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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Hammond

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2023
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Alvarez Law Office logo
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Alvarez Law Office

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1940 East 165th Street, Hammond, IN 46320

Business Description

Alvarez Law Office has represented the best interests of its clients for more than 40 years. The firm's criminal law attorneys advocate for individuals charged with a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUIs and other traffic offenses, shoplifting, robbery, child abuse, gang related offenses, and federal crimes. They thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding each case to ensure the firm provides the most effective defense. Alvarez Law Office is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
4.3 / 5 (6)
Yelp
2.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
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Detail
Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C. logo
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Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C.

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205 E Jefferson St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
  • DWI/DUI
  • Expungement

Business Description

Bennett & Catsadimas, P.C., is a criminal defense firm protecting the individual rights of Hammond residents. It manages criminal cases such as murder, DUI and OWI, traffic infractions, and domestic battery. Its legal team investigates case details, handles expungement and driving record clean-up proceedings, and prepares defense plans for jury and bench trials. A member of the team, Andrew Bennett, has been in practice since 1998 and is a Master of the Bench member of the America Inns of Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
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Detail
Funk & Wendlinger, LLC logo

Funk & Wendlinger, LLC

24 E Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN 46375
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Business Description

Funk & Wendlinger, LLC is a multi-practice firm that defends the rights of people facing criminal charges in Hammond by getting their cases dismissed, obtaining not guilty verdicts, and reducing potential jail time and probationary terms. The firm represents clients accused of felonies and misdemeanors such as drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and theft. R. Cordell Funk has been a certified family law mediator since 1992, and David M. Wendlinger previously worked as a Lake County felony prosecutor.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.3 / 5 (30)
Facebook
3.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Gruenhagen Law logo
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Gruenhagen Law

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833 West Lincoln Highway Suite 450 E, Schererville, IN 46375
  • DWI/DUI

Business Description

Gruenhagen Law serves clients in Hammond and the surrounding cities. It provides legal representation for individuals charged with criminal offenses. It represents clients accused of OWI, traffic infarctions, drug offenses, burglary, violent crimes, and CDL and trucking violations. Its attorney helps individuals understand their charges and know their rights. Mark Gruenhagen, the firm's principal, is a trial lawyer. He is licensed to practice in Illinois and is a member of the Lake County Criminal Defense Bar.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (45)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Law Office of Ben Murphy logo
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Law Office of Ben Murphy

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426 N Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319

Business Description

Law Office of Ben Murphy offers criminal defense services to people in the Hammond area. Solo-practitioner Benjamen W. Murphy has over 20 years of experience in protecting the rights of individuals facing misdemeanor and felony punishments. He deals with weapon offense, drug crime, sexual assault, expungement record, and probation violation charges. Law Office of Ben Murphy also works on traffic-related criminal acts such as DUI/OWI cases. Mr. Murphy is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Office of Eduardo Fontanez logo
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Law Office of Eduardo Fontanez

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7233 Indianapolis Boulevard, Hammond, IN 46324

Business Description

Law Office of Eduardo Fontanez is a bilingual firm advocating for the rights of English and Spanish speaking clients on a wide range of legal issues. Mr. Fontanez thoroughly evaluates each misdemeanor and felony case to ensure he has the appropriate data and evidence to support an effective defense strategy. The firm represents clients who are under investigation or charged with OWIs and other traffic offenses, gun charges, theft, and violent crimes among others.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.3 / 5 (22)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
​Law Office of Matthew N. Fech P.C. logo
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​Law Office of Matthew N. Fech P.C.

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9219 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
  • DWI/DUI

Business Description

The Law Office of Matthew N. Fech P.C. provides its services to clients in Hammond and the surrounding communities. It offers legal representation in various types of criminal defense cases, including aggravated and domestic battery, drug possession, drunk driving, expungement, and murder. It also handles claims involving property destruction, identity theft, shoplifting, and tax fraud. Matthew N. Fech, the attorney, has over 20 years of experience in the legal field. He served as the president of the Lake County Bar Association in 2020.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 5 (23)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Leonard, Hammond, Thoma & Terrill, P.C. logo

Leonard, Hammond, Thoma & Terrill, P.C.

800 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Business Description

Leonard, Hammond, Thoma & Terrill PC has counseled clients on a variety of legal matters since 1952. The firm's criminal law attorneys handle a wide range of juvenile, city, state, federal, and appellate cases. They conduct a comprehensive investigation into the charges brought against their clients, analyzing reports and other data, conducting interviews, reconstructing scenes, and examining evidence. The firm has successfully argued misdemeanors and felonies cases, ranging from traffic violations to white collar crimes.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (38)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Michael J. Petro logo
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Michael J. Petro

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20 N Clark St 720, Chicago, IL 60602

Business Description

Michael J. Petro has defended clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses for more than 30 years. Mr. Petro effectively advocates for individuals who are under investigation or charged with a wide range of violations, ranging from tax offenses to violent crimes. His team conducts a thorough investigation of all elements of the case, including the analysis of police reports, applicable financial documents, and health records in addition to interviewing witnesses and evaluating crime scenes.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.7 / 5 (60)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
O'Donnell Law Group logo
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O'Donnell Law Group

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322 Indianapolis Blvd. Suite 202, Schererville, IN 46375
  • DWI/DUI

Business Description

O'Donnell Law Group offers criminal defense services to individuals in Hammond. The firm handles offenses ranging in gravity from Class C misdemeanors to Level 1 felonies. It picks apart the prosecution's case to spot exculpatory and contradictory statements plus false assumptions. The group also handles petitions for the expungement of records and family relations matters. The office was established in 2019 by David and Thomas O'Donnell. The team has more than three decades of combined legal experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
3.9 / 5 (51)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Ritzi Law, LLC Attorney at Law logo

Ritzi Law, LLC Attorney at Law

1322 119th Street, Whiting, IN 46394
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

Business Description

Ritzi Law, LLC, Attorney at Law, is a criminal defense firm that works with individuals in Hammond and its nearby areas. The office handles cases involving drug-related incidents, traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and law enforcement resistance. The firm also takes on family law matters, such as domestic violence and juvenile concerns. Counsel Joni M. Ritzi became a lawyer in 1991 and founded her own office in 2008. She is admitted to practice before the state Supreme Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Smith Sersic Attorneys at Law logo

Smith Sersic Attorneys at Law

9301 Calumet Avenue, Suite 1F, Munster, IN 46321
  • Expungement

Business Description

Smith Sersic, Attorneys at Law, is a multi-practice firm that caters to clients in Hammond. It provides guidance to those who are facing criminal charges and aggressively represents them in court. The firm works directly with the defendants to craft strategies and handles negotiations and appeals on their behalf. Its attorney and namesake, Kevin C. Smith, is a Hammond native with over two decades of experience. He has been admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
Google
4.4 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Law Office of Paul M. Namie, LLC logo
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The Law Office of Paul M. Namie, LLC

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9013 Indianapolis Boulevard, Highland, IN 46322

Business Description

The Law Office of Paul M. Namie LLC is a criminal defense and family law firm that assists clients throughout Northwest Indiana. Practicing since 2006, Namie and his legal team represent those facing criminal accusations and charges, including those who have been detained. The firm assists with trucking violations, expungement, felonies, misdemeanors, drunk driving, juvenile crimes, and traffic offenses. It also handles legal matters regarding wills, estates, probate, trusts, and personal injury claims.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.1 / 5 (14)
Avvo
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Westland & Bennett P.C. logo
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Westland & Bennett P.C.

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2929 Carlson Drive, Hammond, IN 46323

Business Description

Westland & Bennett PC is a law firm in Hammond defending people facing charges in criminal cases. Its criminal defense practice handles many cases, including retail theft, conversion, juvenile offenses, OWI, and DUI. The firm protects truck drivers' livelihood by battling commercial driver's license moving violations and traffic tickets. It seals and expunges arrest records, criminal convictions, and other mentions of clients' names in public records. David W. Westland, a criminal justice attorney in Hammond, has over 24 years' experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.4 / 5 (7)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

    Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

  • How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

    Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

    Misdemeanors

    • Petty theft
    • Public intoxication
    • Simple assault
    • Disorderly conduct
    • Vandalism
    • Reckless driving

    Felonies

    • Murder
    • Rape
    • Kidnapping
    • Aggravated assault
    • Specific types of fraud
    • Possession of certain types of drugs

  • What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

    The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

  • What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

    All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

  • Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

    Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.