Public Defenders Office
The LaPorte County Public Defender’s Office provides representation to individuals who are unable to afford legal representation. The Constitutions of both the United States and the State of Indiana require that indigent persons charged with criminal offenses be provided effective representation at public expense at both the trial and appellate levels. The LaPorte County Public Defenders’ office has responsibility for the representation of indigent clients in all areas of LaPorte County Courts where a person is entitled to an attorney as a matter of law. We have attorneys assigned to the LaPorte County Circuit Court and Superior Courts 1, 2 and 4 Felony Divisions, Superior Courts 3 and 4 Misdemeanor Courts, Juvenile Courts and Criminal Appeals. Additionally, Public Defenders employed by this office handle termination of parental rights cases, Children in Need of Services (CHINS) and mental health commitments. In order for the Public Defender’s office to undertake representation, a Court must make a finding of indigency and order the Public Defender’s Office to assume representation.
This office is committed to providing experienced legal representation to all persons entitled to indigent representation as determined by a Court. We commit ourselves to the goal of ensuring equal justice through quality representation and have employed an experienced team of lawyers to fight to uphold the constitutional protections that the law affords to those accused of crimes.
If you have concerns about the manner in which your case is being handled or questions about the system or services provided, you may contact the Chief Public Defender at the following:
Elizabeth Flynn, Chief Public Defender
Braje, Nelson & Janes
126 E. Fifth Street, P.O Box 1006
Michigan City, IN 46361-8206
219-872-2100
Chief Public Defender: Elizabeth Flynn
Assistant Chief Public Defender: Gregory Hofer
LaPorte Circuit Felony Division:
Kurt Earnst
Jeremy Noel
Superior Courts 1 & 2 Felony Division:
Amy Commean
David Payne
Elizabeth Flynn
Christopher Phillips
Circuit Court: Level 6 Division
James McCalka
Gregory Hofer
Joseph Roberts
Superior Court 4: Level 6 Division:
Ryan Beall
William Nelson
Mladenka Rodriguez
Frank Rodriguez
Superior Court 4: Misdemeanor Division
Mark Woodcox
Superior Court 3: Misdemeanor Division
David Siriguo
Appellate Division:
Jennifer Koethe
Jessica Merino
Juvenile/Chins
Amber LaPaich
Hyrum LaTurner
Amber Poff
Katrina Spence
Trial Rule 26 Bond Hearings:
Rachel Doty
Gary Reynolds
Board Members
Meetings are quarterly as set by the board.
Nate Loucks
Dale Brown