Shipman Law is open and accepting clients. Call or text (317) 576-3824.
Call or Text: (317) 576-3824
Wayne County Courthouse, Richmond, Indiana
Indiana Criminal Defense

Career prosecutor.
Now your defense.

Three decades working inside the system.

Call or Text (317) 576-3824 Request a Free Consultation
30 Years Experience
200+ Jury Trials
24/7 Access & Jail Visits
Mike Shipman, Criminal Defense Attorney

Why Choose Shipman Law

Three things that matter when you are the one charged.

Knowledge of Police Investigations

Reading police reports was my job for decades. Unlawful stops, evidence errors, and gaps in documentation are what I looked for then, and what I look for now.

Aggressive Defense

Every case is thoroughly investigated and prepared. Your defense strategy is built on the facts, the law, and a commitment to the best possible outcome.

Responsive Communication

I will respond quickly. I prioritize clear, timely communication so you are never left in the dark about your case.

Police Mistakes Matter

Bad Dancing Is Not a Crime

A Morgan County deputy pulled a man over for "jerky movements," then ruled out dancing because 8:00 a.m. seemed too early to jam out. The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and, in a footnote, cited the Seinfeld episode famous for Elaine Benes's catastrophic dancing. The lesson: how a stop begins can decide the entire case.

See More Indiana Cases Documenting Police Mistakes

Practice Areas

Providing defense across a wide range of criminal charges in Indiana.

OWI / DUI Drug Offenses Domestic Violence Felonies Misdemeanors Theft & Property Crimes Murder & Homicide Sex Crimes
See All Practice Areas
Mike Shipman meeting one-on-one with a client to discuss their case

A Practice Built on Focus, Not Volume

I deliberately limit how many clients I accept. Every client I take gets my full attention, direct access to me, and a defense built from the ground up. When you hire me, you get me, not a junior associate.

Is My Practice Right for You?

From Richmond to Indianapolis, Along the I-70 Corridor

Rooted in East Central Indiana, I represent clients along the I-70 corridor from Richmond to Indianapolis and throughout the state. My office is in the Nickel Plate District in Fishers, but a trip there is not required. I am glad to meet you at a convenient location, near your home or workplace. Consultations are also available in person at my office, by phone, or by video.

Gold stars mark the county courthouses along my primary I-70 coverage area (tap a star for that county's page). The burgundy marker is my Fishers office. I also accept cases throughout Indiana.

Richmond / Wayne County New Castle / Henry County Connersville / Fayette County Liberty / Union County Winchester / Randolph County Rushville / Rush County Greenfield / Hancock County Shelbyville / Shelby County Anderson / Madison County Muncie / Delaware County Fishers / Hamilton County Indianapolis / Marion County

What to Expect When You Reach Out

Being arrested or under investigation is stressful. Here is how working with me begins, so there are no surprises.

1. Call or Text

Reach me directly at (317) 576-3824, or send the consultation request below. Tell me what you are facing. Everything you share is confidential.

2. Confidential Case Review

We go through the facts, the charges, and the evidence together, in person, by phone, or by video. I explain where your case stands and what the State has to prove.

3. Your Defense Plan

You leave knowing your options and the path forward. If we work together, I build your defense from the ground up, and you deal with me directly at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to questions I often hear. If yours is not here, call or text me at (317) 576-3824.

Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
No. Officers are trained to gather statements that can later be used against you, even when you believe you are helping yourself. You can be respectful and still decline to answer. Ask for a lawyer first, then let me do the talking.
I was just arrested. What should I do right now?
Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent, and using it is not an admission of guilt. Do not try to explain your way out of the situation, and do not consent to searches. Call or text me at (317) 576-3824 and we will go through your next steps together.
Should I discuss my case with a family member or friend while I am incarcerated?
No. Those phone calls are recorded. Prosecutors have access to all of your jail phone calls while sitting in front of their computers. As a prosecutor, I would often have my investigator find the first call an inmate made right after an arrest. This is the call that is most likely to reveal what happened in the case. I have used that type of call as powerful evidence to convict a person at trial. It is natural for family members or friends to want to know why you were arrested. Just politely tell them the call is being recorded and you cannot talk about your case.
Will you get my case dismissed?
No attorney can ethically tell you that your case will be dismissed. Only a prosecutor or judge can dismiss a criminal case. Dismissals are rare. If there is a legal basis to seek a dismissal, I will pursue it. My goal is always to get the best possible outcome for you based upon the facts, evidence and law in your case.
How much does it cost to hire you?
I work on a flat fee that is quoted directly to you at your consultation, based on the actual charges and what your defense requires. You will know the full cost up front, with no surprise hourly billing. Every case is different, which is why I quote your fee in person rather than advertising a number that cannot account for your situation.
Do you offer payment plans?
I require the full fee at the beginning of representation. My fee includes the case proceeding to trial. I may arrange a limited payment plan on high level felonies, but not in every case. We can discuss costs during the initial consultation to determine if I am the right attorney for you. See "Fees" for more information.
Why do you limit the number of cases you accept?
I deliberately keep my caseload small so I can give each client my full attention. Representing fewer people lets me examine the facts and evidence closely, find the weaknesses in the State's case, and prepare thoroughly. I prepare your case for trial from the first day of representation.
You were a prosecutor for three decades. How does that help my defense?
I spent three decades building and reviewing cases from the other side, so I know where investigations fall short: unlawful stops, lack of corroborating evidence, and unreliable witnesses. I use that experience to find weaknesses in a case and hold the prosecution to its high burden of proof.
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
I handle felony, misdemeanor, and infraction cases throughout Indiana. Much of my training and experience has been devoted to DUI cases.
You have an office in Fishers. Do you still represent clients in Richmond and other areas?

Yes. I am rooted in East Central Indiana and I have not moved away from the Richmond area. I primarily represent clients along the I-70 corridor from Richmond to Indianapolis, and I also accept cases throughout Indiana.

My office is centrally located in Fishers, which makes it easier for me to travel to courthouses around the state. I will also work from a location near Richmond. You do not have to drive to Fishers to meet with me. I am glad to meet at a location convenient to you, in person, by phone, or by video conference.

Request a Free Confidential Consultation

Complete the secure form below to request a free confidential consultation. I respond promptly, because when you are facing charges, you need answers fast. You can also call or text (317) 576-3824.

Form not loading? Open the consultation form in a new tab →

A Note About Cases Referenced on This Website

Cases cited on this website are provided for educational purposes only, to illustrate how Indiana judges and juries apply the law in criminal cases. They are not intended to suggest or promise a specific outcome in any case. Every criminal case is different. The facts, evidence and law affect how a criminal case is resolved. No result described or implied on this website constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case. If you have been charged with a crime, contact me to discuss the specific facts of your situation.

Call Now Text Now