ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Chuck
MEET CHUCK WATTERSON
I am La Porte County through and through. My family was born and raised in La Porte County, and it will always be home to the Watterson name. I graduated from La Porte High School and played on your very first Sectional and Regional Champion La Porte Slicers Football Team in 2006. From there, I attended Purdue University North Central and then went to Law School at Valparaiso University. I was sworn into the Indiana Bar in 2017 and have spent my entire legal career serving the people of La Porte County.
I have practiced criminal law for most of my career, serving primarily as a deputy prosecuting attorney. I also spent three years in private practice as a criminal defense attorney and public defender, experience that provides valuable perspective in pursuing fair and balanced justice. In 2020, I was appointed by the Republican Party to the LaPorte County Election Board, where I served as President for 3 years. In 2023, I was appointed Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of La Porte County.
As Chief Deputy, I maintain a full high-level felony caseload in La Porte County Superior Court 1 while also guiding and advising fellow deputy prosecutors and support staff. I have also handled and tried a wide range of cases, including murder, sex crimes, child abuse, firearm offenses, and drug-related crimes, and have worked closely with law enforcement, victims, and community members throughout my career.
MISSION STATEMENT
I am running for County Prosecutor because our community deserves a justice system that protects victims, holds offenders accountable, and applies the law equally to everyone. The Prosecutor’s Office must be guided by ethics, professionalism, and a clear focus on public safety—not politics.
My approach to prosecution is balanced and thoughtful. I believe our highest priority should be addressing violent and repeat offenders, while also supporting crime prevention efforts, responsible use of taxpayer resources, and decisions grounded in evidence and the rule of law. As Prosecutor, I will work to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, improve transparency, and engage more directly with the community we serve.
An informed community is a stronger community. Too often, misunderstandings about bonds, plea agreements, and charging decisions erode public trust. I am committed to helping explain how the criminal justice system works and why decisions are made. Transparency builds confidence, and trust in the integrity of the Prosecutor’s Office is essential.
Effective leadership starts within the office itself. I believe in leading by example and fostering a professional, supportive environment where deputy prosecutors and staff are empowered to do their best work on behalf of La Porte County.