Patton Law | Valparaiso Law Firm | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Why Updating Your Estate Plan Is More Important Than Ever

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:32:50 GMT

You created an estate plan years ago, checked it off your to-do list, and filed it away. That's understandable—estate planning isn't exactly something most people enjoy thinking about. But here's the reality: that plan you created five, ten, or twenty years ago may no longer reflect your life today. And if it doesn't, it could create serious complications for the people you love most.

Estate planning isn't a one-and-done task. Whether you're a new parent, have children heading to college soon, are approaching retirement or already enjoying your golden years, understanding when and why to update your estate plan can save your family from confusion, conflict, and unnecessary expenses.

Your Family Dynamics Have Changed

Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, a move to a new state and changes in health and/or mental capacity all can have an impact who should benefit from your estate and who should make decisions on your behalf. Maybe you named your sister as healthcare power of attorney fifteen years ago, but she has now moved away. Perhaps you've welcomed grandchildren you want to provide for, or one of your adult children has developed challenges that make a direct inheritance problematic.

Blended families present particularly complex challenges. Without proper planning, your assets could be distributed in ways you never intended—potentially cutting out children or leaving a surviving spouse without adequate support.

Your Financial Situation Looks Different

Your financial landscape likely bears little resemblance to what it was when you first created your estate plan. Perhaps you've accumulated significant retirement savings, sold a business, inherited money, or purchased investment properties. For baby boomers, this is particularly relevant as you transition from accumulating wealth to distributing it.

If you own property in multiple states, you need proper planning to avoid complicated probate proceedings. Business ownership requires clear succession planning to prevent operational disruptions that could harm the business's value.

Laws and Your Representatives Have Changed

The people you designated to handle your affairs may no longer be appropriate choices. Your executor might have moved away or developed health problems. If you named peers as trustees decades ago, they may now be in their seventies or eighties themselves. Your family doesn't want to discover these issues after you've passed away or become incapacitated.

An outdated estate plan is also a recipe for family disputes. When documents are unclear or obviously out of touch with current circumstances, beneficiaries are more likely to challenge them. By keeping your plan current and clearly documented, you reduce ambiguity and demonstrate that your wishes are thoughtful and intentional.

When to Update Your Plan

Review your estate plan every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. However, certain life events should trigger an immediate review: marriage or divorce, births or deaths in the family, significant financial changes, moving to a different state, health changes, retirement, or the sale of a business.

Don't wait for a crisis to prompt action. Schedule a review with your estate planning attorney now, while you have the time and mental clarity to make thoughtful decisions. Bring your existing documents, a list of your current assets, and information about any life changes since your last update.

Protecting Your Legacy

Updating your estate plan isn't about dwelling on mortality—it's about taking control of your legacy and protecting the people you love. It's about ensuring that the life you've built and the values you hold dear are preserved according to your wishes.

Give yourself and your loved ones the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order, your wishes are clear, and your legacy is secure. The time you invest in updating your estate plan today will save your family countless hours of stress and confusion when they need clarity most.

5 Critical Reasons Everyone Needs a Will

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:13 GMT

Most people know they should have a will, but it's one of those tasks that's easy to put off. "I'm too young," "I don't have enough assets," or "I'll get to it eventually" are common reasons people delay creating this crucial document. However, if you have any assets, loved ones, or minor children, having a will isn't just important—it's essential.

At Patton Law in Valparaiso, we've helped countless Northwest Indiana families create comprehensive estate plans that provide peace of mind and protect their loved ones. Here are five critical reasons why everyone needs a will, regardless of age or wealth.

1. You Decide Who Gets Your Assets—Not the State

When you die without a will, you die "intestate," which means the state determines who receives your assets according to intestacy laws. These laws follow a rigid formula that might not align with your wishes at all. Your assets will be distributed based on a predetermined hierarchy—typically to your spouse and children first, then to parents, siblings, and other relatives.

This sounds straightforward, but it can create significant problems. What if you wanted to leave something special to a close friend who's been like family? What if you have a strained relationship with a family member but the law gives them a share anyway? What if you wanted to support a charity that's important to you? Without a will, you have no say in any of these decisions.

Even more concerning, if you have no living relatives that the law recognizes, your entire estate could eventually go to the state. Creating a will ensures that your hard-earned assets go exactly where you want them to go, whether that's to family members, friends, charitable organizations, or any combination you choose.

A will gives you complete control over your legacy. You can specify exact amounts or percentages for each beneficiary, leave specific items to particular people (like your grandmother's jewelry or your collection of tools), and even include conditions if you choose. This is your opportunity to make thoughtful, deliberate decisions about your life's work and possessions.

2. You Choose the Guardian for Your Minor Children

If you have children under 18, this is perhaps the most important reason to create a will immediately. Without a will designating a guardian, the court will decide who raises your children if something happens to you. While courts generally try to act in the children's best interest, they don't know your family dynamics, your values, or your preferences the way you do.

The court might appoint a family member you wouldn't have chosen—someone with different parenting philosophies, financial instability, or who lives far from your children's school and friends. In some cases, multiple family members might even fight for custody, creating additional trauma and uncertainty for your children during an already devastating time.

With a will, you name your preferred guardian and even a backup guardian in case your first choice is unable to serve. You can consider factors that matter to you: who shares your values, who has the time and resources to raise children, who lives in a good school district, who your children already have a strong relationship with, and who would maintain important family connections.

You can also leave instructions about how you want your children raised—educational priorities, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities you value, and anything else that matters to you. While these instructions aren't legally binding, they provide invaluable guidance to the guardian you've chosen. Don't leave the most important decision about your children's future up to a judge who's never met your family.

3. You Minimize Family Conflict and Legal Battles

Estate disputes can tear families apart. When there's no will providing clear instructions, family members may have very different ideas about what you would have wanted. Adult children might disagree about who should get the family home. Siblings might fight over sentimental items that hold special meaning. A surviving spouse might clash with adult children from a previous marriage over asset distribution.

These conflicts aren't just emotionally painful—they're also expensive and time-consuming. Probate litigation can drag on for months or even years, depleting the estate's value through legal fees and court costs. Family relationships can be permanently damaged over misunderstandings and perceived slights that could have been easily avoided with clear written instructions.

A well-drafted will eliminates ambiguity. It clearly states your wishes in legally binding language, leaving no room for interpretation or argument. When family members can simply refer to your written instructions, there's much less opportunity for disagreement. Even if someone is disappointed with their inheritance, they can't claim they don't know what you wanted.

Your will can also explain your reasoning for certain decisions, which can help prevent hurt feelings. If you're leaving unequal amounts to your children because one has special needs or another has already received financial help, you can explain this in your will. Clear communication through your estate planning documents is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

4. You Can Expedite and Simplify the Probate Process

Probate is the legal process of settling your estate after you die. While some probate is usually necessary, having a will can significantly streamline the process, saving your family time, money, and stress during an already difficult period. Without a will, probate becomes more complicated, more expensive, and takes much longer to complete.

When you die intestate, the court must appoint an administrator to handle your estate—a process that requires additional hearings, paperwork, and legal fees. Family members might disagree about who should serve in this role, leading to delays and conflict. The administrator must also post a bond (essentially insurance against mishandling the estate), which costs money and comes out of the estate.

With a will, you name your own executor (called a "personal representative" in Indiana)—someone you trust to handle your affairs efficiently and according to your wishes. You can even waive the bond requirement in your will, saving your estate that expense. Your chosen executor already knows your wishes, has access to important information about your assets, and can get started immediately rather than waiting for court appointment.

A clear will also reduces the likelihood of challenges and disputes that can bog down probate for months or years. It provides a roadmap that makes the administrator's job much easier, ensuring your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries as quickly as possible. In many states, a straightforward estate with a valid will can often be settled within six months to a year, while contested or intestate estates can take much longer.

5. You Protect Your Digital Assets and Online Accounts

In today's digital age, we all have valuable online assets that didn't exist when traditional estate planning laws were written. Your email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, digital photos stored in the cloud, cryptocurrency, online businesses, blogs, YouTube channels, digital music and book libraries, and even frequent flyer miles all have real value—both financial and sentimental.

Without proper planning, your loved ones may struggle to access or manage these digital assets after you're gone. They might not know all your accounts exist, lack passwords to access them, or face legal barriers when trying to close or transfer accounts. Some platforms have strict policies about account access after death, and without proper documentation, valuable photos, messages, and files could be lost forever.

A modern will should address your digital estate explicitly. You can designate a digital executor, provide instructions for accessing your accounts, specify what should happen to various digital assets, authorize someone to manage your social media presence, and ensure important digital files are preserved and distributed to loved ones.

This is particularly important for anyone who runs an online business, has significant cryptocurrency holdings, maintains a popular blog or social media presence, or stores irreplaceable photos and videos in the cloud. Don't let years of digital memories and potentially valuable online assets disappear because you didn't plan for them.

When Should You Create or Update Your Will?

If you don't have a will yet, now is the time to create one. Life is unpredictable, and none of us know what tomorrow brings. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes will be followed and your loved ones will be cared for is invaluable. Don't put this off another day.

If you already have a will, you should review and potentially update it whenever you experience major life changes. Marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, the death of a beneficiary or executor, significant changes in your assets or financial situation, moving to a different state, or changes in your relationship with beneficiaries or executors are all triggers that warrant reviewing your estate plan.

Even without major life changes, it's wise to review your will every three to five years. Laws change, your circumstances evolve, and what made sense a decade ago might not reflect your current wishes or situation. An outdated will can sometimes cause as many problems as no will at all.

Common Misconceptions About Wills

Many people avoid creating a will based on misconceptions about the process. Let's address a few common myths. First, you don't need to be wealthy to need a will. If you own a home (even with a mortgage), have a car, possess retirement accounts or life insurance, or have any personal possessions of monetary or sentimental value, you have enough assets to warrant a will.

Second, you're not too young for a will. Tragic accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. If you're over 18, have any assets, or especially if you have children, you need a will regardless of your age. Third, creating a will doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. While complex estates require more sophisticated planning, a straightforward will for someone with typical assets is relatively simple and affordable.

Finally, having a will doesn't mean you're giving up control of your assets while you're alive. A will only takes effect after your death. Until then, you maintain complete control over everything you own, and you can change or revoke your will at any time as long as you're mentally competent.

Working with an Estate Planning Attorney

While it's possible to create a will using online templates or software, working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your will is legally valid, comprehensive, and tailored to your specific situation. Each state has specific requirements for valid wills—including proper execution, witnessing, and signing—and mistakes can render your will invalid or create opportunities for challenges.

An attorney can help you consider issues you might not think of on your own, ensure your will coordinates with other estate planning tools like trusts or powers of attorney, minimize potential tax implications, address complex family situations like blended families or special needs dependents, and create contingency plans for various scenarios.

At Patton Law, we provide personalized estate planning services to families throughout Northwest Indiana. We take the time to understand your unique situation, your goals for your estate, and your concerns about the future. We'll explain your options in clear language, draft documents that reflect your wishes precisely, and ensure everything is properly executed according to Indiana law.

Our office is conveniently located in downtown Valparaiso, right across from the Porter County Courthouse. We've been serving Northwest Indiana families for decades, and we understand the local community and the specific concerns of residents throughout the region. Estate planning doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming—we'll guide you through every step of the process.

Take the First Step Today

Creating a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. It provides peace of mind, protects your family from unnecessary stress and conflict, ensures your wishes are followed, and demonstrates your care and responsibility for those you'll leave behind.

Don't let another day go by without this essential protection in place. Contact Patton Law today to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your situation, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you create a comprehensive estate plan that protects everything you've worked for and everyone you love.

Your family deserves the security and clarity that comes from proper estate planning. Let us help you create a will that provides exactly that. Call us at 219-462-0597 or visit our office at 55 Franklin Street in downtown Valparaiso. We're here to help you plan for the future with confidence.

What to Do If You're Pulled Over for DUI in Indiana

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:28:18 GMT

Getting pulled over by law enforcement is stressful enough, but when you suspect it might be for driving under the influence (DUI), the anxiety can be overwhelming. What you do and say in those critical first minutes can significantly impact your case. As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Valparaiso, we've helped countless clients navigate DUI charges, and we want you to understand your rights and options from the very beginning.

Whether you've had a couple of drinks at dinner, attended a social event, or simply made a minor traffic error that caught an officer's attention, knowing how to handle a DUI stop in Indiana can make all the difference in protecting your future.

1. Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely

The moment you see those flashing lights behind you, your heart rate increases and panic can set in. This is completely natural, but staying calm is absolutely essential. Take a deep breath and focus on pulling over safely and promptly. Use your turn signal to indicate you're complying, and find a safe spot on the right side of the road where both you and the officer have room to stand away from traffic.

Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and place your hands visibly on the steering wheel. This immediately signals to the officer that you're cooperative and not a threat. Keep your interior light on if it's nighttime. These simple actions demonstrate respect for the officer's safety and can set a more positive tone for the interaction.

Avoid making sudden movements or reaching for your license and registration until the officer asks for them. Officers approach vehicles not knowing what to expect, and visible, predictable movements help everyone stay safe and calm during the stop.

2. Understand Your Rights During a DUI Stop

You have constitutional rights during any police encounter, and a DUI stop is no exception. Understanding these rights is crucial, even if you've done nothing wrong. First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent. While you must provide your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when asked, you are not required to answer questions about where you've been, whether you've been drinking, or how much you've had to drink.

Many people don't realize that being polite and cooperative doesn't mean you have to answer every question an officer asks. Phrases like "I prefer not to answer questions without my attorney present" are perfectly acceptable and legal. You're not being rude or uncooperative – you're exercising your constitutional rights.

In Indiana, you also have the right to refuse field sobriety tests. These are the physical tests officers ask you to perform on the roadside, like walking a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a pen with your eyes. These tests are subjective, difficult to perform even when sober, and officers are trained to look for signs of impairment. You will not face automatic penalties for refusing field sobriety tests in Indiana.

However, it's important to distinguish between field sobriety tests and chemical tests. Indiana has an "implied consent" law, which means that by driving on Indiana roads, you've already agreed to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're intoxicated. Refusing a chemical test can result in an automatic license suspension, even if you're never convicted of DUI.

3. Be Respectful But Strategic in Your Responses

When an officer asks if you know why you were pulled over, a simple "No, officer" is sufficient. Don't volunteer information or admit to any violations. If asked whether you've been drinking, you face a difficult choice. Lying to a police officer can damage your credibility later, but admitting you've been drinking can be used as evidence against you.

One approach is to politely decline to answer: "I'd prefer not to answer questions without speaking to my attorney first." Some people choose to acknowledge having "a drink earlier" without specifying quantity or timing, though even this admission can be problematic. There's no perfect answer here, which is why having legal representation as soon as possible is so important.

Remember that everything you say and do during the stop is likely being recorded on the officer's body camera or dashboard camera. Officers are trained to ask questions designed to gather evidence of impairment. Questions like "Where are you coming from?" or "What have you had to drink tonight?" may seem conversational, but they're investigative tools. Your answers will be documented and can be used against you in court.

Stay polite and respectful at all times. Being argumentative, hostile, or uncooperative will only make your situation worse and will be documented in the police report. You can assert your rights calmly and respectfully without escalating the situation.

4. Know What Happens During Field Sobriety Tests

If an officer suspects you're impaired, they'll likely ask you to perform standardized field sobriety tests. The three most common are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (following an object with your eyes), the Walk-and-Turn test (walking heel-to-toe in a straight line), and the One-Leg Stand test (balancing on one foot while counting).

These tests sound simple, but they're designed to be challenging. Even sober individuals can fail them due to nervousness, physical limitations, poor balance, medical conditions, or simply because the roadside environment makes them difficult to perform. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, traffic noise, weather conditions, and the stress of the situation all contribute to poor performance that officers interpret as signs of impairment.

Many people don't realize that these tests are voluntary in Indiana. You can politely decline to perform them. However, refusing these tests may lead the officer to believe you have something to hide, potentially leading to arrest based on other observations like the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or bloodshot eyes. This is a judgment call you'll need to make in the moment, but remember that field sobriety test results are frequently challenged in court due to their subjective nature.

If you do choose to perform the tests, follow the officer's instructions as carefully as possible. Ask for clarification if you don't understand. Be aware of any physical limitations you have that might affect your performance, such as knee problems, inner ear issues, or back injuries. These factors can be important in your defense later.

5. Understanding Chemical Testing and Implied Consent

If the officer has probable cause to believe you're driving under the influence, you'll be asked to submit to a chemical test – typically a breathalyzer test, though it could also be a blood or urine test. This is where Indiana's implied consent law becomes critically important.

By holding an Indiana driver's license and operating a vehicle on Indiana roads, you've implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing when lawfully requested by an officer who has probable cause. If you refuse this test, you face an automatic license suspension – one year for a first refusal, two years for a second refusal within five years. This suspension is administrative and happens regardless of whether you're eventually convicted of DUI.

Some people choose to refuse the chemical test anyway, calculating that the lack of a specific blood alcohol content (BAC) measurement might make prosecution more difficult. This is a complex decision with serious consequences. The state can still prosecute you for DUI based on officer observations, your behavior, performance on field sobriety tests, and other evidence. Meanwhile, you'll definitely lose your license for the refusal period.

If you do submit to testing and the result shows a BAC of 0.08% or higher (or 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, or any amount for drivers under 21), you'll likely be arrested for DUI. The officer will read you your rights, and you'll be taken to jail for booking and processing. This is when having a criminal defense attorney becomes absolutely essential.

6. What Happens After a DUI Arrest

If you're arrested for DUI in Indiana, you'll be transported to the police station or county jail for booking. This process includes having your photograph and fingerprints taken, and you'll be held until you either post bail or are released on your own recognizance. In some cases, especially for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors, you may be released relatively quickly with a notice to appear in court.

Your vehicle will likely be impounded, and you'll need to arrange for its retrieval later. You'll receive paperwork outlining your charges and court date. This is not the time to explain your side of the story to the police or try to talk your way out of the situation. Anything you say can and will be used against you. The only statement you should make is requesting to speak with an attorney.

You have a very limited time – typically just a few days – to request an administrative hearing to challenge your license suspension. This is separate from your criminal case and has its own timeline. Missing this deadline can result in losing your driving privileges without any opportunity to contest the suspension. An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate both the criminal case and the administrative license proceedings simultaneously.

Don't underestimate the seriousness of a DUI charge in Indiana. Even a first offense can result in jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, increased insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record. A conviction can affect your employment, professional licenses, educational opportunities, and even your ability to rent housing. The stakes are simply too high to face these charges without skilled legal representation.

7. Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

The legal system is complex, and DUI cases involve numerous technical and procedural requirements that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows how to examine every aspect of your stop and arrest for potential violations of your rights or procedural errors that could lead to reduced charges or even dismissal.

Your attorney will review the initial traffic stop to ensure the officer had valid reasonable suspicion to pull you over in the first place. They'll examine whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly according to standardized protocols. They'll scrutinize the breathalyzer or blood test results, checking for proper calibration, maintenance records, and chain of custody issues. They'll review all video and audio recordings from the stop, looking for inconsistencies in the officer's report or testimony.

Perhaps most importantly, an experienced DUI attorney understands how to negotiate with prosecutors. In many cases, especially for first-time offenders, there may be opportunities to reduce charges, enter diversion programs, or negotiate alternative sentencing options that protect your record and driving privileges. Prosecutors are more likely to offer favorable plea agreements when they're dealing with knowledgeable defense counsel who can effectively challenge their case.

At Patton Law, we've successfully defended countless clients against DUI charges throughout Porter County and Northwest Indiana. We know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. We understand Indiana DUI law inside and out. And we're committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means taking your case to trial or negotiating a favorable resolution.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights

If you've been pulled over for DUI in Indiana, time is of the essence. Don't wait to seek legal help. The decisions you make in the hours and days following your arrest can have lasting consequences. You need someone on your side who understands the law, knows how to build a strong defense, and will fight to protect your rights and your future.

At Patton Law, we offer confidential consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. We're located in downtown Valparaiso, right across from the Porter County Courthouse, and we're ready to put our decades of experience to work for you. Don't let a DUI charge derail your life. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Remember, being charged with DUI doesn't mean you're guilty. Everyone deserves a vigorous defense and the opportunity to tell their side of the story. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward the best possible resolution for your case.

What does an estate planning lawyer do?

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:28:22 GMT

The primary goal of estate planning is to ensure that your wishes are carried out, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are provided for in the manner you desire.

An estate planning attorney can assist individuals, couples and families plan for the distribution of their assets and the management of their affairs after they pass away or become incapacitated.

The estate planning attorneys at PATTON LAW can work with you on the following:

1. Wills and Trusts:

· Last Will and Testament: Your Last Will and Testament will state how your assets are to be distributed upon your death and who will be in charge of doing so. You can also name a Guardian to care for your minor children.

· Trust Agreements: Trusts are legal entities that hold and manage assets for the benefit of designated individuals. Attorneys can help set up various types of trusts to achieve specific goals, such as avoiding probate, providing for minor children, or minimizing tax liability.

2. Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Advance Directives:

· Durable Power of Attorney: Your Durable Power of Attorney will grant authority to another person to conduct various transactions on your behalf, including business, financial and real estate.

· Healthcare Advance Directive: Your Healthcare Advance Directive will grant authority to another person to: communicate with healthcare providers, insurance companies and others regarding your medical care, as well as make decisions regarding your medical treatment and care, including end of life decisions.

· You retain the right to act on your own behalf under a Durable Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Advance Directive. Further, you can name successors, in case the primary designee is unable or unwillingly to act on your behalf.

3. Funeral Planning Directive:

· Funeral Planning Directive: Your Funeral Planning Directive will grant authority to another person to follow through on your wishes regarding any celebration of life events and your final resting place. While it is always recommended to communicate your wishes to your loved ones in advance, this document can be tailored to your specific wishes including: memorial/religious services, burial/cremation/entombment, and contents on a memorial marker/headstone.

4. Guardianship and Conservatorship:

· Guardianship and Conservatorship matters: In cases involving minor children or adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves, estate planning attorneys can help you through the legal process of naming a guardian or conservator.

5. Asset Protection:

· Developing strategies to protect assets: Attorneys can assist in structuring an estate plan to safeguard assets from creditors, lawsuits, and other potential threats.

· Transfer on Death Deed: With a Transfer on Death Deed, you will still own the real estate, but upon your passing, the named heirs would become the owners. This avoids the time and financial cost of the probate of your estate.

6. Probate:

· Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is settled. Estate planning attorneys can help navigate the probate process, which involves validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets to heirs.

Estate planning is a complex and personalized process, and an experienced estate planning attorney can provide tailored advice based on a client's unique circumstances and goals. It's important for individuals to regularly review and update their estate plans to reflect changes in their lives, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, selling or buying real estate, and/or changes in financial circumstances.

The attorneys at PATTON LAW look forward to assisting you in creating your estate plan .

Patton Law achieves a Not Guilty verdict in rape case.

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:08:00 GMT

Criminal Defense

Attorney Clay Patton represented a local man facing up to 16 years in prison for an allegation of rape. After 5 hours of deliberation the Porter County jury came back with the verdict of NOT GUILTY .

"We have known from the beginning that these were false allegations," Patton said. "After nearly six years, we are thankful that his name has been cleared of this charge."

"We appreciate the dedication to the rule of law of Judge (Mike) Fish and his court staff, the professionalism of the Porter County prosecutor’s office and local law enforcement, as well as the service of the members of the jury and the attention they gave this very important matter," Patton said.

Read the full article here: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/porter-county-jury-finds-valpo-man-not-guilty-of-rape/article_fe91f80e-de95-5f60-894e-03e5504f5380.html

Chesterton Man Cleared of Battery Charges thanks to the help of Patton Law.

Sat, 01 May 2021 22:29:00 GMT

Client faced a felony count of strangulation and a misdemeanor battery charge.

Attorney Patton represented a man facing a felony count of strangulation, as well as a misdemeanor battery charge.
The Jury took only 30 minutes to find his client NOT GUILTY of all charges.
When facing a criminal charge it is important that you have an attorney on your side who will analyze all the aspects of the case. Attorney Patton was able to prove this accusation was a result of an accident and self defense on the part of his client.
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/duneland/man-cleared-of-battery-allegations/article_a3691c23-5a83-5399-8943-c5f4e353835a.html

Attorney Clay Patton follows through on promise to help mentally disabled client

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 23:48:00 GMT

Clay Patton helped provided his client bus fare to help him receive the mental health treatment he needed in an area close to family.

After being found mentally ill, Attorney Clay Patton helped to find a solution to this client's situation by providing him with bus fare so he could receive mental health treatment close to family.
When a person has mental health issues it is important they have support around them. In this case the defendant was originally from Philadelphia and had family in that area who could support him as he dealt with his mental challenges.
The client had entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill and the court was unsure how to proceed with sentencing knowing the client would not receive the mental health care he needed while in prison, and was likely a risk if given probation.
Attorney Patton argued that the system had failed his client when he was a foster child and was failing him again as an adult with no prior criminal history. He called for releasing his client immediately and offered to pay his way to return to Pennsylvania where he would at least have the support of family members.
Attorney Patton not only paid for the bus fare for his client, but also followed through to make sure he had safely made it to Philadelphia so his family had a chance to help get the man the mental health care he so desperately needed.
Read the full article in the NW Indiana Times here: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/attorney-follows-through-on-offer-to-get-mentally-challenged-client-back-home/article_abc519b7-d26a-545d-883d-2a017712a4d2.html

Jury returns not guilty verdict in rape trial of Patton Law criminal defense client

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:08:00 GMT

Client was facing 20 years in prison.

Overcoming DNA evidence, Attorney Patton convinced the Jury to find his client NOT GUILTY of rape and other sex offenses.
This client faced up to 20 years in prison on each of the two Class B felony charges, rape and criminal deviate conduct, and up to eight years on Class C felony incest accusations that he committed the crimes in December 2013.
"

It took a jury three-and-a-half hours on Thursday to find a Portage man not guilty of three rape-related felony charges.

Timmy A. Marshall, 39, of the 6200 block of Joyce Avenue, potentially faced up to 20 years in prison on each of the two Class B felony charges, rape and criminal deviate conduct, and up to eight years on Class C felony incest accusations that he committed the crimes in December 2013.

"Defense attorney Clay Patton argued that the girl's timeline made no sense. Patton said the girl told police she showered, was raped, showered again, gave her dad her cellphone, rode 20 minutes to Miller in Gary and then back, wrote a letter to Marshall petitioning for her phone back, and then texted her friends to call police between 2:30 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. Patton said she leveled the allegations to get away from Marshall and his strict rules, having already run away on a Greyhound bus back to Tennessee in August and having multiple discipline problems with him and at school before and after her accusations."

Attorney Patton argued that the DNA evidence was the result of having shared a shower with the defendant and was not a reliable indication of guilt.

Real the full article in the Post Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/ct-ptb-marshall-verdict-st-1202-20161202-story.html

Valpo Man Cleared of Sexual Misconduct

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:37:00 GMT

Attorney Patton said he is "pleased the defendant can move forward with his life."

Facing 2 to 8 years in prison and the requirement to register as a sex offender, Attorney Patton obtained a NOT GUILTY verdict for his client.
The defendant was cleared of the felony count of sexual misconduct with a minor just hours after jurors heard testimony that the purported victim had joked about the accusation said sarcastically she made it all up.
Not all cases are cut and dry. It is difficult to have all evidence heard at trial, especially when the admission comes from someone other than the accuser. Patton and his client were very pleased with the result of the case.
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valpo-man-cleared-of-sexual-misconduct-with-minor-charge/article_d04779b2-72ef-51f5-8564-c8962399f9e6.html

Jury finds Truck Driver Not Guilty of Possession of Pornography

Thu, 01 May 2014 23:08:00 GMT

Despite evidence found in his client’s former work vehicle, Attorney Patton persuaded the Jury to find his client NOT GUILTY of the offense charged.

After a two day trial the defendant was found NOT GUILTY of possession of pornography after Clay Patton successfully argued that the memory cards the images were found on did not fit any of the defendant's devices and were most likely left in his vehicle by one of the people who repeatedly rode with the defendant while he worked as a truck driver.
Patton pointed out that since his client had no devices in which to view the images on the memory card he likely had no idea they were in his possession.
The defendant was facing a Class D felony which could have resulted in up to 3 years in prison.
Read the full article here: https://www.pressreader.com/usa/post-tribune/20140301/281586648518161