I am an experienced criminal trial attorney, with over 22 years practicing law, including felony trials for Reckless Homicide. The majority of those years were spent as a deputy prosecuting attorney where I concentrated on OWI cases including OWI Causing Death cases.
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
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- Ball State University
- B.S. (1994) | Political Science, Psychology, Business
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- 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
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- Lake County Bar Association
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- Activities: Criminal Defense section
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- Porter County Bar Association
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- American Inns of Court, Calumet Council
- Master of the Bench
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- Indiana
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- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
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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. Why would an attorney put in a motion to withdraw after a case has been decided in Indiana?
- A: If it is a criminal case and a plea agreement has been entered or after a trial the person has been sentenced to probation, the reason for the attorney's appearance in the case has concluded. If the attorney did not withdraw and there were a probation revocation, then the attorney would be responsible to represent the person in the probation matter though it was likely beyond the scope of the agreement for representation. However, if there is a revocation of probation, the attorney can always be rehired to represent the person.
- Q. If one is incarcerated on a ptr & makes bail can the prob. dept. order them to do work release before discovery hearing?
- A: As a general rule, the PO cannot do so. However, if there is a term in the rules of probation that she signed allowing for work release with a violation of probation filed, then the answer could be yes. Additionally, if the court ordered her as a condition of the bond to go to work release that could be the reason. However, unless there was a hearing, the judge could not unilaterally change conditions of bond.
- Q. Double jeopardy in case dismissed without prejudice?
- A: Dismissing without prejudice means the prosecutor can file the case anytime up until the statute of limitations has run. If a misdemeanor the SOL is 2 years and if it's a felony then 5 years. Double jeopardy only applies if the trial against you had begun, meaning a jury was selected or a bench trial had begun. If not, then you have not been tried, being charged with a crime is not the same as tried, and therefore they can refile the case. However, generally when a case is dismissed the prosecutor is hesitant to refile the case.