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. How to reduce a felony charge due to probation violation to a misdemeanor in Indiana?
- A: Your question is missing some important information, did you plead to a misdemeanor or a felony? A misdemeanor cannot be increased to a felony due to a probation revocation. You should contact a local attorney to look into the situation. Also, you may be eligible to have the case expunged.
- Q. Can I expunge a felony for probation violation in Indiana?
- A: It depends on when you were convicted of the felony. Most felonies are not able to be expunged for 8 years following the conviction. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney about the specifics of your case and to determine exactly when you would be able to expunge the case.
- Q. Facing hearing in Indiana for buying alcohol for a 15-year-old minor. Do I need an attorney?
- A: You do not need an attorney for the first hearing, which is your initial hearing as long as you enter a not guilty plea. However, if you are charged with a misdmeanor of furnishing alcohol, you could plead guilty at your initial hearing, though that would be unwise. You should consult with a local criminal defense attorney before the court date, most offer free consultations, to see what your options are with the case.
