
William E. Emerick, Criminal Defense Attorney in Lafayette, Indiana
Over 49 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratStuart & Branigin LLP
Lafayette, IN
Practicing criminal defense in Lafayette since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William E. Emerick?
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Quick answer
William E. Emerick is a partner based in Lafayette, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stuart & Branigin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lafayette, IN
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Lafayette, IN.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William E. Emerick: William E. Emerick is a partner based in Lafayette, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stuart & Branigin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Lafayette
William concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Lafayette, Indiana
William takes criminal defense matters in Lafayette, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William E. Emerick, criminal defense attorney serving Lafayette
William E. Emerick is a partner based in Lafayette, IN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stuart & Branigin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. William works from Lafayette, Indiana and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
William E. Emerick is a lawyer practicing civil and criminal litigation. William E. received a A.B. degree from University of Illinois in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. William E. practices at Stuart & Branigin LLP in Lafayette, IN.
Working with William on a criminal defense matter
William E. Emerick is a lawyer practicing civil and criminal litigation. William E. received a A.B. degree from University of Illinois in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. William E. practices at Stuart & Branigin LLP in Lafayette, IN.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Lafayette and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
University of San Fernando Valley
J.D. · 1977
University of Illinois
A.B. · 1972
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Indiana
1978 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1978 · ACTIVE
California
1977 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of San Fernando Valley and A.B. in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of San Fernando Valley and A.B. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Illinois State, Indiana State and American Bar Associations State Bar of California American Board of Trial Attorneys American Association for Justice National Association of College and University Attorneys
membership
FELLOW: Indiana Bar Foundation
membership
Locations
William E. Emerick's office in Lafayette
William's primary office is at The Life Building, 300 Main Street, Suite 900, Lafayette, IN, 47902-1010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Stuart & Branigin LLP
The Life Building, 300 Main Street, Suite 900
Lafayette, IN 47902-1010
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William E. Emerick — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Lafayette.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William E. Emerick claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William E. Emerick — 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 William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Lafayette, 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William E. Emerick
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Lafayette?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William'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 Lafayette, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana
William 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 William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Lafayette handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





