: 317-995-3004

If you are looking for a criminal attorney in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, you are probably dealing with one of the most stressful moments of your life. A criminal charge can affect your freedom, your driver’s license, your job, your family, your record, and your future. I represent people charged with crimes in Indiana, and I understand that most people who call a criminal defense lawyer are not looking for a lecture. They are looking for answers, a plan, and someone who is willing to fight for them.

My name is Jake Salathe, and I handle criminal defense cases throughout Indiana with a strong presence right here in Greenfield and Hancock County. I represent people accused of misdemeanors and felonies, and I approach every case with the same focus: getting it dismissed when possible, litigating aggressively when necessary, and working toward the best possible outcome for my client.

Criminal cases are not all the same. Some cases should be fought aggressively from the beginning. Some cases require careful negotiation. Some cases may have suppression issues, witness problems, body camera issues, search problems, testing problems, or factual weaknesses that can be used to push for dismissal, reduction, or a better result. In my practice I have handled hundreds of criminal cases as lead counsel, and I prepare each one expecting that we may need to take it all the way to trial if that is what serves the client best.

Greenfield Criminal Defense Lawyer for Hancock County Cases

Greenfield is the county seat of Hancock County, and criminal cases in this area can involve local police, sheriff’s deputies, Indiana State Police, probation officers, and prosecutors who handle everything from misdemeanor arrests to serious felony allegations. The Hancock County courthouse is located right in the heart of Greenfield at 9 East Main Street, and I regularly appear in the Circuit Court and Superior Courts there.

A good defense starts with details. I want to know what happened before police arrived, what officers claimed they saw, what you said, whether you were searched, whether your vehicle was searched, whether anyone else had access to the evidence, whether body camera footage exists, whether witnesses gave inconsistent statements, and whether the State can actually prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Having an attorney who knows how things actually work in Hancock County courts gives clients a real advantage.

Criminal Charges I Handle in Greenfield and Hancock County

OWI and DUI Charges in Greenfield, Indiana

Operating while intoxicated cases can involve alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of substances. A Greenfield OWI case may raise issues involving the reason for the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, certified breath testing, blood draws, officer observations, accident evidence, refusal allegations, and license suspension consequences. I review every aspect of these cases carefully because the consequences can affect your driving privileges and your record for years to come.

Drug Possession and Drug Dealing Charges

Drug cases often depend on search and seizure issues. If police found drugs in a vehicle, home, pocket, bag, hotel room, or shared space, the defense may involve challenging the legality of the search, whether the drugs actually belonged to the accused person, whether police had probable cause, whether consent was valid, whether a warrant was defective, or whether the evidence supports possession or dealing. I have handled hundreds of these cases as lead counsel and work hard to identify every available defense.

Domestic Battery and No-Contact Order Cases

Domestic battery cases can move quickly and can create immediate problems involving no-contact orders, housing, parenting time, employment, firearms, and reputation. These cases often involve 911 calls, photographs, text messages, body camera footage, witness statements, medical records, and conflicting versions of what happened. I approach these matters with care while still fighting hard for my clients’ rights.

Battery, Violence, and Self-Defense Cases

Battery and violent crime cases are often more complicated than the police report makes them sound. A person may have acted in self-defense. The alleged victim may have been the first aggressor. Witnesses may have missed the beginning of the incident. Video may show something different from what was reported. I litigate these cases regularly and prepare them with the expectation that we may need to go to trial.

Theft, Conversion, Fraud, and Property Crimes

Theft and property crime cases can have serious consequences even when the alleged dollar amount is not large. A conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, background checks, and reputation. These cases may involve store surveillance, loss prevention reports, witness statements, receipts, ownership disputes, identity issues, or questions about intent. I review every detail to look for ways to seek dismissal or a favorable resolution.

The Criminal Justice Process in Hancock County Courts

Criminal cases in Hancock County typically begin with an arrest or citation issued by local law enforcement such as the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department or the Greenfield Police Department. From there, the case moves into the court system at the Greenfield courthouse. Most felony and serious misdemeanor cases are handled in the Hancock County Circuit Court or one of the Superior Courts, all located at 9 East Main Street.

The process usually includes an initial hearing where the charges are formally read and bond is addressed. After that comes discovery, pretrial conferences, and opportunities to file motions that can challenge evidence or seek dismissal of charges. In my experience working in these courts, many cases resolve through careful negotiation, but when a trial is the right path, I prepare thoroughly to present a strong defense before a jury drawn from Hancock County residents.

Why Local Experience Matters in Greenfield and Hancock County

When you face criminal charges in Hancock County, having an attorney who regularly works in the local courts can provide a practical advantage. I have spent years representing clients in these very courtrooms, gaining familiarity with the local procedures, schedules, and expectations that shape how criminal cases are resolved.

Hancock County has its own unique mix of suburban growth near Indianapolis and more rural areas farther out, and that mix often shows up in the types of cases that arise. Whether the matter involves an incident along I-70, a situation in one of the growing communities like McCordsville or Fortville, or something that happened right in downtown Greenfield, I approach each case with an understanding of how local law enforcement and the courts view these matters.

Clients often tell me they appreciate having someone who can meet them in person when needed and who knows the layout of the courthouse and the people who work there. My goal is always to give you clear answers and steady guidance so you can make informed decisions about your case rather than feeling lost in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Greenfield and Hancock County

What should I do right after being arrested in Greenfield or elsewhere in Hancock County?

If you have been arrested in Greenfield or any part of Hancock County, the most important step is to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken with an attorney. In my experience representing clients in Hancock County, statements made right after an arrest can sometimes be used later in ways that complicate the defense. Contacting a criminal attorney early allows us to protect your rights from the very beginning and begin gathering information that can help your case. I recommend reaching out to me at 317-995-3004 so we can discuss the specifics of your situation and decide on the best next steps without delay.

How does the initial hearing work in Hancock County Superior or Circuit Court?

The initial hearing in Hancock County is usually held at the courthouse in Greenfield and gives you the chance to hear the formal charges and have bond reviewed. From what I have seen handling cases in these courts, judges consider factors such as the nature of the charge, your ties to the community, and any prior record when setting conditions of release. Having an attorney present at this early stage can make a meaningful difference in explaining your situation to the court and advocating for reasonable bond terms. I regularly appear in these initial hearings and can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare so the process moves forward as smoothly as possible.

Can criminal charges be dismissed in Hancock County cases?

In many cases I handle throughout Hancock County, we explore every opportunity to seek dismissal of charges when the evidence or legal issues support it. Whether through pretrial motions that challenge the stop, search, or collection of evidence, or through negotiations with the prosecutor’s office in Greenfield, dismissal is sometimes achievable. My approach is to review the discovery thoroughly and file appropriate motions when they can strengthen your position. While not every case ends in dismissal, I work hard to identify and pursue those avenues whenever they exist for my clients in Greenfield and the rest of the county.

Do I need a criminal attorney for a misdemeanor in Greenfield?

Yes. A misdemeanor can still lead to jail, probation, fines, license consequences, no-contact orders, employment problems, and a permanent criminal record. Even when a case seems minor, the long-term consequences can be much bigger than people expect. I treat every case seriously and prepare it with the same level of attention I give to more serious felonies.

Can I fight an OWI charge in Hancock County?

Yes. OWI charges can be challenged through the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath testing, blood testing, officer observations, medical issues, timing issues, and whether the State can prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. I have handled many of these cases in Greenfield courts and look for every available defense to protect my clients’ driving privileges and record.

What if police found drugs or a gun during a traffic stop?

Traffic stop searches often raise important legal issues. I would want to know why the vehicle was stopped, how long the stop lasted, whether consent was requested, whether there was probable cause, where the item was found, who had access to it, and whether the State can prove knowing possession. These issues come up frequently in Hancock County cases, and I examine them closely in every matter I handle.

Is it better to take a criminal case to trial in Hancock County?

Deciding whether to take a criminal case to trial in Hancock County depends on the specific facts, the strength of the evidence, and your goals. I have handled hundreds of cases as lead counsel and regularly litigate in these local courts when a trial serves the client’s interests. Juries in Hancock County are made up of your neighbors, and presenting a clear, well-prepared defense can sometimes lead to not-guilty verdicts or hung juries. I discuss the risks and benefits openly with every client so you can make an informed choice rather than feeling pressured into a quick plea.

How do I contact Jake Salathe about a Greenfield criminal case?

You can call me directly at 317-995-3004 or email me at jake@indianalawattorney.com. If you have paperwork, a charging information, a probable cause affidavit, a summons, a bond order, or a court date, have that information available so I can better understand what you are facing. I make myself available to clients right here in Hancock County and respond quickly when you need me.