Michael Ortiz Cruz

Michael Ortiz Cruz is an Indiana attorney at Patel Defense, LLC, handling criminal defense and personal injury law matters. His criminal practice includes DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, white-collar offenses, and other misdemeanor or felony charges. He represents clients facing investigations, arrests, and court proceedings where their freedom, records, and future opportunities may be at risk. His work combines direct client communication with focused advocacy in serious and high-stakes legal matters statewide.

Michael earned his B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University and later attended West Virginia University College of Law on scholarship. During law school, he earned a CALI Award for work involving artificial intelligence and law. He also participated in the school’s Immigration Clinic, assisting with asylum matters. He worked with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Litigation Division, where he helped address consumer protection issues involving alleged scams and misconduct.

Michael entered the legal field before becoming an attorney, working as a legal assistant, translator, and interpreter. He assisted lawyers serving indigent clients through a public defender agency and interpreted in misdemeanor and traffic courts. He later spent years working with law firms on immigration and personal injury matters. He is licensed in Indiana and brings this varied background to criminal defense, injury claims, and client advocacy throughout the state.

Michael Ortiz Cruz was admitted to practice in Indiana in 2025 and is listed as active and in good standing by the Indiana State Bar Association. His current practice includes criminal law, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, DUI/DWI, and personal injury matters. His background in legal support, immigration, consumer protection, and injury work provides perspective when representing clients facing difficult legal situations and significant personal consequences.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Patel Defense, LLC
• Member, Indiana State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Indiana

Education

• West Virginia University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Purdue University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)