I am an experienced criminal trial attorney, with over 26 years practicing law, including felony trials for cases such as Reckless Homicide, Leaving the Scene Resulting in Death, Drug Dealing, Fraud, Burglary, and Robbery. The first 16 years of practicing law were spent as a deputy prosecuting attorney where I concentrated on OWI cases including OWI Causing Death cases, I assisted law enforcement with search warrants for such things as blood evidence, black box data, and vehicle and home searches.
In my capacity as a deputy prosecuting attorney I would routinely go to crash scenes at all hours of the day or night. Many times throughout the year I would conduct training for law enforcement officers. This has provided me with a keen insight into and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
This passion to do my best and put the hours needed into a case is now brought to defending my clients in Northwest Indiana including the counties of Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Newton, Jasper, Starke and Marshall in a variety of criminal cases including misdemeanors and complex felonies.
I rely upon my honesty and integrity, presenting the facts in a straight forward manner. I strive to maintain a strong rapport with my clients, other legal professionals and the bench. I would like to put my knowledge, experience & dedication to work for you.
- Valparaiso University School of Law
- J.D. | Law
- -
-
- Ball State University
- B.S. (1994) | Political Science, Psychology, Business
- -
-
- Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C.
- Current
- Prosecutor Perspective in OWI cases and substance abuse treatment, Fall Conference, Nashville, IN
- Panel discussion for Introduction to Courts, Ivy Tech College
- Panel discussion on Criminal Justice System, the role of the Police, Prosecutor and Defense Attorney, Criminal Law class
- Ivy Tech College
- Transportation Safety Institute - Lethal Weapon DUI Homicide Workshop
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- Client's Choice Award
- Avvo`
- Indiana State Bar  # 20788-45
- Member
- Current
-
- Lake County Bar Association
- - Current
- Activities: Criminal Defense section
-
- Porter County Bar Association
- - Current
-
- American Inns of Court, Calumet Council
- Master of the Bench
- - Current
-
- Indiana
-
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
-
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I do offer flexible payment plans that work with your budget.
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- DUI & DWI
- Traffic Tickets
- Suspended License
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- White Collar Crime
- Specialized Driving Privileges
- Expungements
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. Can I strip my abusive ex's parental rights after our baby is born in Indiana?
- A: Since you say you are not married then he currently has no parental rights to your child. However, if he goes to court and establishes paternity, then he would have rights. However, even after paternity is established the court can make visitation supervised or not at all if he is a danger to the child.
- Q. Can a non-violent felon own a gun after 9th Circuit ruling?
- A: It is uncertain how a 9th circuit case would impact someone living in the 7th circuit or any other circuit, until the S. Ct. hands down a ruling. Regardless, you may want to consider expunging your felony conviction and then going through the process of restoring your rights under IN law. This way depending on how things play out federally, it could clear your way to owning a gun legally.
- Q. How to turn in for charges of disorderly conduct and misdemeanor in Indiana?
- A: Your question is not entirely clear. When the charges were filed, did the State request a summons or a warrant? The person should take the situation seriously as jail is a possibility.