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Paul Stanko

Paul Stanko

The Law Offices of Paul Stanko
10971 Four Season Place
Suite 213
Crown Point, IN 46307

Phone: (888) 778-2656  |  Fax: (888) 463-4757
http://www.indianalaw.to/

Contact Paul Stanko

Aggressive DWI/OWI Defense in Lake & St. Joseph County

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I concentrate my practice in the defense of those accused in drunk driving and habitual traffic violator cases, as well as criminal appeals and post-conviction relief.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Appeals
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • DWI

Bar Admissions

IN, Jan 1979
Bar Number: 672 45

Other Court Admissions

All Indiana State Courts.

Association Memberships

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), American Judges Association (AJA), National Association for Court Management (NACM).

Continuing Education

I attend the Indiana Death Penalty Seminar at least every other year to maintain my qualification to defend death cases. I also attend appellate advocacy, forensic evidence, and update seminars. I always exceed the annual requirements for continuing legal education hours.

Papers and Publications

Since 1997, I have always provided supplemental materials for my students to use in my constitutional law and other classes. I have taught continuing legal education classes to other attorneys from time to time and provided the necessary materials. In 1994, I self-published a computer disc of my tried and tested practice forms called "Instant OWI," which I marketed and sold to other attorneys. I released updated discs in 1995 and 1996.

Example Cases

Case A: My client was charged with causing death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which is a Class C felony. In a suppression hearing, I was able to exclude the circumstantial evidence that he was the driver. The State dismissed all charges.

Case B: The client was arrested in his apartment and charged with operating while intoxicated (Class D felony) based upon the testimony of witnesses who supposedly saw him driving. The judge denied all of my motions to suppress and we went to jury trial. The jury came back with a not guilty verdict.

Education

Degree:

Doctor of Jurisprudence

School:

Valparaiso University School of Law

City:

Valparaiso

State:

IN

Year:

1978

Focus and Accomplishments:

• Passed the bar exam after my second year in law school
• Graduated a semester ahead of my class
• Selected as Tribune of Rentner Senate
• Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity
• Concentrated my elective courses in criminal law and trial advocacy

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

Duquesne University

City:

Pittsburgh

State:

PA

Year:

1976

Focus and Accomplishments:

Major: History; Minor: Speech and Communications.

• Attended with a full-tuition academic scholarship
• Inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta International Honorary Society in History in my second year
• Graduated in three years
• Served in Student Government Association (SGA) all three years
• Chairman of Appropriations, Rules, Constitution and Parking Committees of SGA
• Varsity debater and Vice-President of Duquesne University Debating Society
• Member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity
• Received Duquesne University, Debating Society, Alpha Phi Omega Senior Awards

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Indiana

Firm Focus and History

I returned to the private practice of law and re-established my sole proprietorship when I left the Lake County bench in September 1992. My practice has always been focused on criminal law, but as time has passed, I chose to limit my practice to criminal law with a heavy concentration in DUI/DWI/OWI defense.

I concentrate on the defense of those accused of drunk driving and related offenses throughout Indiana, but primarily in northwest and north central Indiana.

Previous Employment Summary

I served as a deputy prosecutor in Starke County from January 1979 to March 1980, and in Lake County from March 1980 through October 1981. I then entered private practice until July 1985, when I was appointed a presiding judge in the Superior Court of Lake County. I left the Superior Court bench In September 1992 to re-establish my private practice.

Activities and Awards

I have served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University (northwest campus) since Spring 1997, and have been recognized as Adjunct Professor of the Year in IU's School of Public & Environment Affairs (SPEA).

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

As an educator and a civil libertarian, I believe all citizens should be informed of their rights under the law. This is especially true if the specific issues pertain to a matter in which they have a vested interest.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always happy to go over any documents a client provides in the course of my representation.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Acting as "advisory counsel" is not favored by Indiana courts, and I would probably only accept such a position if appointed by a court. That being said, I offer an extensive initial consultation to prospective clients before they retain me.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Although I was always a good math and science student, I decided in high school to go into a profession other than the sciences. The original "Perry Mason" series inspired me to be an attorney.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I have practiced criminal law since January 1979. I have seen cases from all three sides (prosecution, defense, and judicial).

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Criminal law is not all I've ever done, but it is all I've ever enjoyed doing.

What do you like best about your career?

My clientèle is composed of ordinary people from all walks of life. They are good people trying to get through a bad experience.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner.

What are your strengths and style?

I know how to express myself assertively, but courteously in a courtroom setting. I know that civility is important. I know how to explain legal concepts and evidence to judges and juries in a way that is both informative and persuasive. As I often tell young attorneys who ask for my advice, I also know when to stop talking after I've made my point.

Personal Interests:

I am an avid reader and a big football and hockey fan. I also enjoy teaching and studying history.

Fax

(888) 463-4757

Office Hours

I am available any time by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I operate on a flat fee basis in all except for the most serious felony cases. The fee varies depending upon the seriousness of the case, but the usual range is between $2,000 and $5,000, and includes trial time.

Hourly Rates

This is not applicable.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, and I do not impose any arbitrary time limit.

Typical Retainer

This is also not applicable.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.