It doesn’t matter if you are wrongly accused or made a mistake—the prosecutor will be focused on securing a conviction. It is, therefore, the role of a skilled and proficient Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer whom residents can trust to analyze the evidence to analyze the evidence, evaluate the potential outcomes, and use every tool in his or her arsenal to advocate for you. At Eskew Law, we are dedicated to defending your future and your freedom.
Your criminal defense lawyer is on your side, not the prosecutor. By choosing the right defense attorney, you can present an intelligent defense, fight to maintain your innocence, adeptly negotiate with the prosecutor, or make cogent arguments about ethical or constitutional violations.
Eskew Law has provided clients located throughout Indiana with compassionate advice and guidance, creative and innovative defense strategies, and an unrivaled dedication to justice. With five-star reviews from clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana, we have a deep understanding of Marion County procedures and prosecutors, decades of combined experience in Indiana criminal courts, and have handled hundreds of jury trials. When we take on your case, we bring personalized strategies tailored to your life and goals. If you were arrested for a crime anywhere in the state, Eskew Law can assist you with fighting the charges.
The Indiana General Assembly is responsible for enacting all criminal laws for the state of Indiana, as outlined in Title 35 of the Indiana Code. Title 35 defines various offenses, differentiates between misdemeanors and felonies, recognizes certain defenses, enumerates aggravating factors and sentencing enhancement factors, and provides sentencing ranges for crimes.
Additionally, the Indiana court system plays an active role in interpreting the law. Judges are tasked with expounding on the law by further explaining the elements of an offense or when certain defenses are available. In layman’s terms, a crime is an action that is forbidden by the law. Crimes in Indiana are categorized into misdemeanors and felonies, and these groupings are further classified into distinct classes.
The potential sentencing range is dictated by whether the crime is a misdemeanor or a felony and what class it falls under. Have you or a loved one been convicted of a crime? Our criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis understand that this is a challenging time, but we have helped thousands of people just like you. We won’t let this mistake define who you are.
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but can still have a huge impact on your life, and they carry a maximum of one year in county jail. There are three classes of misdemeanors.
Common misdemeanors include driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. While a misdemeanor offense may not seem as serious as a felony, a misdemeanor still stays on your criminal record and can impact your future. If you’re facing a misdemeanor offense, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to work with an experienced criminal defense or misdemeanor attorney.
Every case is different, and some judges use misdemeanor offenses to make an example of the defendant. Even if it’s your first offense, you could face incarceration, fines, and even probation. Any mitigating factors or a criminal history can increase the penalties you already face.
Felonies are severe offenses that are often associated with serious physical, emotional, or financial injury to a complainant. Felonies face anywhere from six months to life in state prison or even the death penalty.
If you are facing a felony offense, you need a criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis on your side immediately. Felony offenses are serious and come with severe criminal penalties. Fines, jail time, and probation are all probable, even if you don’t have a criminal history.
Being a convicted felon can also negatively impact your ability to find a job, secure housing, and more. Potential employers and landlords are much more hesitant to engage with a convicted felon than someone who has a simple misdemeanor on their record. As your defense team, we’ll always attempt to have your case dismissed. If that’s not possible, we can aim to reduce your charge to a misdemeanor or to reduce the penalties you are facing if you are convicted.
Felony criminal charges are aggressively enforced and prosecuted at every stage of the process. A felony conviction can significantly impact a person’s life for years and decades to come. Our Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys provide experienced representation based on the hundreds of cases they have taken to trial. At Eskew Law, we understand the profound impact a felony charge or conviction can have on your life, and we provide thorough preparation, personalized attention, and a tailored approach to each case, based on the facts, evidence, and your unique situation.
With our extensive experience, there’s no criminal case that is too complex for us to handle. Our lawyers have been working on criminal defense cases in Indianapolis and throughout the state for years. We are pillars in our community and have connections throughout the justice system. We are confident that we can help you achieve a favorable outcome in your criminal case, regardless of your circumstances.
It is this simple: if you live in Central Indiana and have been charged with a felony, then you need a reliable Indianapolis criminal defense attorney. Even if the evidence against you is overwhelming, you need someone on your side who can work to get the charges or sentence reduced, protect you against over-aggressive prosecution, and work to minimize the long-term damage a felony causes.
Felony cases demand experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel who understand how to negotiate with prosecutors, evaluate evidence, thoroughly prepare a case, and argue effectively in front of a judge and jury. Our Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys can put an extensive career in criminal defense behind your case.
TV and movies often romanticize and fast-track criminal cases. However, criminal cases can be complex, and even the simpler ones involve several steps and a lot of time. Here is a brief overview of the seven general steps involved in a criminal proceeding.
The criminal process usually starts with an arrest. Sometimes a defendant may receive a summons to appear. Whether the arresting law enforcement officer had probable cause or a warrant for your arrest will be addressed later. If you are arrested, it is essential to remain silent and ask to contact a criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis immediately.
Typically, shortly after your arrest, you will have an initial hearing. This hearing is typically what the defendant would have received the summons for as well. Here, the judge will inform you of the formal charges you face, and you may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The court may also address the issue of bail and whether you may be released or held over in jail until your case is resolved. They also address whether they will hire their own attorney, whether there is a No Contact Order, what other terms of release may be ordered, ensure they understand the sentencing ranges for each charge, and set future dates.
In general, the discovery phase is the period between arrest and trial when the prosecutor must provide specific evidence to your attorney. During this time, your Indianapolis criminal defense attorney will also investigate and assess the prosecution’s case to find out what evidence they have against you.
Before trial, there is often a lot that goes on behind the scenes. The prosecutor and defense counsel might have multiple pretrial conferences with the judge to advise and discuss the status of the case. Most cases will also have some degree of pretrial motion practice. For instance, your defense attorney might file motions to challenge the admissibility of certain evidence. Typically, these motions are done right before trial in a motion in limine unless there is a suppression issue due to an illegal search or seizure.
Despite what popular crime dramas depict, most criminal cases do not end up going to trial. Instead, the prosecutor evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the case and often offers you a plea agreement. Defense counsel usually negotiates with the prosecutor to get the best deal possible and then discusses the plea offer with you. If you accept the plea, the judge will sentence you accordingly and resolve the case. If not, the case proceeds to the next step.
If a plea agreement is not offered or is rejected, the criminal case will proceed to trial. Here, it is the prosecutor’s burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury finds you not guilty, the case is over, and you are free to go home. However, if you are convicted, the case will proceed to the sentencing phase.
If you are found guilty by a jury of your peers, you will face sentencing. The maximum sentences, mandatory minimums, and sentencing ranges are all outlined in the Indiana Code. However, judges often have the discretion to impose alternative sentences. These include reduced sentences in county jails or state prisons. In addition, other penalties do not involve incarceration. These include:
Each county has its own probation department that supervises adults and juveniles who are ordered to participate in probation. For example, Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis has a large probation department. Probation is supervision instead of incarceration. After you are sentenced, a probation officer will be assigned to you. You will be released but must adhere to the conditions set forth by the judge and your probation officer. These conditions may include fines and fees, drug testing, home visits, maintaining employment, weekly meetings, drug or alcohol treatment, community service, staying away from the complainant, and counseling or therapy. If you complete probation, your case will be closed. However, if you fail to meet all the conditions, you may face jail or prison time.
Some crimes allow for the possibility to serve your executed time in the county community corrections programs. These programs include work release and home detention. You are able to earn the same jail credit serving these sentences as you would in prison or in jail.
Even if you are sentenced to incarceration or community corrections, you may receive “good time credit.” You may also be released early on parole. Parole is similar to probation in that you will be assigned to a parole officer for a certain number of months or years and will be required to follow certain conditions.
To discuss your case with a reputable Indianapolis criminal lawyer during a free, confidential consultation, call Eskew Law at 317-699-4655.
Your strategy for defending against criminal charges depends on the crime you are accused of and the evidence against you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your criminal defense may include:
Our criminal defense law firm in Indianapolis will spend time investigating the prosecution’s evidence and learning more about your case before crafting a defense strategy that’s right for you.
No matter what kind of crime you have been charged with, our law firm can assist you. Our attorneys have years of experience in criminal law, representing clients of all ages and backgrounds. Contact us if you need help with any of the following:
Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis can significantly improve your chances of reducing or dismissing the charges against you. If the State charges you with a crime, you need a defense attorney. It is your best chance to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you were issued a misdemeanor summons or arrested and detained, your freedom, reputation, and financial security are at risk. Contact our firm today.
If you serve your sentence and are released from prison, your criminal record will still follow you around. Having a criminal record can make it challenging to secure employment, obtain housing, and access other opportunities. As a result, some convicted individuals have the option to expunge their records. Expunging your records means erasing them from the public database. Essentially, it will be as if the crime and conviction never happened. While certain members of the government can access expunged records, like judges, most people will not know that you were ever convicted.
Expungement law dictates that only certain crimes and offenders are eligible for this service. If you’re struggling to move forward with your life after a criminal offense, contact our Indianapolis attorneys today to discuss expunging your records. Many convicted individuals find relief in no longer having a criminal record that follows them around.
Stay silent and immediately request to speak to a criminal lawyer in Indianapolis. Do not volunteer information to the police.
Costs vary depending on the seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial. We offer free consultations to discuss your case.
Yes, in many cases. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs or probation. We will explore every option to protect your freedom.
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. Felonies carry longer sentences and more severe consequences. Felonies can also affect your ability to vote, own a firearm, and get a job.
You may be eligible for expungement, depending on the charge and the time elapsed since its occurrence. We can help you understand your options.
When you are facing serious penalties for a misdemeanor or felony offense in Indiana, you must seek legal guidance from an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who is competent in the courtroom, proficient at negotiation, and skilled at thinking outside the box. After an arrest, your first thought may be to hire the first or cheapest Indianapolis law firm you find. This decision is too important to make on an emotional basis.
You will want to consider several characteristics when looking for a criminal defense attorney. You need someone intelligent and capable of thoroughly analyzing and evaluating your case. However, you also want to choose an attorney who dedicates a significant portion of their practice to criminal defense litigation. A tax attorney or general practitioner will not be your best choice when your freedom is on the line. You need someone intelligent and capable of thoroughly analyzing and evaluating cases. You need someone like Chris Eskew, an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney.
With years of defending, rather than prosecuting, Indiana clients, Eskew Law understands that the most important aspects of representing someone accused of a crime are strategy and experience. Thinking intelligently and with your goals always in mind allows our firm to make smart decisions that reflect your personal priorities. Our criminal defense attorneys have been active in the Indianapolis community for years, and we have helpful connections that can be used to your advantage. We treat every client how we would want to be treated, offering our total attention throughout their entire case.
As your legal team, our criminal defense attorneys are here to walk you through your case step by step. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you get the outcome you deserve.
As a team that has been serving clients in Indianapolis for years, our criminal defense attorneys are prominent members of the community and possess extensive trial experience. We are confident that, with our combined efforts, we can effectively protect your rights both in and out of the courtroom. As your criminal defense attorneys, we will take the following steps.
The circumstances of your case and the evidence against you will impact your defense strategy. Our first step is to investigate your case, examining the evidence and consulting with the prosecution as we proceed. We’ll also learn your side of the story to begin crafting your defense.
Your defense strategy will be unique to you and your circumstances. Once we have gathered all the necessary information about your case, we’ll then collaborate to develop a defense strategy with the highest chance of success. Depending on your goal, we may push for a trial or aim for a plea deal.
The right evidence can make or break a criminal case. Once we develop a criminal defense strategy, we’ll begin gathering evidence to support it. Witness statements, photos, videos, and other documentation may all play vital roles.
Not many criminal cases actually go to trial; instead, many are settled outside of court through negotiations. A criminal defense attorney on our team will meet with the prosecution to discuss a plea deal, which can result in reduced or even eliminated penalties or charges. We can then advise you on whether or not the plea deal is in your best interest.
There’s always a chance that your case will go to trial. Our team has extensive experience defending people in court. We will present all the evidence we have in your favor to argue against the prosecution’s case.
Whether you are arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, the law guarantees you specific rights. Knowing them and enforcing them can dramatically affect your case outcome.
We understand that these rights are not just technicalities; they are essential protections that ensure justice. If any of your rights were violated, our Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys will fight to hold law enforcement accountable.
To schedule a consultation with Eskew Law, contact us today. During your initial consultation, our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers will review your arrest, explain the law, discuss your options, and begin formulating a strategy to defend against the charges. You deserve a competent legal team that will walk you through your case from start to finish, fighting for a positive outcome for you and your family. We take this privilege and responsibility seriously for all of our clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. To schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling 317-699-4655 or using our secure online contact form.
Meet with the attorney to discuss your legal issue. This initial meeting helps you understand their expertise and decide if they’re the right fit.
Review and sign a retainer agreement. This contract outlines the services, fees, and other essential terms.
Gather and provide all relevant documents related to your case. This step helps your attorney build your case efficiently.
Set expectations for how and when you’ll communicate with your attorney. Clear communication ensures that you stay informed throughout the process.
Facing legal issues can be very overwhelming. Defending against criminal charges, navigating a personal injury claim, and advocating for yourself during a family law case can be difficult when you’re also balancing all your other responsibilities. At Eskew Law, we know how challenging this time can be for you, and we are dedicated to making it easier for you and your family.
If you are looking for a compassionate lawyer serving Indianapolis with integrity and professionalism, look no further than Eskew Law. With over seventy-five years of experience serving clients in Indiana, we are confident that we can help you get the answers you need and reach the resolution you deserve in your case.
