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.
- 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
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
-
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I do offer flexible payment plans that work with your budget.
- Indiana
-
- English: Spoken, Written
- Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C.
- Current
- Valparaiso University School of Law
- J.D. | Law
- -
-
- Ball State University
- B.S. (1994) | Political Science, Psychology, Business
- -
-
- 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
-
- 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
- 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.
- Q. Grandson found cell phone on floor at dq and kept it is it stealing
- A: It is Conversion, both civilly and criminally as he is depriving the owner of its value and use.
