Criminal Defense Attorney Valparaiso & Valparaiso Family Law Lawyer
call: (219) 575-8565
Our Legal Process
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Mark and your wonderful secretary for the exceptional care and kindness you’ve shown me. Despite the challenges posed by my illness, which have made communication more difficult, Mark has demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding.
Criminal
- Investigation: Law enforcement agencies investigate the crime by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying suspects. This step can involve search warrants, surveillance, and forensic analysis.
- Arrest: If the investigation provides sufficient evidence, law enforcement officers will arrest the suspect. The arrest must be based on probable cause, meaning there is a reasonable belief that the suspect committed the crime.
- Charging: The prosecutor reviews the evidence gathered during the investigation and decides whether to file formal charges against the suspect. The charges must specify the alleged crimes and are usually presented in an indictment or information.
- Initial Hearing/Arraignment: The suspect (now the defendant) appears in court for the initial hearing, where they are formally informed of the charges. The defendant may enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Bail may be set, or the defendant may be released on their own recognizance.
- Discovery: The defense and prosecution exchange information related to the case. This includes evidence, witness lists, and any other material relevant to the trial. Discovery helps ensure that both sides have the opportunity to prepare their cases.
- Plea Bargaining: Before trial, the defense and prosecution may engage in plea negotiations. The defendant may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. Plea bargains are common in the criminal justice system.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both sides present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. The prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense can challenge the prosecution’s case and present its evidence.
- Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty, the court imposes a sentence. Sentencing can include imprisonment, fines, probation, community service, or other penalties. The sentence depends on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors.
Divorce
- Filing the Petition: One spouse (the petitioner) files a legal document called a Petition for Divorce (or Dissolution of Marriage) with the appropriate court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, such as division of property, child custody, and spousal support.
- Serving the Petition: The petitioner must legally serve the divorce papers to the other spouse (the respondent). This process ensures that the respondent is formally notified of the divorce proceedings. Proof of service must be filed with the court.
- Response: The respondent has a specific time frame (usually 20-30 days) to file a response to the petition. The response may agree with, disagree with, or provide alternative proposals to the petition’s terms regarding property division, child custody, support, and other issues.
- Temporary Orders: Either spouse may request temporary court orders to address immediate concerns such as child custody, spousal support, and use of marital property while the divorce is pending. These orders remain in effect until the final divorce decree is issued.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents relevant to the divorce through discovery. This can include financial records, property valuations, and other pertinent details. Discovery methods include interrogatories, requests for the production of documents, and depositions.
- Settlement Negotiations: The parties, often with the assistance of their attorneys, negotiate to reach a settlement agreement on all issues, such as property division, child custody, and support. Mediation may be used to facilitate negotiations. Many divorces are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial.
- Trial: The case proceeds to trial if the parties cannot reach a settlement. Each side presents evidence and arguments to the judge, who then decides on the contested issues. The judge’s rulings are based on the evidence presented and applicable law.
- Final Judgment: The court issues a final judgment of divorce, which legally terminates the marriage and outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations. The decision is binding and enforceable. Post-judgment modifications can be requested if circumstances change significantly.
What Our Real
Clients Are saying
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Mark and your wonderful secretary for the exceptional care and kindness you’ve shown me. Despite the challenges posed by my illness, which have made communication more difficult, Mark has demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding.
Mark is more than just an exceptional lawyer! He is someone who truly cares about the people he represents. He did not just help me fight my case the right way but he helped me see things the right way. Throughout the entire process, Mark guided me with honesty, integrity and patience, often stepping into a role that felt more like a father figure than just legal counsel. He challenged me when I needed it, supported me when things felt overwhelming and always kept my best interests at heart. I am incredibly grateful not only for the outcome of my case but for the perspective and growth I gained because of his guidance. If you are looking for a lawyer who genuinely invests in you as a person, not just a case number, Mark is the one!
If you are looking for an attorney who will do what they say they are going to do and keep you informed and updated every step of the way, this is the attorney for you! I highly recommend working with Mark Worthley and his team of professionals! Thank you very much, Mark!
Mark provided exceptional support during my time of need, demonstrating a high level of helpfulness and expertise. I wholeheartedly recommend him and his team.
Mark and Tara are an awesome team. Mark handled a case for me and got me a more than fair deal. Tara was my lawyer for my divorce and she is nothing short of amazing and compassionate. They cared about what was best for my family and helped me every step of the way. You’re in good hands with the Worthley family law practice. They have excellent prices and are more than willing to work with you. You can tell they are genuinely there to help.
After multiple referrals, I was referred to Mark Worthley and I am very glad I was. He did such a great job with my case and obtained for me the best possible outcome which I am eternally grateful for. Almost no words can express how grateful I am to have him on my case. He was very diligent and patient with my case and he will fight for his clients to have the best possible outcomes no matter the costs or the duration- he will go the extra mile for you. He displayed a wealth of knowledge on all things law, displayed professionalism, trustworthiness, level headedness, patience, and kindness during the worst of times that can befall on a person. I would highly recommend anyone to Mark in need of legal help! I one hundred percent recommend!!!
Worthley Law is the premier law firm in Northwest Indiana. Always attentive to their customers and very knowledgeable of all things law.
I am gonna be honest. I see alot of review for Mark on here which in my opinion is a great lawyer, but the lawyer that I haven't seen reviews on is Tara Worthley. Going through stressful cases like custody can be a absolute nightmare. Especially with the wrong representation. It is something that can tear a person to pieces but the guidance and compassion and assistance Tara Worthley, provided was unlike any other. I am still going through my process and whichever way it goes in my situation. I know she fought to the very end and represented me in a very professional manner. What I like about Tara is she is very calm and humble but knows facts . She is a fantastic lawyer, highly recommend to anyone going through a stressful case like custody.
Going through stressful cases like custody can be an absolute nightmare. Especially with the wrong representation. It is something that can tear a person to pieces but the guidance and compassion and assistance Tara Worthley, provided was unlike any other. I am still going through my process and whichever way it goes in my situation. I know she fought to the very end and represented me in a very professional manner. What I like about Tara is she is very calm and humble but knows facts. She is a fantastic lawyer, highly recommend to anyone going through a stressful case like custody.
I highly recommend Mark for your legal needs. He worked diligently on our case and obtained a best possible outcome. He brings a wealth of experience to his representation, which allows him to clearly discuss the situation, potential outcomes, and best actions to take to reach a successful result. We could not be more satisfied with Mark's representation.
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