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ATTORNEYS

Criminal Law, DUI, OWI, Public Intoxication, Battery, Drug Possession, Marijuana, Cocaine, Guns, Firearms, Probation Revocation, Bail, Bond, HTV, Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Divorce, Child Support, Expungement, Sexual Harassment, Slip and Fall, Family Law, Adoption, Lake County, Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, Lake Station, Hobart, Hammond, Gary, Porter County, Valparaiso, Portage, Chesterton , Jasper County, Rensselaer, LaPorte County, LaPorte, Michigan City

JOHN MARK VOUGA

PARTNER

BIO

John graduated from Grove City College, Pennsylvania, in 1984 where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Soon after graduating from the Valparaiso University School of Law, he began his legal career as a Deputy Prosecutor in the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office in Valparaiso, Indiana. There, he successfully prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases.

Several years later, he entered private practice. It was at this time that he found his true passion. Since 1991, John quickly developed a reputation as a zealous and aggressive criminal defense attorney. He has devoted his career to defending the people of Northwest Indiana and ensuring that their rights are fiercely protected. He is admitted to practice law in not only the State Courts in Indiana, but he is also licensed to practice federally in both the Northern and Southern Districts of the Seventh Circuit.

He has successfully tried and obtained acquittals in numerous jury trials in both State and Federal court. Over the last twenty years, John has built a dynamic law firm serving Northwest Indiana, specializing in Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury, and Civil Litigation.

John is a member of the Porter County Bar Association, The Lake County Bar Association, and the prestigious National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Even though he personally specializes in Criminal Defense, trying cases ranging from drug offenses to felony Murder and Attempted Murder charges, John also devotes time to civil litigation, including Personal Injury and Sexual Harassment cases.

 

John is also a passionate and devoted Animal Rights activist and serves pro bono as the attorney for the Porter County Animal Shelter. In his spare time, John can be found rescuing abandoned and neglected animals, spending time with his family, traveling abroad, and as an avid runner, he can often be seen running the beautiful country roads in rural Porter County.
 

Criminal Law, DUI, OWI, Public Intoxication, Battery, Drug Possession, Marijuana, Cocaine, Guns, Firearms, Probation Revocation, Bail, Bond, HTV, Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Divorce, Child Support, Expungement, Sexual Harassment, Slip and Fall, Family Law, Adoption, Lake County, Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, Lake Station, Hobart, Hammond, Gary, Porter County, Valparaiso, Portage, Chesterton , Jasper County, Rensselaer, LaPorte County, LaPorte, Michigan City

NICHOLAS BARNES

PARTNER

BIO
Nick grew up in central Indiana and moved to the Region after graduating from Northwestern University.  He found his career passion of criminal law while working for five years at the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.  After becoming knowledgeable about all areas of criminal law, Nick joined Attorney Vouga’s law practice in 2010.  Since joining the firm, Nick’s practice area focuses on aggressively representing individuals with criminal charges ranging from traffic matters up to murder.  Nick has tried and successfully obtained not guilty verdicts on numerous criminal cases throughout his career.  He is the president of the Porter County Criminal Defense Bar, and a member of the Lake County and Porter County Bar Association, the Lake County Criminal Defense Bar, as well as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  In addition to Criminal Defense, Nick also handles a variety of family law matters. 

 

Nick is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney.  He maintains a strong work ethic and drive to be prepared for any situation. Nick believes that by combining aggressive negotiation and skilled knowledgeable trial work, he is able to work to achieve the best possible outcome for all of his clients. 

 

When Nick isn’t practicing law, he enjoys coaching his kid’s sports teams, swimming, running, and spending time with his wife.



EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Northwestern University, 2002

Juris Doctor, Valparaiso University, 2005

 

JASON DENNY

PARTNER

BIO

Former Lake County Deputy Prosecutor and Chesterton native, Jason M. Denny moved his legal practice to Vouga Barnes & Denny in 2012, practicing Criminal Defense, family law and personal injury law. Denny is a graduate of Chesterton High School, Purdue University, and received his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2007. Prior to joining the firm, Attorney Denny served as a Deputy Prosecutor in Lake County where he tried cases ranging from traffic violations to felonies including murder.

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As a former Deputy Prosecutor, Denny understands what happens in the courtroom and what the prosecution's strategy may be. He understands what will be important in your defense and believes in the principle that everyone is has the right to a competent and aggressive defense.

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Denny is a member of the bar associations in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties, and the Lake County Criminal Defense Bar. He has coached a variety of sports in the Duneland School System, and lives with his wife and two children in Chesterton.


EDUCATION

 

Liberal Studies, Purdue University, 2000
Juris Doctor, Valparaiso University, 2007

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