Bryan Cook | Carmel Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Indiana State Bar Association Member
  2008 - Present
• National Institute for Trial Advocacy Member
  1996 - Present
• Indianapolis American Inn of Court Member
  2006 - 2009
• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Member
  1997 - 2008
• Indianapolis Bar Association Member
  1997 - 2007

• Clients' Choice Award Avvo
  2015

My client had 3 little kids and was facing a false rape claim by the estranged mother of his oldest daughter. We struggled for over a year, forcing the detective and deputy prosecutor to hand over evidence. We had a three day jury trial. I objected and yelled so loudly that my voice was hoarse. When the jury came back with its decision, I sat next to the client, and we both cried, and some jurors teared up when "NOT GUILTY " was read 3 times- we won all counts!! If he had lost, he would have lost all his kids, would have gone to prison, and would have been a lifetime sex offender registrant.

First: training. Secondly: tenacity - like the Terminator- keep pressing forward. Thirdly: temerity- boldness, grit, guts. Lastly: i care about my clients, and I care about people. I cannot tolerate injustice!

Someone who keeps up to date on Indiana and federal law. Someone who has natural talent and is thirsty to always learn. Someone who cares about doing the best job possible. Someone that is prepared, arrives to court on time or early, and someone who presents with a clean, neat, wholesome appearance. No one wants a late, unprepared, messy and unkept slob. Also, an excellent attorney is always "constantly cautious" with his client's case. Lastly, excellent lawyers know when to tell a client "no" when they want to pursue a strategy that is either unethical, illegal, or foolish.

Knowing the battefield is ALWAYS an advantage. Many judges and prosecutors have unwritten or informal rules or procedures you cannot find in a law book. Knowing these can be crucial to do the best job for the client.

I will ask for a caller's name, DOB, and the county or federal district that the case is pending . I then access an online case management system with heightened attorney access to view the current charges, police report or the probable cause affidavit (this is a detail of why the State claims they have a case), and the criminal history. After further discussing with the client on what they report happened, I can then get a preliminary sense of what issues are likely to develop in the case, etc. Note thar it often takes months of work to fully develop a cogent defense strategy. We learn things when we conduct "discovery " which often gives us a better look at the case and issues. I will also tell them what my fee will be if I agree to take their case, and they agree to retain me. There is no obligation by the client to hire me.

Full name of defendant, date of birth, and where the case is pending. Also, see above paragraph 5 response.

Natural talent is a must, but being prepared and developing as well as sharpening skills are also qualities that make a distinction. i have those qualities.

Obtaining justice. Winning cases for innocent clients, and helping those that committed an offense to be fairly treated.

Food, music, and combat sports like Brazilian ju jitsu and MMA.

I have made a civic contribution to the legal system, by agreeing to be a Pro Tem (temporary) judge in several trial courts in the past for a morning or afternoon session. A required ethical disclaimer: No implied nexus nor special position to influence a court exists because of that past civic service.