Matthew Stephen Abels, Criminal Defense Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatAbels Law Office
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing criminal defense in Indianapolis since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Matthew Stephen Abels?
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Quick answer
Matthew Stephen Abels is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Matthew has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abels Law Office. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · DV Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew Stephen Abels: Matthew Stephen Abels is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Matthew has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abels Law Office. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Matthew takes on
Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, expungement, and traffic. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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Expungement
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Traffic
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Criminal Defense cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Matthew takes dui/dwi matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Matthew takes dv defense matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Matthew takes expungement matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Traffic cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Matthew takes traffic matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Matthew Stephen Abels — criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis
Matthew Stephen Abels is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Matthew has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abels Law Office. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Matthew Stephen Abels is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, expungement, speeding & traffic ticket and 3 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 2001, and has been licensed for 22 years. Matthew practices at Abels Law Office in Indianapolis, IN.
Matthew's approach to criminal defense cases
Mr. Matthew Stephen Abels is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, expungement, speeding & traffic ticket and 3 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 2001, and has been licensed for 22 years. Matthew practices at Abels Law Office in Indianapolis, IN.
Clients Matthew works with
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and dv defense matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
American University, Washington College of Law
J.D. · 2004
Indiana University Bloomington
B.A. · 2001
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
Indiana
2004 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in American University, Washington College of Law and B.A. in Indiana University Bloomington.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in American University, Washington College of Law and B.A. in Indiana University Bloomington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Matthew Stephen Abels's office in Indianapolis
Matthew's primary office is at 151 N. Delaware St., Ste. 1950, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Stephen Abels — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Stephen Abels claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Stephen Abels — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Stephen Abels
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?
Matthew is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Indiana
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





