About Susan D.
Susan D — Rayl is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been a partner at Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, LLC since 2009. The firm focuses on various aspects of criminal law, including appeals and white-collar crime. Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the firm serves clients throughout the state, providing comprehensive legal representation in a range of criminal matters. She earned her Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1993.
Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1983, and an Associate of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Indiana University-Kokomo in 1977. This diverse educational background gave her a unique perspective on the legal issues her clients face. Most of her practice focuses on criminal law, where she represents clients in various stages of the legal process. This includes pre-trial motions, trials, and appeals. Her experience as a clerk in 1993 and as an associate lawyer starting in 1994 laid a solid foundation for her legal career. Since becoming a lawyer in 2000, she has developed a reputation for her thorough approach and dedication to her clients' cases.
In addition to her primary focus on criminal law, she also handles appeals and appellate work, ensuring that her clients have the best possible chance of success in higher courts. Her experience in white-collar crime adds another layer of expertise to her practice. This lets the attorney navigate complex legal issues that may arise in these cases — Cases typically involve intricate financial transactions and regulatory compliance matters. Susan is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Indiana State Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Indianapolis Bar Association. These affiliations keep her informed about the latest legal developments and provide her with valuable networking opportunities within the legal community. Her commitment to her clients and her experience in criminal law make her a advocate in the Indianapolis area.
She is experienced in the details of both state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. With nearly three decades of legal experience, Susan D — Rayl continues to be a prominent figure in the field of criminal defense.