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
- 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. I had a unsat judgement driver's license suspension expire in 2014 in Indiana. Will i now be able to get a license?
- A: If the suspension ended in 2014 then there should be no reason it would prevent you getting a license. However, there may be a reinstatement fee. Also, there could be other reasons preventing you from getting a valid license. If you do not have a myBMV account, set one up and look at your driving record it will tell you what needs to be done to get valid. If you need assistance, contact a traffic attorney near you who can help; most have free consultations.
- Q. I received a speeding ticket in a company vehicle. Whos responsible for payer the ticket? My employer or me?
- A: You would be responsible to pay the ticket since you were the one who committed the infraction. However, the company would have to send proof to the BMV on your behalf to show the vehicle was insured. If you pay the ticket, it will put points on your record and could cause your own insurance rates to increase. Also, depending on the speed alleged, it could also raise the insurance rates of the company. You should consult with a local traffic attorney to see if there is a way to keep the judgment off your record.
- Q. What if any reason would a person keep getting tickets instead of going to jail if they were driving while suspended ?
- A: It depends on the person's status with the BMV. IF they are suspended-infraction, then they will continue to get tickets and not criminally charged. Though, if they plead to one of the DWS tickets, the status will change to DWS-prior and the person could be arrested and criminally charged.