Atty. Michael Ray Smith
Michael Ray Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation (business litigation, appeals), criminal defense (appeals and post conviction relief), estate planning and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a M.S. degree from Purdue University in 1982, and has been licensed for 32 years.
Civil Litigation (Business Litigation, Appeals) & More Attorney · Serving Indianapolis, IN · 32+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Ray Smith at a Glance
Michael Ray Smith is a Partner based in Indianapolis, Indiana, practicing at Harshman Ponist {neweline}Smith & Rayl, LLC. They have 32+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1994. Their practice focuses on formation, contracts, criminal defense, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in Indiana (1994). Educated at Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis (J.D., 1993) and Purdue University (M.S. Vanderbilt, 1982). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Hamilton County, Indianapolis, Indiana State (Member, Sections on: Business Law General Practice, Solo and Small Firm) and American (Member, Sections on: Business Law Franchising) Bar Associations. Serves clients in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Ray Smith
- Michael Ray Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation (business litigation, appeals), criminal defense (appeals and post conviction relief), estate planning and 6 other areas of law
- Michael received a M.S. degree from Purdue University in 1982, and has been licensed for 32 years
- Michael practices at Harshman Ponist {neweline}Smith & Rayl, LLC in Indianapolis, IN
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Ray Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Ray Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Indianapolis.
Business Formation in Indianapolis
Michael Ray Smith is one of 35,326 formation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse formation attorneys in Indiana →
Contracts in Indianapolis
Michael Ray Smith is one of 76,101 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in Indiana →
Criminal Defense in Indianapolis
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael Ray Smith is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Indiana →
Estate Planning & Probate in Indianapolis
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Michael Ray Smith is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Indiana →
Business & Corporate Law in Indianapolis
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael Ray Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Indiana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Indianapolis
Practicing law in Indiana. Legal matters in Indiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Indianapolis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Indiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Indiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Indiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Indianapolis Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Indianapolis-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Indiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Indianapolis or all attorneys in Indiana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Indianapolis Choose Michael Ray Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Ray Smith's practice in the field of formation, contracts, criminal defense, estate planning, and business.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Ray Smith brings 32+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering formation, contracts, and criminal defense, Michael Ray Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Indianapolis
A Indianapolis-based practice means Michael Ray Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Ray Smith Handles in Indianapolis
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Ray Smith has experience with under Indiana law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Ray Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael Ray Smith Online
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Michael Ray Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
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