I searched the Internet for a lawyer to clear up my Habitual Traffic Violator suspension, and called Paul Stanko. I thought I might be eligible for a hardship license, but he informed me that I wasn't because I had not finished 5 years of my 10 year suspension. He ran my driving record online (he does this as a service for potential clients--and he doesn't charge for it) and we talked about my prior convictions. We probably talked on the phone for an hour that first day, going over my past history (without charging me a dime), and by the time we finished that first consultation, he had a plan for trying to overturn some of my convictions and getting my license back. I hurried up and paid his fee through Paypal and he got to work on my case right away. In my earlier cases, I either just pleaded guilty or I had a public defender instead of a real DUI lawyer, and it turned out that I should have fought those instead of just giving up. Judge Stanko got the transcripts from those courts and filed motions to get my convictions expunged. Then he worked out deals with the prosecutors to plead to reduced charges or get the cases dismissed entirely. I went from being a habitual traffic violator with a 10 year license suspension and 4 DUI convictions, including 2 felonies, to having a valid license with only 1 DUI conviction and 1 reckless driving (and NO felonies). I have a good job now that I can drive, and I'm not looking over my shoulder any more. What I like most about Judge Stanko is that he knows everything there is to know about DUI, but he doesn't ever talk down to people. I could talk to him all day like he was family, and never feel put down. I know he's very busy, and sometimes he couldn't call me back immediately if he was in court, but he always called or emailed me back promptly, and when he did he made me feel like I was his only client. My family and I are grateful that we found Judge Stanko. Because of him our lives are so much better. My only regret is that I didn't know Judge Stanko years ago when I had those other lawyers handle my DUI cases. If I had him as a lawyer back then, I wouldn't have needed him now! read more

A real friend when I was in need. I m a college student but NOT a heavy drinker. I made a mistake by drinking too much when I went out with my friends for my birthday. I was pulled over because I forgot to turn my headlights on in a well lit area, and I failed the breath test. Mr. Stanko met with me (and my parents, who were paying my fees) on very short notice at his South Bend office. He was very kind to my family and me, spending at least an hour talking to us before we even paid him. He explained the ignition interlock program, referred me to a counselor for an evaluation, and even put me in contact with the victim impact panel. Mr. Stanko then met with the prosecutor to work out an agreement. By the time I went to court for the first time, I already knew that my drunk driving case would be dismissed after I finished my requirements. Instead of a DUI conviction, I will only have a public intoxication on my record. I know that drunk driving convictions aren t as much of a stigma as others (even President Bush had a DUI when he was young), but when I finish my degree and apply to grad school, that might have prevented me from becoming who I want to be. Thanks to Judge Stanko, this one mistake will not cast a shadow on my future. My parents and I are grateful for all he has done for us. read more

Read my review in the South Bend listing. I won't repeat all I wrote in that review, but I was very pleased with the way he handled my case in South Bend. He was attentive to my needs and diligent in his efforts to defend me and protect my future. This was especially important to me, as I hope to be a lawyer myself in a few years. He literally saved my future prospects. I liked the fact that he knew everything that needed to be done in advance, always had all the forms and paperwork prepared ahead of time, and always got me out of court while all the people without attorneys were still waiting in line. He charged me a flat fee, which he explained up front. There were no hidden or extra charges, and it was certainly reasonable considering the quality of his work on my behalf. His reputation in the courts in South Bend is well known. Several of my acquaintances at the university have used his services, and their results have been just as good as mine. read more

DON'T BE SCAMMED BY THIS TERRIBLE LAWYER I hired Paul after an OWI and met with him once and never heard back from him again after he took $1500 from me. Don't fall for his scam of depositing money on his website Paypal account. Once he gets your money he decides if he wants to call you back or not. I don't know how he was ever a judge. He has zero conscientious and is a liar as well. On June 4 of 2012 Paul was arrested for an OWI after hitting another car while driving plastered. He tried paying the other driver $200 to shut him up and the driver refused. The police came and Paul claimed he doesn't drink. He was given a breathalyzer and was found to be 3X the limit. Here is the link http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/crime/13206143-418/law-and-order-lake-county.html TRUST ME AVOID HIM AND DONT BELIEVE THE STATEMENTS HE PUTS ONLINE TO MAKE HIMSELF LOOK. HE PAYS PEOPLE TO DO THIS!!! read more

I retained Judge Stanko to represent me in my criminal case because of his reputation as a great criminal lawyer and a former judge. He had handled cases for friends of mine before I got in trouble, so I knew he could get things done in court. From our first appointment, when he explained exactly how the court system works and had me describe everything that happened when I was arrested, I knew that he was someone I could depend on. I went from being terrified of what might happen to me and depressed about my future to being confident that everything would work out OK, and it did! I know that there are cheaper lawyers out there, and if all you want is a lawyer to spend 5 minutes pleading you guilty, you can go that route, but if you want a lawyer who knows it all and really cares about helping his clients make the best of a bad situation, then he is the best there is. read more

Super DUI lawyer in South Bend I met with Judge Stanko at his South Bend office. He explained the St. Joe County ignition interlock program to me and went with me to my first court date. The judge signed an order to the BMV so my license was not suspended and I had the interlock installed. He had me get an alcohol counseling evaluation and about 6 months later my DUI case will be dismissed and I will just have a reckless on my record. I was very impressed with his knowledge and experience. Everything went exactly as he had explained. I felt very confident and comfortable when we went to court. Update! We went back to court last week and my DUI was dismissed! I was amazed at how quickly he got me in and out of court. We were scheduled at 8 and I was at work at 9, right on time! I can't say enough about the quality of his representation. read more

He did an incredible job defending me. He saved my life and my families life. He even went so far as to clear up an error after the fact, and after he was already paid. The error was the courts in refunding my recognizance money. Without his extra effort I would have been out over 230 dollars in bond refund. He got it back for me!!! He was extremely thorough and never let me down in any way. I would recommend him any day and also suggest that the idiots commenting negatively either have the wrong man or the posts are fake. Possibly from other lawyers. I asked around to his peers before hiring him and they all said the same thing. Impeccable lawyer. Don't believe idiots. Believe me. Thanks. Semper fi!!!! read more

Mr. Stanko handled at least two cases for me over the 10 years that I have employed his services. He has been nothing but most professional and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody that needs legal help. At both instances, the legal services required more than just ordinary legal advise. He was willing to take one of the cases to jury trial which resulted in positive outcome. His legal expertise and knowledge of the judicial system is beyond reproach. Trust me, that when it comes to solving complex legal questions and maneuvering the justice system to obtain positive outcomes for his clients he is one of the best in the area. read more

I met Judge Stanko at his South Bend office after my arrest for drug charges. I was concerned about possible jail time, but even more about losing my financial aid or being expelled if I was convicted. He was very reassuring and told me about the Drug Court program. I was accepted into the program and just finished my one year anniversary! I have tested clean for a year and my charges are being dismissed! I recommend Judge Stanko for any type of criminal case, although he handles mostly DUIs. Update: The charges were dismissed last week. read more

I was arrested for possession of marijuana after I was pulled over on the Indiana Toll Road. This was in Elkhart County. I called Mr. Stanko and he took my case. The prosecutor wanted me to plead guilty and take a conviction, pay a fine and go on probation. This would have cost me my job and my student aid. He explained what "conditional discharge" is. We asked the judge for that (the prosecutor objected) and we got what we asked for. A year later my case was dismissed. I didn't even pay a fine, and my record is still clean. read more

After meeting with Paul on a OWI charge I knew he was the one I wanted to repesent me. He is a man of great honor and knowlage. Paul truly cared about me and was abel to take a OWI to a reduced reckless driving. Paul is well respected and fair. I owe this great man my life! I am so happy I cryed all day when he told me my charge was reduced! Now I can keep my job and licence. God bless you Mr. Stanko!! Anyone who wants to contact me please do I have all the proof of my case and what this great man has done for me read more

Paul stanko is very knowledgeable with the Indiana laws and very experiences. He was able to reduce my owi charge to a reckless driving charge and save my license with no jail time. I chose him because he is very familiar with the court house and use to be a judge there and very familiar with the people there. I would recommend him to anyone who is serious in maintaining there license and looking for pure representation. His price is very reasonable and did not take long to resolve my case. read more

DO NOT EVER HIRE PAUL D STANKO!!! I paid him $2000 through Pay Pal and once he received the money I never heard from him again. This lawyer actually ripped me off $2000 and there is little that can be done about it. What is this guys problem and why is he still able to practice. I contacted the Indiana state bar with a complaint which they are investigating but the do not recover any funds. Any one up in his area wanna earn $500 get him to refund my money and its as good as yours. read more

Mr. Stanko took my felony driving case in St. Joe County and was able to get me a reduced charge to a mistermeanor. Talking to other people who have had cases there, I heard that getting a mistermeanor at sentencing doesn't happen very often. the prosecutor wanted me to have a felony conviction, but that would have made finding a job tough. Mr. Stanko asked the judge to give me a mistermeanor and sure enough that's what happened! Thank you! read more

Judge Stanko took care of my drunk driving case in South Bend. He is very knowledgeable and got me into the ignition interlock program. After I had the interlock on my car for 6 months we went back to court and my DUI case was dismissed. I was very happy with his services. The information on this listing is old. His office is on Jefferson in downtown South Bend, just a couple of blocks from the courthouse. read more

Great service from a great lawyer! A friend recommended judge Stanko to me as the best DUI attorney in the South Bend area. I had never been arrested before, and my breath test was not too bad. He was able to get me a deferred prosecution and a reckless. I would tell anybody I know to get him as their lawyer. He treated me right and didn't talk down to me like other lawyers. He's a regular guy. read more

I tried to handle my own debt collection for my small business, but this is too risky and time consuming. I finally decided to outsource my accounts to a local law firm. So far, I am bring in more previously uncollected receivables, and the expense has been worth it. I am only about 60 days into this relationship, but so far, so good. read more

I had a simple will prepared for me and my wife, a power of attorney, and living will. Nothing too complicated, but the fee was very reasonable. Just $250 for all the paperwork. I was able to come in and sign everything after about a week. The office is convenient, right across the street from the Government Center. read more

thanks to mr. stanko, i was able to keep my job and get into the work release program, he is the best, he is thorough, i would recommend him to anyone, i do not live in Indiana, and that did not matter. heis a great lawyer, if you need defending make him your first call. read more