Criminal Defense Law Attorney La Porte, IN

When facing a criminal charge in Michigan City, IN, you need a defense attorney who knows the local courts, the local prosecutors, and the specific pressures that come with cases filed in LaPorte County. We are Braje, Nelson & Janes, LLP, and we have served this community since 1974. Our criminal defense attorney practice in Michigan City, IN, is built on decades of firsthand experience in the very courts where your case will be heard. As a trusted criminal defense attorney in Michigan City, IN, we are ready to protect your rights from the very first call. Our attorneys have spent decades navigating the local court system, giving us a clear understanding of how LaPorte County judges and prosecutors approach criminal cases. Call (219) 872-2100 to request a free consultation.


What Criminal Charges Can We Defend in Michigan City?

We defend clients against a wide range of state and federal criminal charges in Michigan City, IN. We handle matters including OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), drug crimes such as possession and distribution, felony charges from Level 6 through Level 1, misdemeanor offenses and traffic violations, probation violations, domestic violence allegations, gun charges, theft and property crimes, sex crimes, internet crimes, and federal criminal charges in the Northern District of Indiana. We also assist clients with post-conviction relief and expungement services to help clear eligible records. 


FFor a full overview, visit our criminal defense attorneys Indiana page.


How We Approach Your Defense

Every criminal case is different. We follow a clear process from the moment you reach out.

  • Call (219) 872-2100  or visit our contact page to schedule your free initial consultation.
  • Meet with one of our attorneys to review the facts of your case, the charges filed, and the court where your matter is pending.
  • We investigate the evidence, identify constitutional issues, and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
  • We appear with you at all hearings, arraignments, and proceedings in LaPorte County Superior Court or another court of jurisdiction.
  • We work toward the best possible outcome, whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or a vigorous defense at trial.

Why Residents Across Michigan City Turn to Us

We have provided criminal defense services in Michigan City, IN, and the surrounding northwest Indiana region since 1974. As a leading criminal defense firm in Michigan City, IN, we serve clients in Michigan City and nearby communities such as LaPorte, Westville, Long Beach, and Trail Creek, as well as those facing OWI or traffic-related charges. Anyone searching for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan City, IN, will find our combination of local court knowledge and decades of experience to be a meaningful advantage. Our team is known throughout the region for pairing aggressive courtroom representation with clear, honest communication at every stage of a case.

Attorney Credentials and Firm Background

Braje, Nelson, & Janes, LLP has served clients throughout La Porte County since 1974. The firm's criminal defense law attorneys hold memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the La Porte County Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. David K. Payne has argued before the Indiana Supreme Court and brings appellate experience to the firm. Braje, Nelson, & Janes, LLP has also been recognized among the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Should I Do if I Am Arrested in Michigan City?

    Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present, and exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation.

  • Do We Handle Federal Criminal Cases?

    Yes. Our attorney Elizabeth Flynn is admitted to practice in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana and before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, giving clients federal-level representation alongside local LaPorte County experience.

  • How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in La Porte County?

    The timeline depends on the complexity of the charges, court scheduling, and whether the case resolves through a plea or proceeds to trial. Cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Your attorney can provide a more specific outlook once your case details are reviewed.

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?

    Even misdemeanor convictions in Indiana can carry jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing. Consulting an attorney before accepting any plea offer is worth your time.

  • How Do I Get Started With a Free Consultation?

    Call us at (219) 872-2100. An attorney will review your situation and explain your legal options.

Contact Our Michigan City Criminal Defense Team Today

A criminal charge can disrupt every part of your life. We are ready to stand beside you. Our attorneys know LaPorte County courts, know the local legal landscape, and know how to build a defense that reflects the real facts of your case. If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan City, IN, with a proven record in local courts, we are the firm to call. Working with us as your dedicated criminal defense attorney in Michigan City, IN, means having knowledgeable counsel at every stage of your case. Call (219) 872-2100, use our contact form online. The sooner you have legal counsel, the better positioned you may be to protect your future.