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Dog bite incidents can have serious consequences, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Indianapolis, it is essential to understand Indiana’s laws and your rights. Eskew Law offers insight on the general guidelines surrounding dog bite incidents, including dog owner responsibilities, negligence, and landlord liability. The Basics of Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws Indiana law holds dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets. The state does not strictly follow the “one…

What Constitutes Sexual Assault Under Indiana Law? If you face a sexual assault charge in the Indianapolis area, contact an Indianapolis sexual assault defense lawyer immediately. In Indiana law, “sexual assault” is a phrase that includes several different crimes. Indiana has no specific sexual assault law. Instead, the state outlaws specific sex crimes that are generally considered sexual assault, including rape, child molestation, and sexual battery. Indiana courts impose felony penalties on convicted sexual assault offenders. If a weapon is used in…

How Does Forensic Evidence Affect My Legal Case? Forensic evidence can be crucial in the resolution of sex crime cases in Indiana, acting as a fundamental element for both the prosecution and defense. The application of forensic science within the legal framework can greatly affect the outcome of a case. Understanding the role of forensic evidence in these cases can offer clarity and insight into the judicial process for those involved. How Trustworthy Is DNA Evidence? DNA evidence is often seen as…

By: Courtney Benson-Kooy What Constitutes Statutory Rape in Indiana? Statutory rape, which is labeled as sexual misconduct with a minor or child molest in Indiana, is legally defined not by coercion or force but by the ages of the involved individuals. Indiana law categorizes any sexual activity with someone under the age of 16 as statutory rape, irrespective of the other person’s age, due to the assumption that individuals younger than 16 cannot give legally valid consent to sexual activities. For instance,…

What is the Role of Plea Bargains in Criminal Defense Cases? By: Benjamin Jaffe Plea bargains, also commonly referred to as plea agreements, are agreements reached between prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys. In most criminal cases, the defendant will receive reduced sentences or reduced criminal charges in exchange for a guilty plea. A large number of criminal cases are resolved by reaching a plea bargain. Plea deals can sometimes benefit both sides in a criminal case. They present the opportunity for the…

Minors are not allowed to consume or even possess alcohol. If the police catch a minor with alcohol, it can result in misdemeanor charges under Indiana underage drinking laws. However, there are defenses to charges related to minor consumption. Indiana criminal defense attorneys can help identify which defense applies best in your situation. This may result in the withdrawal of the ticket. At Eskew Law, our lawyers have extensive experience in defending the rights of clients who received underage drinking tickets. I. Underage…

Please note that our law firm practices law solely in the state of Indiana, and therefore cannot provide legal services outside of this jurisdiction. Self-defense is a primal legal concept. When presented with danger, there is a human instinct to defend yourself. So, what happens if you kill someone in self-defense? Can you be charged with murder? Unfortunately, it is not a clear-cut answer. Throughout the United States, self-defense laws justify a person’s use of lethal force to protect themselves from death…

Can a minor be charged with sexual abuse? The answer is clearly yes. Most children accused of a sex crime are adjudicated (judged upon) in juvenile court. Some studies suggest that minors make up around 25.8% of all sex offenders known to the police. They also comprise over one-third of sex offenders known to police whose victims were juveniles. Most known juvenile sex offenders are between the ages of 12 and 17. Almost 93% are male. Further, a vast majority of sex offenses committed by…

Please note that our law firm practices law solely in the state of Indiana, and therefore cannot provide legal services outside of this jurisdiction. Legend drug crimes are taken seriously at both the state and federal levels. A conviction for any legend drug-related crime may result in harsh penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with illegal drug possession, you should seek the advice of a criminal defense lawyer immediately. With the help of a skilled defense lawyer, there…