Skip to main content

Matthew Stephen Abels

also known as Abels Law Office
  Save
Avvo Rating8.8
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Licensed for 17 years
  • Free consultation
See more Indianapolis Criminal Defense lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Matthew

Top notch criminal, traffic, expungement, family lawyer with over 10 years experience. Former prosecutor who graduated top 1% of law school class. Call me 317-281-3512 for free consultation.

 

 

Practice areas

OtherDomestic violenceViolent crimeDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    Handle all types of criminal offenses.

    17 years, 1,300 cases

  2. 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

  3. Violent crime: 10%

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

    250 cases

  4. Domestic violence: 10%

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

    250 cases

  1. Expungement: 5%

    Help with filing to seal arrest and conviction records.

    17 years, 50 cases

  2. Speeding and traffic ticket: 5%

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

    17 years, 200 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

4390927 1462301475

4390927 1462301496

Contact

Abels Law Office

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

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    INActive In Good Standing200410/12/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers28
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Avvo Client's Choice Award 2015Avvo2015
    Summa Cum LaudeAmerican University-Washington College of Law2004
    Order of the CoifAmerican University-Washington College of Law2004
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Owner/Managing PartnerAbels Law Office2011 - Present
    Major Felony AttorneyMarion County Public Defender Agency2009 - 2016
    Felony Staff AttorneyMarion County Public Defender Agency2006 - 2009
    Domestic Violence Division Staff AttorneyMarion County Public Defender Agency2005 - 2006
    Deputy ProsecutorMarion County Prosecutor's Office2004 - 2005
    Summer AssociateFeiwell & Hannoy2003 - 2003
    Legal Research Assistant Professor David AaronsonAmerican University2003 - 2003
    Legal Research AssistantIndiana Civil Liberties Union2002 - 2002
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Indiana Public Defender CouncilMember2009 - Present
    Indiana State Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
    Indianapolis Bar AssociationMember2004 - 2011
    American University Law ReviewMember2002 - 2004
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    FacebookAbels Law Office2015
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    American University, Washington College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2004
    Indiana University-BloomingtonBA - Bachelor of Arts2001
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Career DayLegal Speaker2012
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Moss v. State 6 N.E.3d 958reversed the trial court
    Invasion of Privacy CaseDismissed
    Kirk v. State 974 N.E.2d 1059Reversal of Trial Court

    Reviews

    (25)5.0 stars
    5 Star
    		96%
    4 Star
    		4%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Matthew Abels

    Professional, Dependable, and Affordable

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    MATTHEW ABELS YOUR NUMBER 1 PHENOMENAL YES

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Left lane ticket

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Mr Abels was professional & courteous to me even though we just had phone communication! He told me what he thought that he could do for my case & he did just that! Thank you if I ever have A problem in Indiana again you'll be the person that I call!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Above and beyond while on Vacation.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Matthew Abel's while on vacation with his family answered my call and listened to my case.. Mind you I was calling from New Mexico with a case from 1986 and calling him for the first time ever... He listen to me with no interruptions and let me finished. He than told me he was on vacation and I felt kinda stupid.. But he asked questions about my case and told me what he would do or try to do cause no one can guarantee results obviously.. He told me he felt confident of having my case (felony case) thrown out or dismissed. I don't know if I can speak specifics but he did do that at a more than helpful price cause of my conditions and case. Mr. Abel's always stayed in contact with me and I never had to chase him down or call over and over... He called me before I ever thought of calling him or his office.. Also sent me paper work from the courts showing it was dismissed via email... Thank you Matthew and I hope this review helps others with their Attorney selection. I highly recommend and will use Matthew Abel's if I ever need to in the future but hopefully will never have to. I give him a 5 star on honesty, communication, knowledge, compassion for what he does. Great job Matthew and I am grateful for your help.. Sincerely Matthew Miles.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Professional and affordable

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Matt put my mind at ease and worked out a better than expected resolution to my case. Very affordable as well.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Can’t go wrong!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Mr. Abel went above & beyond for me. I couldn’t ask for anyone better for representation. He has a heart of gold & is a down to earth person that doesn’t take advantage of people in need.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Matt Knows His Stuff/Business

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I consulted with Matt on a background issue stemming from an issue several years ago and how that might appear during a Federal Fingerprinting investigation. Matt was very knowledgeable regarding the entire issue and provided a sound recommendation. I highly recommend Matt and would consult/hire him again should the need ever arise.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Professional and Respectable

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Mr. Abels has represented me more times than I'd like to admit, but for each time, he was there every step of the way, on top of all of the procedures and paperwork. For my DUI charge, his preparation and thoroughness in making my Specialized Driving Privileges form helped in getting the judge to sign off on it. Mr. Abels appeared in court with me in a day's notice, and lifted a No Contact order that same day. The court personnel and paperwork can be very confusing and intimidating, but not so much with him there. He is incredibly knowledgeable and will not hesitate to explain anything in need of clarification. I was able to walk into the courtroom confidently because of Mr. Abels.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Civil Asset Forfeiture Indiana

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I highly recommend Matt Abels. He handled an asset forfeiture case for us, and he was thorough and well prepared. He looks out for his clients and his charging is very fair. He was responsive and easy to talk to. He won the case very compellingly.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Quick and Skilled

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Matthew was very helpful in getting a traffic ticket off my driving record. I drive often for work, so it's imperative that my driving record be perfect. He was able to quickly assess my situation and let me know all options and possible outcomes to those options. He was also very responsive in responding to communication. Definitely recommend.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (11)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Mark Wayne Nicholson

    Mark Nicholson, Criminal defense Attorney on May 8, 2018
    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.

    Lawyer Jesse Kyle Sanchez

    Jesse Sanchez, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2017
    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.

    Lawyer Mark Wayne Nicholson

    Mark Nicholson, Criminal defense Attorney on May 8, 2018
    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.

    Lawyer Jesse Kyle Sanchez

    Jesse Sanchez, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2017
    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.

    Lawyer Gregory Brant Spencer

    Gregory Spencer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 15, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Terence E. McEnally III

    Terence McEnally, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Jun 22, 2016
    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!

    No photo

    Megan von Ruhtenberg, Criminal defense Attorney on May 4, 2016
    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.

    Lawyer Sean Kelly Hessler

    Sean Hessler, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2016
    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.

    Lawyer Aaron James Myers

    Aaron Myers, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

    Lawyer Todd Eric Ess

    Todd Ess, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 14, 2015
    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.

    Lawyer Philip Edwin Hayes

    Philip Hayes, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 13, 2015
    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.

    No photo

    Anthony Zapata, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 27, 2015
    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.

    Lawyer Christopher Michael Eskew

    Christopher Eskew, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 23, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

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

    Cost

    RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Sometimes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card