Matthew Stephen Abels

Matthew Stephen Abels

also known as Abels Law Office

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 21 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Indianapolis, IN
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Violent Crime ... +3 more

101 W. Ohio St. Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN

About Matthew

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Handle all types of criminal offenses.

21 years | 1,300 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 20%

Handle hundreds of DUI/DWI cases over with over a decade of experience. Can also help with probationary licenses and specialized driving privileges.

250 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Represent individuals in all type of domestic violence cases ranging from misdemeanors to major felony charges.

250 cases

10%
Violent Crime 10%

Represent individuals charged with all types of crimes including robbery, burglary, battery.

250 cases

10%
Expungement 5%

Help with filing to seal arrest and conviction records.

21 years | 50 cases

5%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Help with amending to non-moving violations or obtaining outright dismissals.

21 years | 200 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 21 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 2004

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Abels Law Office

101 W. Ohio St. Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN, 46204-3266

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Matthew Stephen Abels's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

5 star (27) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Kerrie | April 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

absolutely amazing experience

only a few times in my life have I needed the services of a lawyer every time before this, the lawyer was not very responsive or was unwilling to explain things so that I understood. However, this is not the case from the moment that I called to get a consultation to the moment that the case was fi...nished Mr. abel was hands-on 100% of the way always responding to any message that I sent, helping me get the best result possible for the case that I had I would highly recommend him to anybody need any type of services that he offers his vast knowledge and ability to put me at ease is something that I truly appreciated in my time of need

Posted by Mary | December 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fantastic Lawyer!

Mr. Abels helped my son go through his OWI. He always was quick getting back to either my son or me. The day of court he was right there beside my son and helped him get a fair sentence and a hardship license. He is such an asset to his profession!

Posted by Shannon | March 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best and the goat!!!

Mr. Abels has done outstanding work for me and my family. He is one of the best lawyers I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. He is very professional, courteous, and realistic. Awesome lawyer and easy to get in touch with.

Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional, Dependable, and Affordable

Matthew walked with me through the potential outcomes and provided me with viable options for my case. We had consistent communication throughout the entire process which lasted a little over a year. Matthew helped me reach a successful case resolution and expungement, I absolutely recommend him.

Posted by ANTHONY | November 2, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

MATTHEW ABELS YOUR NUMBER 1 PHENOMENAL YES

HELLO MY SON HUSBAND ME AND FAMILY TRULY WONT TO THANK YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU FOR ALL YOUR PHENOMENAL WORK AND BUSINESS YOUVE DONE FOR US I WORDS CANT EXPLAIN MY GOD TRULY CONTINUES BLESSING YOU AND YOURS STAY SAFE

See All Client Reviews

Matthew Stephen Abels's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Mark Wayne Nicholson headshot
Mark Nicholson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a hard worker, listens and is very respectful to others. He shows concerns for his clients and works hard to get them a favorable result."

Jesse Kyle Sanchez headshot
Jesse Sanchez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Abels is a dedicated lawyer with an advanced understanding of the criminal law. I am a better lawyer for having worked with him."

Gregory Brant Spencer headshot
Gregory Spencer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Terence E. McEnally III headshot
Terence McEnally

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Super nice guy! I referred a case up to him from Raleigh NC (happened in Marion Co) and he was very very cool about accepting it and telling me what would happen. Nice guy and a capable lawyer!"

Megan Sue von Ruhtenberg headshot
Megan von Ruhtenberg

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt has years of experience as a trial attorney. He is professional and competent and I am confident in his ability to represent clients."

Sean Kelly Hessler headshot
Sean Hessler

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Matt and I were in the drug court trenches together when I was a prosecutor. He is a zealous advocate and knows how to hold the state to their burden. A hard working attorney I endorse from professional experience."

Aaron James Myers headshot
Aaron Myers

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would recommend Mr. Abels to anyone seeking legal representation for criminal defense."

Todd Eric Ess headshot
Todd Ess

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt Abels is an attorney with over a decade of experience. His charm is surpassed only by his knowledge of the law. He is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis."

Philip Edwin Hayes headshot
Philip Hayes

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Abels is an excellent criminal defense attorney, and a zelous advocate for his clients. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in the field of criminal defense. He has years of experience handling felonies and misdemeanors, with an great track record of success."

Anthony Zapata headshot
Anthony Zapata

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Abels on many cases. He is an outstanding Attorney who is very knowledgeable in the workings of the law. I highly recommend Mr. Abels to anyone needing any legal services."

Christopher Michael Eskew headshot
Christopher Eskew

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Matt is a very experienced lawyer who I would endorse to anyone."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Benjamin Keyes headshot
Matthew Keyes

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Brant Spencer headshot
Gregory Spencer

Criminal defense lawyer

Jacob Thomas Rigney headshot
Jacob Rigney

Criminal defense lawyer

James Dale Metzger headshot
James Metzger

Criminal defense lawyer

Jesse Kyle Sanchez headshot
Jesse Sanchez

Criminal defense lawyer

Amie Jo Martens headshot
Amie Martens

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron James Myers headshot
Aaron Myers

Unknown lawyer

Joshua Steller Moudy headshot
Joshua Moudy

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Eric Ess headshot
Todd Ess

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark James Worthley headshot
Mark Worthley

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean Kelly Hessler headshot
Sean Hessler

Criminal defense lawyer

Kathleen Marie Sweeney headshot
Kathleen Sweeney

Criminal defense lawyer

Jane Corbett Hinton Ruemmele headshot
Jane Ruemmele

Criminal defense lawyer

Philip Edwin Hayes headshot
Philip Hayes

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2015

Avvo Client's Choice Award 2015, Avvo

2004

Summa Cum Laude, American University-Washington College of Law

2004

Order of the Coif, American University-Washington College of Law

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Owner/Managing Partner, Abels Law Office

2009 - 2016

Major Felony Attorney, Marion County Public Defender Agency

2006 - 2009

Felony Staff Attorney, Marion County Public Defender Agency

2005 - 2006

Domestic Violence Division Staff Attorney, Marion County Public Defender Agency

2004 - 2005

Deputy Prosecutor, Marion County Prosecutor's Office

2003 - 2003

Summer Associate, Feiwell & Hannoy

2003 - 2003

Legal Research Assistant Professor David Aaronson, American University

2002 - 2002

Legal Research Assistant, Indiana Civil Liberties Union

Associations

2009 - Present

Indiana Public Defender Council

Member

2004 - Present

Indiana State Bar Association

Member

2004 - 2011

Indianapolis Bar Association

Member

2002 - 2004

American University Law Review

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Moss v. State 6 N.E.3d 958

reversed the trial court

Invasion of Privacy Case

Dismissed

Kirk v. State 974 N.E.2d 1059

Reversal of Trial Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Indiana University-Bloomington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Career Day

Legal Speaker

Publications

2015

Facebook Abels Law Office

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution