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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Auburn, IN: 2026 rankings

31 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Auburn: Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., LFR Score 67/100; 4.6★ from 141 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 3

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Kutsenok Law Office, LLC, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 31.

  3. 2

    Most-reviewed: The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, 232 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 31 ranked; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

31 Auburn criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 5 are open 24/7, 5 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.2★ across 31 rated law firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Criminal defense lawyers in Fort Wayne ranking. See Criminal defense lawyers in Fort Wayne

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Auburn at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Auburn at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C.674.6★ (141)Fort Wayne, 20 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey674.7★ (232)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away—Most reviews
3Kutsenok Law Office, LLC644.8★ (39)Fort Wayne, 20 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
4Cranston Law614.6★ (103)AuburnOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Watkins Law Firm605.0★ (15)Auburn——
6Matthew W. Chapel584.3★ (66)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away——
7Myers & Wallace, LLP584.0★ (103)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away——
8The Bellinger Law Office Fort Wayne Criminal Attorney & Divorce Lawyer584.3★ (55)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away——
9Quinton L. Ellis P.C.574.1★ (56)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away——
10Marcia L. Linsky, Attorney at Law564.5★ (24)Fort Wayne, 20 mi away——

All 31 criminal defense lawyers in Auburn, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  1. Ranked #1 in Auburn

    #1 Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C.

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 141 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 141 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    127 W Berry St #1000, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C.(888) 912-7220

  3. #3 Kutsenok Law Office, LLC

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 39 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    116 E Berry St Ste 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Kutsenok Law Office, LLC(260) 443-1676

  4. #4 Cranston Law

    Based in Auburn

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 103 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 103 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    128 W Seventh St, Auburn, IN 46706
    View profile for Cranston Law(260) 704-8422

  5. #5 Watkins Law Firm

    Based in Auburn

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    117 E 9th St, Auburn, IN 46706
    View profile for Watkins Law Firm(260) 755-5008

  6. #6 Matthew W. Chapel

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 66 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 66 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–4 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    110 W Berry St Suite 1904, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Matthew W. Chapel(260) 387-6236

  7. #7 Myers & Wallace, LLP

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 103 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 103 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    809 S Calhoun St #400, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Myers & Wallace, LLP(260) 286-7488

  8. #8 The Bellinger Law Office Fort Wayne Criminal Attorney & Divorce Lawyer

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 55 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 55 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    116 E Berry St Ste 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for The Bellinger Law Office Fort Wayne Criminal Attorney & Divorce Lawyer(260) 428-2214

  9. #9 Quinton L. Ellis P.C.

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    116 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Quinton L. Ellis P.C.(260) 420-2006

  10. #10 Marcia L. Linsky, Attorney at Law

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    116 E Berry St Ste 300, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Marcia L. Linsky, Attorney at Law(260) 408-6818

  11. #11 Gregory A. Miller

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    116 E Berry St Ste 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Gregory A. Miller(260) 833-7249

  14. #14 Hamilton Law, LLC

    Based in Auburn

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.1★ from 62 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 62 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    111 E 9th St, Auburn, IN 46706
    View profile for Hamilton Law, LLC(260) 333-0483

  17. #17 Tandra S. Johnson, LLC

    Based in Fort Wayne, 21 mi away

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    529 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Tandra S. Johnson, LLC(260) 424-3050

  19. #19 Thonert Richard J

    Based in Fort Wayne, 13 mi away

    48/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    810 Mill Lake Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
    View profile for Thonert Richard J(260) 637-4040

  20. #20 Tourkow, Crell, Rosenblatt & Johnston, LLP Attorneys at Law

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    48/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    Suite 1200, 127 W Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Tourkow, Crell, Rosenblatt & Johnston, LLP Attorneys at Law(260) 426-0545

  22. #22 Scott & Aplin LLC

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    47/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 37 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 37 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1018 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
    View profile for Scott & Aplin LLC(260) 200-5321

  23. #23 Stucky, Lauer & Young, LLP

    Based in Fort Wayne, 20 mi away

    47/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and review volume: 3.6★ from 65 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.6★ from 65 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    127 W Berry St #900, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
    View profile for Stucky, Lauer & Young, LLP(260) 423-3525

Criminal defense lawyers ranked #26 to #26

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #26, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 26 of 31 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in Auburn, ranks 26 to 26
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Law Offices of Robert W Gevers II, P.C.453.5★ (21)20 mi

How we ranked Auburn criminal defense lawyers

We scored 31 Auburn criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Auburn data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in Auburn: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Auburn?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Auburn, IN is Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. with an LFR Score of 67/100. It has 4.6★ from 141 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey (#2) and Kutsenok Law Office, LLC (#3) follow. We ranked 31 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Auburn?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 31 criminal defense lawyers serving Auburn, IN. 4 of them are based in Auburn; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Auburn are open 24/7?

5 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Auburn post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. (#1), Kutsenok Law Office, LLC (#3) and Cranston Law (#4). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Auburn work on weekends?

5 of 31 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. (#1), Kutsenok Law Office, LLC (#3) and Cranston Law (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Auburn criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 31 rated criminal defense lawyers in Auburn is 4.2★, with a median of 29 reviews. The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey has the most, 232 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside Auburn count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Auburn city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in Auburn, IN charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Auburn, IN ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Auburn?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Auburn

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 31 criminal defense lawyers serving Auburn.

More criminal defense lawyers and Auburn pages