Criminal Defense Attorney Dyer, Indiana — Local Counsel for Lake County Charges
A criminal charge in Indiana moves fast. The decisions you make in the first hours — what you say to police, whether you accept a quick plea, who you call — shape everything that follows. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock represents criminal defendants in Lake County, Porter County, and throughout Northwest Indiana, and we're available for free consultations from the moment charges are filed.
Criminal Defense
Your First Call Matters More Than You Think
Law enforcement will advise you of your right to remain silent. Exercise it — and then use your phone call to reach an attorney, not to explain yourself to investigators.
We advise clients immediately on what to say, what not to say, and how to handle early contact with law enforcement and prosecutors. That guidance is time-sensitive, and it's available through a free consultation. The sooner you call, the more options remain open.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
OWI / DUI Defense
An OWI charge in Indiana carries consequences that extend well beyond fines — license suspension, increased insurance costs, employment impacts, and potential jail time. We defend OWI cases in Lake and Porter County courts and, through Mike Babcock's Illinois licensure, in Illinois courts for clients near the state line.
Felony Defense
Felony charges carry the most serious consequences Indiana law imposes — prison sentences, loss of voting rights, firearms restrictions, and a permanent record that follows you. We defend felony cases in Lake County courts and approach every case as trial-ready from the outset.
Domestic Battery
Domestic battery charges in Indiana often move quickly through the system, and early decisions — including whether to accept a protective order without contesting it — can have lasting consequences. We represent defendants in domestic battery cases with the urgency these charges require.
Expungement
Indiana law allows eligible individuals to seal or expunge certain criminal records under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. If you've already resolved a charge and are living with its consequences on background checks, employment applications, or housing, expungement may be an option worth reviewing.
CDL & License Defense
A commercial driver's license is a livelihood. An OWI charge, a moving violation, or a license suspension that might be manageable for a private driver can end a commercial driving career. We represent CDL holders facing charges and administrative proceedings that put their license at risk.
Larry Stassin has practiced law in Northwest Indiana for decades, with deep experience in estate planning, probate, and family law matters. His client relationships tend to be long-term — families who return when life circumstances change and refer their relatives when they need a local attorney they trust.
Larry Stassin
Experience in the Courts Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Criminal defense is local work. The prosecutors, judges, and procedural patterns in Lake County courts are not the same as those in Indianapolis or Chicago — and an attorney who knows them has a practical advantage that doesn't show up on a firm's website.
Our attorneys have practiced in Lake County criminal courts for decades. Andrew Tanzillo has appeared in these courtrooms consistently throughout his career, and that familiarity with how cases actually move through the local system informs how we build a defense from the first consultation.
The Charge Doesn't Have to Define You
A criminal record follows people into job applications, housing screenings, professional licensing, and custody proceedings. We defend the charge — and for clients who have already resolved one, we handle expungement proceedings to address the record itself.
Indiana's expungement statute gives eligible individuals a legal mechanism to seal arrests, dismissed charges, and certain convictions from public records. If you're not sure whether your record qualifies, a consultation will give you a clear answer at no cost.
What Indiana Personal Injury Clients Ask Us
What happens when you get charged with a crime in Indiana?
After an arrest in Indiana, you'll be processed, and a bail or bond hearing will typically be scheduled within 48 hours. A formal initial hearing follows, where charges are read and a plea is entered. From there, the case proceeds through discovery, pretrial motions, and — if no plea agreement is reached — trial. Having an attorney in place early, ideally before the initial hearing, gives you the most options at every stage.
Should I talk to police before calling a lawyer?
No. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. Anything you say to law enforcement before speaking with an attorney can be used against you — and statements made in the first hours after an arrest are often the most damaging. Call us before you answer questions.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Indiana?
Consultations at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock are free. Attorney fees for criminal defense cases vary depending on the charges and complexity — we discuss fees honestly and upfront during the consultation, before any engagement begins. Don't let cost assumptions stop you from making a call.
Can you handle criminal defense cases in Illinois?
For OWI and DUI matters specifically, Mike Babcock's Illinois licensure allows us to represent clients in Illinois courts — which is relevant for defendants near the Indiana-Illinois border who may face charges on either side.
What is the criminal defense lawyer near Dyer, Indiana free consultation process?
Call 219-339-4174 or send a message through our contact form. We'll connect you directly with an attorney — not a staff screener — and discuss your charges, your rights, and your options at no cost. The conversation is confidential and carries no obligation to retain us.
Facing Charges? Call Before You Say Anything Else.
Free consultations are available for all criminal defense matters. Call 219-339-4174 now and speak directly with an attorney. If you'd prefer to send a message first, use the contact form and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. defends criminal cases throughout Northwest Indiana, with deep experience in Lake County and Porter County courts. From OWI charges to felony defense and expungement proceedings, our attorneys bring decades of local courtroom experience to every case. Learn more about our legal team.