John Vazanellis

John Vazanellis

5.0
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 13 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Merrillville, IN
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Expungement

9120 Connecticut Dr. Suite D, Merrillville, IN

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 13 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 2012

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John Vazanellis

9120 Connecticut Dr. Suite D, Merrillville, IN, 46410

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John Vazanellis's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Amazing Criminal Attorney

If you're dealing with a similar drug/marijuana case in lake County Indiana, I highly recommend John Vazanellis. Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about getting the best result. Thank you again!"

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Attorney in Northwest Indiana

If you’re looking for an attorney who values honesty above all else and tells you the real picture—not just what you want to hear—Attorney John Vazanellis is the one. He is straightforward, dedicated, and truly fights for the best possible outcome. I was facing a felony charge, and he successfully go...t my case dismissed. Five stars aren’t enough. I can’t thank him enough for the incredible result he achieved in my criminal case.

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Great Attorney for Expungments

Attorney John Vazanellis did an outstanding job handling my expungement. He was honest, professional, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. He explained everything clearly and took care of all the details, giving me real peace of mind. Thanks to his work, I can finally move forward with... a clean slate. I’m extremely grateful and highly recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney who truly cares and delivers results

Posted by MohammadK | May 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Great defense lawyer, feel at ease if he's representing you!

I got a speeding ticket in Indiana and John represented me to clear the ticket. He was very professional, provided all information needed, and was very responsive throughout the process making sure I didn't have to do anything as he represented me. Thanks for your help John!

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Amazing experience

He impressed me not only with the professionalism, but also with the art of communication as an outstanding attorney.

See All Client Reviews

John Vazanellis's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Cole Galloway headshot
Cole Galloway

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with John on negotiating his clients' cases when I was a Lake County Prosecuting Attorney. He is a great attorney and fights for his clients' rights."

Caitlin Mary Padula headshot
Caitlin Padula

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a fantastic lawyer who really takes the time to listen to his clients and come up with a solution to their problems. He maintains a great relationship with the other lawyers in this community and has a reputation as a smart attorney who gets the job done right."

Anna Christodoulakis headshot
Anna Christodoulakis

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have sent many criminal defense referrals to Attorney Vazanellis and all clients have been very happy with his representation. He is prompt, and will zealously advocate on behalf of his client. I will continue to send referrals his way in the future!"

View All Endorsements
Caitlin Mary Padula headshot
Caitlin Padula

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Honors

2018

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2018

Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2017

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Public Defender, Lake County Public Defenders Office Conflict Division

2015 - Present

Owner, Law Office of John M. Vazanellis

2013 - 2015

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Lake County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2012 - Present

Lake County Bar Association

Member

Education

2011

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Purdue University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Greek

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution