Andrew L. Bennett

I am an experienced trial attorney, with over 19 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, dedication and experience to work for you.

• Criminal Law
• DUI & DWI
• Traffic Tickets
• Domestic Violence

• Specialized Driving Privileges
• Expungments

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  I do offer flexible payment plans that work with your budget.

Indiana

Since 1998

Law Office of Andrew L. Bennett, P.C.

Current

Valparaiso University School of Law

J.D. | Law

1995 - 1998

Ball State University

B.S. (1994) | Political Science, Psychology, Business

1989 - 1994

Indiana State Bar # 20788-45

Member

Current

Lake County Bar Association

2016 - Current

Activities: Criminal Defense section

Porter County Bar Association

2015 - Current

American Inns of Court, Calumet Council

Master of the Bench

2000 - Current

Panel discussion on Criminal Law, Criminal Law class

January 1, 2018

Ivy Tech College

Q. What steps do I need to take

14 January 2019

A: You should consider talking to an experienced traffic attorney so you do not make getting a license more difficult or take longer to get valid.

Q. my daughter has an ominbus hearing set for 1/18/2019. she doesnt have private attorney. what happens?

14 January 2019

A: Her Omnibus hearing in the date that sets the deadline for filing motions and defenses. The judge will ask her what her intentions with the case are and if she plans on hiring an attorney. He/she should give her a little more time to hire an attorney, however will likely set the case for a trial. The judge may also ask if she wants to plead guilty. If this is her first offense she most likely will not go to jail, but she will have a conviction on her record and as well as all the consequences that go with a DUI conviction without the benefit of discussing the case with an experienced attorney. If she has not reached out to several attorneys to see what they charge for her case she needs to do so ASAP. Additionally, many attorneys take payment plans that should work with her budget. If she cannot afford an attorney then she should request a public defender.

Q. Being charged with lvl 6 habitual traffic violator. The only evidence is I told the officer. I drove.

8 January 2019

A: You need to hire an experience traffic attorney or request a public defender ASAP and not make any more comments to anyone until you do.

Q. How much time can u receive in indiana for a first tile leve2 felony. Its for dealing meth

3 January 2019

A: The penalty range is 10-30 years with the advisory sentence at 17 1/2 years. However, if the offense is reduced to a Level 3 or 4 the sentence would be less.

Q. When Indiana issues a arrest warrant how long do they have to arrest you on it or even look for you on it? Same address

18 December 2018

A: An original arrest warrant is good for six (6) months, however, if the prosecutor chooses to reissue the warrant after being notified it has expired, then the new warrant is valid until it is served or recalled, no matter how many years have elapsed.

Q. A gal accuses u takin 15000 calls u thief liar 2 evry1 & texts it to many ppl presses charges found not guilty

18 December 2018

A: It sounds like someone needs to talk to an attorney about defamation lawsuit. No guarantee it will be successful, but the person won't know until they talk to someone who is familiar with that area of law.

Q. My son is 10 years old we live in indiana he took a picket knife to school... he is being charged with intimidation with

13 December 2018

A: Your son absolutely can be detained either as a danger to himself of a danger to the community. You should have an attorney to help protect your son's interests. In Indiana he can request a public defender in juvenile court regardless of your income and in most cases in juvenile court the PD will get as good of a resolution as a paid attorney.

Q. Can a no contact order be dropped on a domestic battery charge if the state picked it up?

10 December 2018

A: You need to contact a good criminal defense attorney and hire him/her ASAP. If you cannot afford an attorney then you need to request a public defender. Your first hearing is your Initial Hearing where you will be told of the charges and penalties. The judge will also ask how you plead. DO NOT plead guilty, ask for an attorney (PD) or time to hire an attorney.

Q. Is there any significant penalty for not paying a non-driver seat belt ticket?

10 December 2018

A: The ticket is $25.00 and a non moving violation. However, not paying the ticket can result in a default judgment as well as a Failure to Pay license suspension.