Jacqueline Kamel is a criminal defense attorney committed to protecting the rights of clients facing criminal charges in Indiana. Drawing on experience as both a former prosecutor and defense attorney, she offers valuable insight into the criminal justice system and develops strategic defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances. In addition to criminal defense matters, Jacqueline assists clients with driver’s license reinstatement and other legal challenges that impact their daily lives and livelihoods.
Prior to joining Wilson & Kinsman, LLC, Jacqueline investigated old homicides both in the Cold Case Division of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and as a method of proving the innocence of those wrongfully convicted of murderer in Indiana. Her work has led to a vacated 25-year-old murder conviction. She is a published scholar on exoneration compensation laws on a national level. She has actively worked to help sue municipalities for civil rights violations. She also has an active interest in helping animals in our community and has worked specifically to strengthen policies regarding the prosecution of animal offenders.
She has received exemplary scores on the LSAT, Bar Exam, and MPRE and graduated cum laude from University of Notre Dame Law School where she was a teaching assistant for criminal law and received the highest student honor in the study of Criminal Law.
Education:
- Juris Doctor, University of Notre Dame Law School
Legal Experience:
- Notre Dame Exoneration Clinic – Legal Intern
- Manhattan District Attorney’s Office – Prosecution and Cold Case Divisions
- Loevy & Loevy – Investigator, Civil Rights plaintiffs
- Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office – Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
- Joseph County Public Defender’s Office – Public Defender
- Journal of Legislation – Executive Editor
Certifications and Professional Memberships:
- Licensed to practice in all Indiana state courts and in the Federal Northern District of Indiana
- American Bar Association
- St. Joseph County Bar Association
Professional Philosophy:
The worst thing in the world is being convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. It is the antithesis of justice, and it has no place in society. For those who are guilty, Jacqueline understands that prosecution is still no joke, and causes stress, anguish, and anxiety both through stigma and collateral consequences. Misdemeanors are typically bad choices an adult makes one night and should not destroy the rest of a person’s life, but it shouldn’t define that person as a criminal. Jacqueline is deeply committed to protecting her clients’ rights and providing strong, strategic defense at every stage of the legal process so that they are treated fairly and that their individual needs are met.
Testimonials
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