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also known as Dave Seiter, David Sieter
Admitted to practice law throughout the state of Indiana since 1998, David M. Seiter is a general practice litigator with experience in both criminal and civil law. From February 2013-September 2016, David served in Marion County as a judicial officer. David was assigned to the Arrestee Processing Center (APC) and major felony drug court where he focused his efforts on problem solving and reducing recidivism through offender education efforts. Returning to private practice in October, 2016, David incorporated the lessons he learned from the judiciary in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of his client’s cases.
David has major felony trial experience and appellate advocacy experience. While many lawyers will spend an entire career and never have the opportunity to argue orally before the Indiana Supreme Court, David has done so three (3) times. Those decisions have helped shape Indiana law in the areas of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated and Habitual Traffic Violator offenses. In 2019, David argued on behalf of his client before the Indiana Court of Appeals and successfully helped modify Indiana law regarding Civil Forfeitures.
In 2013, David retired as a field grade officer in the U.S. Army Reserves after serving for 25 years. Originally enlisting as a private out of high school in 1988 David was later commissioned through ROTC as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police and completed the U.S. Army’s Airborne school. David served as a commander of the 384th MP HHC in Fort Wayne, IN, before transferring to the Judge Advocates General (JAG) Corps in 2000 where he served the remainder of his Army career as a military lawyer.
In 2003, David deployed to Iraq as a JAG officer with the 800th Military Police Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in the Iraqi Ministry of Justice where he served as the “ombudsman” for juvenile and female detainees. David earned the Bronze Star during his deployment for a variety of accomplishments including 1) obtaining a confession from an Iraqi detainee concerning placement of over 500 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, 2) successfully negotiating the peaceful displacement of over 1500 squatters from Iraqi government lands, 3) exhibiting the proper care and control over Iraqi detainees and 4) organizing charitable events to better the Iraqi people.
Despite being in the middle of a war zone, David made international news when he established an Arabic library in the Al-Karhk Juvenile detention facility and held a charitable event called “Operation Touchdown” in which two Baghdad orphanages were introduced to the sport of American Football with the assistance of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints franchises. David later renewed the Operation Touchdown theme in 2006 and 2010 raising money for the United Services Organization (USO) and Wounded Warrior Project, respectively.
Between 2016-2022, David was an adjunct professor at IUPUI where he taught “Substantive Criminal Law” for the Paul H. O'Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Additionally, David has presented classes to fellow members of the Indiana bar and judges on the “Military Aspects of Divorce in Indiana”, "Civil Forfeiture for Criminal Defense Attorneys", "Voir Dire", and the “Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act”. In the military, David instructed multiple military units on topics such as “Federal Ethics”, “Code of Conduct”, “Law of War”, “Rules of Engagement” and “General Orders in a Combat Theater”. David is a credited contributor in two published books written by Dr. Erin Albert: "Indianapolis: A Young Professional's Guide" (2010) and "Multipationals: The Changing World of Work and How to Create Your Best Career Portfolio" (2015). In 2007, he was a finalist for Junior Achievement's "Indy's Best and Brightest - Law Category."
David currently lives in Fishers, Indiana with his wife, three children and many pets. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events and volunteering for charitable, military and political organizations. From 2008-2018, he managed operations for the Indianapolis Tornados minor league football team. David previously served on the board of Angels & Doves Anti-Bullying program and started his own charity with his children in which they recycle children's books and deliver them to children in need. In 2024, David co-founded Pearls of Life, Inc. with Dawn Pollard. Pearls of Life is a non-for-profit organization which educates the public and supports those in the organ donation process. David has also done some light acting including the movie, "OUT THE GATE" (available on Tubi) where he plays Judge Thomas. David also assists in the press box during his son's high school football games. David is an active member of the Indiana State Bar and his local community.
Although born and raised in Michigan, David has lived in the Indianapolis area since 1994. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Political Science and Military Science from Western Michigan University in 1992. After completing his initial military obligations, David moved to Indianapolis to obtain his law degree at Indiana University – McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. David graduated from law school in 1998 and was admitted to the Indiana State Bar after passing the Bar Exam that same year.
5
Practice Areas
27 years
27 years
11 years
27 years
Free Consultation
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Chat withState: Indiana
Acquired: 1998
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11 Municipal Drive, Suite 320-D, Fishers, IN, 46038
Showing 1 - 5 of 43 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
David represented me on my first case which happened to be a felony charge. I was facing 90 days in jail, house arrest, felony charge, and everything that comes with having one. Looked around and met with David and when I say this was the best decision I could ever have made. David is on time, he...
Thank you for your kind review. You experienced the difference between a paid attorney who will review the State's evidence and find deficiencies compared to a public defender who wanted you to take a plea without investigating. I am happy for you that you made the right choice. Good Luck!
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Very communicative and responsive. Hard working. Honest. Reasonable. Expert at his job. Will fight for what is fair in your scenario. He gets cases resolved extremely quickly. You are in great hands with David Seiter as your attorney. Look no further!!!
Posted by Shanelle | May 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I started out with consulting with a handful of attorneys back in June 2024 when my case first started and David Seiter was the 5th attorney I spoke with. He was very straight forward, gave me some advice to take regarding my case. This happened before I even met and had my consultation, from there ...
Posted by Nick | April 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Hello, my attorney David Seiter was extremely helpful when I was wrongfully charged with an OWI in Hamilton County. He was patient and answered all of my questions. I would recommend his services to anyone with legal trouble in Hamilton County. It was easy to speak with Mr. Seiter and his calm dem...
Posted by Claudia | October 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Provided great results. He was confident and prepared when it came to court! He is definitely an attorney that advocates for their client.!!
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad things worked out as planned.
"I first met Dave practicing in front of him in Major Felony Drug Court. He earned my respect as a great judicial officer for his vast legal knowledge and work ethic. Those are charateristics he possesses on and off the bench. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave for many years. Dave is extremely passionate about his work and goes the extra mile to take care of his clients. Dave has experience as a judge and is very sharp at all areas of legal theory."
"I endorse this lawyer. I know that Mr. Seiter works hard for his clients and understands the law. He is military veteran and works to help them, too."
"I highly recommend Mr. Seiter when looking for a top criminal defense attorney. He goes the extra mile for clients. He is caring, compassionate, and a great legal mind. He has argued cases all the way from the Indiana Supreme Court to local city courts."
"I endorse this lawyer. I was the manager of Garrison Law Firm, LLC for the seven years Dave was of counsel with our firm. During his time with GLF he argued 3 cases before the Indiana Supreme Court and tried a number of jury trials, both civil cases and criminal cases. Dave is a highly competent lawyer and Dave has the skill set to be a very formidable opponent in court. Following his work at GLF, Dave spent 3 years as a commissioner judge in the Marion County courts, which gives him a complete understanding of court workings. You can't go wrong with Dave."
"Dave brings a unique combination of hard work, thoughtfulness and determination to each case. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Dave and I used to work together. I find Dave to be extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and hardworking as both an attorney and advocate for his clients."
"Dave Seiter and I worked together for several years. He is an excellent advocate for his clients. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and is well respected in the legal community."
"David Seiter is a model attorney. I'd trust him to handle any criminal matter with a high degree of skill."
"Dave is very thorough in his representation of clients. His relationships with prosecutors, fellow defense attorneys, and familiarity with the local court systems are great resources for his clients as they work together to navigate their way difficult times. I would highly recommend Dave."
"Dave and I co-counsel cases currently. I have also worked with Dave when I was a prosecutor. I have found Dave's attention to detail and commitment to zealously advocate on behalf of his client's beneficial to the outcome of his client's cases. I would strongly recommend Dave."
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2025
AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2020
100 Top Criminal Lawyers- Indiana, 100 Top Trial Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Distinguished Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of Indiana, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2016
Top 10%, America's most Honored Professionals
2016
AV Rated- Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Finalist- Indy's Best and Brightest (Law Category), Junior Achievement-Indianapolis
2004
Bronze Star, US Army
2004
Service Citation, Coalition Provisional Authority- Iraq
2021 - Present
Attorney, Of Counsel, Riley Cate, LLC
2016 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Indiana University- Indianapolis (SPEA)
2016 - 2021
Of Counsel, Terry, and Gookins, LLC
2013 - 2016
Judicial Officer (Commissioner), Marion County Courts
2005 - 2013
Of Counsel, Garrison Law Firm, LLC
2004 - 2005
Partner, Strodtman & Seiter, LLC
2003 - 2004
Lawyer, U.S. Army Jag Corps
1998 - 2003
Attorney, L. Strodtman & Associates
1995 - 1998
Bailiff, Marion County Courts
2023 - Present
Pearls of Life, IncCo-Founder
2018 - Present
Veterans of Foreign WarsLifetime Member
2016 - Present
Hamilton County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
American LegionMember
2013 - Present
Retired Reserves- US ArmyJAG Officer
1998 - Present
Indianapolis Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
Indiana State BarMember
1992 - Present
Reserve Officers AssociationMember
2017 - 2020
Angels & Doves Anti-BullyingBoard Member
2017 - 2019
Bookworms of IndianapolisBoard Member
2013 - 2017
ReTails Animal Adoption CenterVolunteer
2008 - 2018
Indianapolis Tornados Minor League Football TeamOperations Manager
1988 - 2013
United States Army ReservesJAG Officer
Supreme Court ruled in favor of my client and he recovered his driving privileges that had been suspended for life.
Court of Appeals affirmed the Trial Court
The Supreme Court reversed the Trial Court in a published decision (958 N.E.2d 1143 (2011))
1998
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BS - Bachelor of Science
2024
Celebrity Roast of NBA Journeyman, Scot Pollard
2022
Voir Dire: Winning the Case before it begins
2021
2017
2017
2017
2016
Emcee, State of Indiana Attorney General Debate
2014
Emcee, 5th District Congressional Debate
2014
Service Member's Civil Relief Act
2007
Military Aspects of Indiana Family Law
2006
Federal Ethics
2005
Law of War
2005
Code of Conduct
2003
General Order in a Combat Theater
2003
Rules of Engagement
2015
2010
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Can a person with voluntary manslaughter get a modification ? If plead out to open level 2 but sentenced to 15 executed?
12 Nov 2024
What if my MyCase doesn't show a prior OWI but my driving record would indicate a prior?
12 Nov 2024
How can long do I have to wait to get a dui and leaving the scene of an accident off my driving record?
23 Aug 2024