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.
- 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
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I do offer flexible payment plans that work with your budget.
- Indiana
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C.
- Current
- 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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- Client's Choice Award
- Avvo`
- Indiana State Bar # 20788-45
- Member
- Current
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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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- 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. Shoplifting under $10 and I’ve never had any prior convictions. How do I make sure this doesn’t go on my record?
- A: When you go to court, do not plead guilty, rather plead not guilty and see if the prosecutor's office would offer you a pre-trial diversion. This is an agreement, where if you complete the terms and have no new arrests or charges, the case gets dismissed and it will then be automatically expunged. You may also want to consult with a local criminal defense attorney about your options; most offer free consultations.
- Q. How long for court date after misdemeanor bail in Indiana?
- A: If you have not yet received a court date yet, then the prosecutor has likely not yet filed charges. The prosecutor has two years to file charges under the statute of limitations. You can check on mycase to see if/when charges have been filed. I would suggest consulting with a local criminal defense attorney; most offer free consultations.
- Q. Sentence for 16-year-old tried as adult in Indiana for murder
- A: As you say the 16 year old was tried as an adult, therefore they would be facing adult penalty of 45 to 65 years in prison.
