Charles LaSata
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Judge LaSata was elected to the Circuit Court Bench in 2004. Judge LaSata currently serves as Judge of Michigan's Second Circuit Court.
He is a former partner/shareholder in LaSata Law Office in Niles, and Bittner, Hyrns, LaSata, Reimland & Daly P.C. of Saint Joseph.[1]
Education and experience
Charles LaSata received his Bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan and his Juris Doctor degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Prior to his judicial election, he served Berrien County in a number of roles. Judge LaSata was the Michigan State Representative for the 79th District in northern Berrien County for six years 1999 to 2004. While in the state legislature he served as vice-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, chair of the Corrections Subcommittee, vice- chair of the Judiciary Committee, and chair of the bi-partisan lawyer’s caucus. He also represented the state of Michigan on several boards; served on the Civil Justice Task Force with the National Conference of State Legislators, and the Civil Justice Task Force for the American Legislative Exchange Council. Judge LaSata also served as a Saint Joseph City Commissioner for four years and Mayor of the City of Saint Joseph for four years prior to entering the legislature.
Awards and associations
Judge LaSata has been active in numerous professional and community organizations which include the following memberships or awards (past/present): State Bar of Michigan, State Bar of Indiana, Berrien County Bar Association, Michigan Judge’s Association, Officer, Saint Joseph / Benton Harbor Knights of Columbus, Insurance Law Committee, State Bar of Michigan, Cornerstone Alliance Board Member, 4H Foundation Director, Berrien County Guardianship services, board member, Saint Joseph Jaycees, past president, Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, Saint Joseph / Benton Harbor Rotary Club, Legislator of the Year Michigan Sheriff’s Association 2000, Legislator of the Year Michigan Environmental Council 2004, Legislator of the Year Michigan Assoc. of Independent Colleges and Univ. 2002, Champion for Children Award recipient 2002, Leadership Award from Highland Avenue SDA Church 2003.[2]
LaSata sends groom to jail
When a couple from Chicago got married in Lakeside, Michigan, and the reception got out of control, the gallery owners called the police. An officer arrived, but couldn't control the rowdy crowd and called for backup. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "'family members had to hold Somora back from charging at the officers, but he did break free', prosecutor Mike Sepic said. Somora was then stunned by a Taser. His new bride, who was holding him, was also shocked." The groom as well as several family members were arrested, and two nights later the bride and groom were arrested again. Judge Charles LaSata presided over the groom's sentencing, "You behaved very poorly for a person of your age." The groom, who plead guilty to felony resisting and obstructing police, was sentenced to 45 days of electronic monitoring and 300 hours of community service.[3]
See also
External links
- Newlyweds Agree to Guilty Pleas
- Drunkenness may not be legal defense soon
- Controversy in Berrien County
- Pro Death Penalty
- St. Ignace News: Court Report
- Michigan Primary Election Results 2000
- Chicago Sun-Times: Rowdy groom gets jail time
