Terence Gerard Trapane, Criminal Defense Attorney in Merrillville, Indiana

Terence concentrates on criminal defense, expungement, landlord/tenant, personal injury, and traffic. Each area below outlines the kind of case Terence handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

  View other Criminal Defense attorneys

• Expungement

  View other Expungement attorneys

• Landlord/Tenant

  View other Landlord/Tenant attorneys

• Personal Injury

  View other Personal Injury attorneys

• Traffic

  View other Traffic attorneys

Terence's primary office is at 8101 Polo Club Dr., Ste. D, Merrillville, IN, 46410. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Terence usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Terence 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.

• How much does it cost to hire Terence for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Terence walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Terence offer a free consultation?

  Terence charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terence's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Terence'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. Terence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Terence take my case if I'm outside Merrillville?

  Terence 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 — Terence 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 Terence?

  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. Terence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Terence accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Terence's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.