After graduating from Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, Ryan attended and played basketball at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer. Ryan then obtained his law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. A lifelong athlete Ryan now coaches in several youth basketball and soccer leagues in Indianapolis.
After completing law school, Ryan immediately began his career in public service at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. An accomplished criminal trial attorney, he has personally led the prosecutor of murders and violent crimes and understands the deep commitment that drives prosecutors in seeking justice for victims. During his fifteen years as a Deputy Prosecutor, Ryan tried more than 100 jury and bench trials. As Chief Trial Deputy in the Prosecutor’s Office, Ryan championed reform, innovation, and leadership, while carrying a caseload along with his fellow Deputy Prosecutors.
As the Marion County Prosecutor, Ryan continues to focus on the most serious crimes in Indianapolis while working with leaders to address the root causes of violence. On day one of being Prosecutor, Ryan announced he was working to decriminalize marijuana by stopping the prosecution of low-level marijuana possession charges.
Ryan also continues to advance reforms and organize Second Chance Workshops, bringing together Prosecutor’s Office staff, nonprofit organizations, and pro bono attorneys to serve individuals interested in expungement, reinstatement of a suspended driver’s license, and more. Ryan has drawn together agency support for many community programs across Indianapolis with the vision of changing behavior, not criminalizing it.
