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also known as J. Michael Woods
Michael Woods is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington where he served on the Moot Court Board. While in Bloomington, he served as President and Vice President of the Monroe County Council where he oversaw appropriations for various parts of the criminal justice system, including the expansion of funding for corrections and the creation of a new court. As a member of the council, Michael helped spearhead the creation of a new tax to fund the Youth Services Bureau so fewer children were separated from their families during their time in the juvenile justice system.
A deputy prosecutor for nine years, Michael is an experienced trial attorney who has handled thousands of cases ranging from simple traffic tickets to complex homicides. He has tried over 30 cases at jury trial on various charges including drunk driving, drug dealing, robbery, criminal gang activity, and murder. As a deputy prosecutor, Michael secured one of the first successful convictions for the criminal gang sentencing enhancement in Indiana, and implemented new techniques for obtaining, preserving, and admitting evidence from smartphones, Facebook, and Twitter. He has also argued numerous bail, juvenile waiver, and suppression hearings.
Michael brought that experience, knowledge, and skill to Stracci Law Group – a law firm designed to make sure their clients are never overwhelmed or overmatched by the State. He understands in detail the evidence traditionally used in criminal trials such as ballistics examinations, DNA, fingerprints, surveillance recordings, breath tests, blood draws, and drug analysis. Additionally, Michael has extensive experience in new and emerging types of evidence such as forensic cell phone and computer examination, cell tower data analysis, mobile location services, and social media accounts. He is well-versed in complex criminal statutes, evolving caselaw, and ever-changing sentencing enhancements. Michael puts those skills to work on behlf of his clients in negotioantions, motions practice, jury trials, appeals, and post-conviction relief.
Michael has presented legal training on topics including the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (2007) and the Digital Presentation of Evidence in Criminal Trials (2014). He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Lake County Bar Association and Indiana Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in all Indiana courts, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, and has argued before the Indiana Supreme Court.
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Chat withState: Indiana
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
11890 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, 46307
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Woods is extremely professional and a Expert in law. I am a class A CDL driver that found myself in a very unfortunate situation being charged with an Owi and A refusal.My entire livelihood was on the line. Thanks to Mr. Woods my entire case was dismissed in four months exactly! Me and my family ...
Posted by Brittany | February 12, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
While my case was more family issued, he was able to answer my questions and was very proactive. We chatted well after office hours! He took the time to explain a lot to me. May be looking into helping another family member in a criminal case. Would hire in a minute if the right opportunity arose.
Posted by Daniel | February 6, 2020 | Hired Attorney
I had many consultations with many different lawyers none of them impressed me whatsoever. One night laying in bed I googled Super Lawyers in my area and James Michael Woods out of the Stracci Law group was the first name that popped up. I called them on a Sunday and believe it or not his staff calle...
Posted by A.E.C. | December 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I can say nothing more than my situation being heartbreaking. From the first time I met him, until now, he has given me the hope I have needed to keep going. He is so intelligent! The Bailiff had asked me who my lawyer was, I then said, "Mr. Woods". She said, "He is so smart, you are in great hands!"...
Posted by Jon | August 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney
It is my privilege to recommend James Michael Woods, an expert legal marksman for anyone facing an uphill legal battle. A true gentleman and scholar, James Michael Woods demonstrated a keen understanding of criminal law and how best to apply it in my multi-felony case. Mr. Woods represented me from...
"Mr. Woods is a consummate professional with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law. He is patient, diligent, and will work tirelessly to meet your expectations. Absolutely the highest possible recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with attorney Woods on several occasions. He is extremely professional and courteous. His knowledge and ability are first-rate and he continues to hone his skills. He is respectful and attentive to his client's needs. Furthermore he is tenacious and knows his way around a courtroom especially in a trial situation."
Employment and labor lawyer
2016 - Present
Associate, Stracci Law Group, P.C.
2016 - Present
Felony Public Defender, Office Of The Lake County Public Defender
2015 - 2016
Associate, Johnson, Stracci, & Ivancevich, LLP
2009 - 2015
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Lake County Prosecutor's Office
2006 - 2009
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Brown County Prosecutors Office
2017 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2016 - Present
Indiana State Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2014
Digital Presentation of Evidence in Criminal Trials
2007
Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
English
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