Paul Stanko
Google Rating
4.4(59 reviews)
- Law Offices of Paul Stanko - 214 W. Washington Street, 214 W. Washington Street Plymouth, IN 46563
- +1-888-778-2656
- No email available
About:
Former Lake County Superior Court Judge Paul Stanko is one of Indiana's most experienced, distinguished & respected criminal trial lawyers, with over FOUR DECADES of courtroom experience in Indiana criminal law, dating back to 1979. As a prosecutor in Starke & Lake Counties, presiding judge in the Superior Court of Lake County, Constitutional Law & Criminal Justice professor at Indiana University & criminal defense attorney throughout northern Indiana, he has helped THOUSANDS of persons and tried MANY HUNDREDS of criminal cases. The Law Offices of Paul Stanko do not accept any cases other than criminal defense in Indiana Trial courts. Our offices are laser-focused on Criminal Defense and ONLY Criminal Defense! The Law Offices of Paul Stanko provide high-quality client service and superior outcomes in the field of Indiana criminal defense, EXCLUSIVELY. Paul Stanko's practice is devoted to the defense of those accused of drunk driving & boating, drug possession & dealing, domestic violence, violent crimes, white collar crimes, & other criminal offenses in northern Indiana. From his Plymouth offices, Paul serves clients with criminal cases in Marshall, Kosciusko, Fulton, Starke, Pulaski and Miami counties. Besides drunk driving & drug law defense, he handles all other criminal cases, including felonies & misdemeanors. Paul Stanko is also available to assist other attorneys as Local or Co-Counsel or Sentencing Consultant. Paul has been honored to serve as a member of the Board of Governors, Court of Appeals & Historian of the American Judges Association, as well as chairman of the Retired/Senior Judges Committee & member of the Membership, Court Security, Criminal Justice & Conference Site committees of that organization. Paul is also a life-long defender of the Bill of Rights, proud member of the NORML Legal Committee, National Rifle Association, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, and National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists.
Jurisdiction:Indiana
Practice Area
Victims’ Rights
Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Family Law
Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.
Languages
English
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
Special Courts Jurisdiction Certificate
Awards
Best of the Best Attorneys-Top 10-DUI Defense
Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award
Client Satisfaction Award
Distinguished Lawyer
Top 100 Lawyers
Best of the Best Attorneys-Top 10-Criminal Defense
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers-Indiana
Best of the Best Attorneys-Top 10-DUI Defense
Elite Lawyer Award
Best of the Best Attorneys-Top 10-Criminal Defense
10 Best for Client Satisfaction
Top 100 DUI Attorneys-Indiana
Top 100 Trial Lawyers-Indiana
Nation's Top One Percent
Adjunct Professor of the Year
Associations
Member
Member
Governor (2009-2019); Court of Appeals (2019-Present)
Member
Admitted to practice in January 1979
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member-"Top 100 Trial Lawyers"
Member
Reviews
RATED 5.0
Jul 20, 2025via Google
Keith Jackson
"Judge Paul Stanko is the most accessible lawyer I have ever known. The friends I have referred to him over the past 15 years or so (maybe a dozen) have reported back to me with similar experiences. I was always able to contact him by text (the only attorney who has EVER provided me with his private cell phone number) or email, and he always answered my questions thoroughly and completely. Since he is a criminal defense lawyer, I know he is in court EVERY DAY, and I never expected him to be able to answer his phone in the middle of a trial. What I did appreciate was his prompt and timely answers to my concerns, his vast knowledge and experience, and his presence in the courtroom. You will not find another criminal defense lawyer with his credentials. If you are a client, do not expect him to answer his phone in the middle of court, but text him or email him, and he will reply as soon as possible. In my experience, I often got replies to my emails in the evenings, on Saturdays, and even on Sundays when most people are not working. I swear the man works seven days a week. Paul will never steer you wrong. He will provide you with good, solid advice; but it's up to you to make your own decisions. I always followed his advice, and I am glad I did!"
RATED 5.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
Forrestt
"At first I was worried I made a mistake hiring Paul because he isn't the most communicative lawyer but after going from three felony charges and two misdemeanors to getting only one charge with probation, a felony being brought down to a misdemeanor... I am leaving him a review with flying colors. He is very knowledgeable and well versed in the law. As hard as it may seem, if you can be still and trust, then I highly recommend Paul! Giving the case a little time and not rushing things seemed to help my case in the long run. He's also pretty funny and down to earth. He doesn't over promise results but he sure seems to get them. Thank you Paul and godspeed!"
RATED 1.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
ShaSha Moon “Shasha Moon”
"Paul Stanko didn't show up for our court case! He is an ambulance chaser attorney. Not Recommended what so ever!"
RATED 5.0
Jun 10, 2025via Google
Serina Rogers
"Paul is an amazing lawyer! I highly recommend if you have a criminal case."
RATED 5.0
May 10, 2025via Google
Adriana
"Very honest, told me I was better off going a different route then paying him a larger amount of money would recommend."
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