Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law in Indiana

Being Board-Certified in any area of specialty is a high distinction for an attorney. Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law in Indiana is recognition of an attorney’s experience and abilities in criminal trial law in both state and federal courts. It’s helpful to understand the requirements of this distinction and how it can help you if you are facing criminal charges and need an effective defense.

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Board-Certified Specialists at The Criminal Defense Team

In Indiana, only six lawyers in the state are currently Board-Certified to be Criminal Trial Specialists.* Five of these specialists practice at the same firm: The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. Our firm has a number of skilled and seasoned attorneys, including our five Criminal Trial Specialists.

Our Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists lead the firm and have spent several years working exclusively in criminal defense, with over 100 combined years of trial experience.

At The Criminal Defense Team, we take a team-based approach to cases to heighten the benefits our clients receive, both in responsiveness and comprehensive legal care. New cases are handled by teams of a minimum of two attorneys and one seasoned paralegal. We brainstorm cases together so that our clients get multi-faceted and flexible legal defenses. Our goal is a hands-on and exceptional defense for every client we work with.

Being a Certified Criminal Trial Specialist is a rare distinction. With approximately over 15,000 licensed attorneys in the state, under 0.04% of attorneys are Criminal Trial Board-Certified. It is an elite title for attorneys who show trial experience, integrity, competence, and dedication. The purpose of the certification is to help clients be certain in their quality legal counsel.

What Are the Requirements of Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law in Indiana?

Criminal law certifications are granted by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) in Indiana. The NBTA is a non-profit organization. The organization is accredited by the American Bar Association and recognized by the Indiana Judicial Branch as an Independent Certifying Organization (ICO). Valid ICOs must meet their own qualifications to be recognized. The NBTA is accredited as an ICO in several specialty areas, including Criminal Trial.

In order for an attorney to be Board-Certified through the NBTA, they must generally:

Pass a rigorous written exam in their area of practice
Meet the basic requirements of the practice area, including state bar admission, active status, and good standing
Show substantial participation in their continued legal education requirements and the changes in law
Show significant experience in trial, often a minimum of 45 days in trial
Have high marks and approval from peers
Submit three legal writing documents
Have judicial references of high marks from judges who have overseen cases tried by the attorney

An attorney’s trial experience must meet other qualifications, such as a minimum of 30 days of jury trial, serving as lead counsel in five jury cases, conducting at least 15 total direct and cross examinations of expert witnesses, and presenting at least eight opening statements.

An attorney cannot call themselves a Specialist or Board-Certified without having undergone this process.

What Are the Benefits of Working With a Criminal Trial Board-Certified Specialist in Indiana?

Working with a Criminal Trial Board-Certified Specialist in Indiana brings you effective and high-caliber legal defense. You can be confident in a specialist’s competence, knowledge, reputation, and trial abilities. Facing criminal charges or an arrest can be overwhelming, and you want a team that you can rely on to advocate for you with exceptional legal experience. This helps you better protect your future.

FAQs

What Is a Board-Certified Trial Attorney?

A Board-Certified Trial Attorney is a lawyer who is recognized as having experience and specialization in their field, presenting extraordinary skill in an area of practice. A lawyer must, at minimum, be admitted to the state bar, have active status, and be in good standing to be certified.

Certification in Criminal Trial requires meeting practice area and educational requirements, passing a rigorous written exam in the relevant practice area, having the support of peers, and presenting substantial trial experience.

What’s the Difference Between a Lawyer and a Board-Certified Lawyer?

The difference between a lawyer and a Board-Certified Lawyer is that a lawyer who is Board-Certified has gone through the accreditation process recognized by the state to become a Specialist in a specific area of law, such as a Criminal Trial Specialist.

While a lawyer can practice criminal law without this specialization, they cannot call themselves Specialists or Board-Certified without undergoing this process. In Indiana, approximately 0.04% of all practicing lawyers are Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists.

When Do You Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Is Board-Certified?

You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is Board-Certified when you’ve been arrested or charged with a criminal offense and need exceptional legal representation.

It is especially important that you hire an attorney with the unique abilities of a Criminal Trial Specialist when you are facing serious charges. When you have medical issues, you go to a specialist in the relevant field. Similarly, when you face criminal charges, you want a Specialist in Criminal Trials.

What Is the Cost of a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialist?

The cost of a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialist may be higher than other criminal defense representation. Specialists have additional experience and accreditation, and this generally means they will have higher rates for their services.

However, it’s important to weigh these costs against the high immediate and long-term costs you face if you are convicted of the offense. Working with a skilled and qualified professional increases the chances that you are able to avoid conviction.

An Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Certified in Criminal Trial Law

In 2025, there were 123,453 individuals arrested and 310,641 criminal offenses reported in Indiana by the state’s Management Performance Hub. Of the state’s offenses, 24.6% were drug offenses, 23.7% were traffic offenses, and 14.0% were violent offenses. Convictions can lead to up to months or many years of imprisonment.

When you face these serious potential penalties, you want an experienced Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialist to help you protect your future. The attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team can give you diligent legal representation based on our years of experience and exceptional dedication. Contact our firm today.

*Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.