Eskew Law stands out as a premier law firm in Indianapolis, dedicated to providing exceptional criminal defense for individuals facing charges throughout the state of Indiana. Led by founding attorney Chris Eskew, the firm has built a reputation for delivering personalized, hands-on legal representation that makes all the difference in the lives of its clients. Eskew Law is recognized among the top criminal defense lawyers for its unwavering commitment to protecting clients’ rights and securing favorable outcomes.
Chris Eskew, a former major felony prosecutor and deputy prosecuting attorney in Marion County, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to criminal defense. His experience on both sides of the criminal justice system allows him to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and develop robust defense strategies tailored to each client’s situation. This insider knowledge, combined with the firm’s aggressive advocacy, ensures that clients receive the strongest possible defense at every stage of the criminal justice process. If you have been charged with a crime related to drugs, contact our dedicated Indianapolis drug lawyers for help today.
Eskew Law’s practice areas encompass a wide range of criminal law matters, including:
The firm’s criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience handling complex criminal cases, from misdemeanors to major felonies, and are well-versed in conducting numerous jury trials in both Marion County and Hamilton County. In addition to criminal defense, Eskew Law offers comprehensive legal services in expungement law, forfeiture proceedings, plea negotiations, and post-conviction relief. This ensures clients receive complete legal representation.
Whether you are facing serious criminal charges for drug possession, distribution, or another crime or seeking to clear your criminal record, Eskew Law’s Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand by your side. With a proven track record in criminal defense and a deep understanding of the legal system, Eskew Law is the trusted choice for those seeking effective legal representation in Indianapolis and beyond. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and discover how our experienced defense lawyers can help you navigate your legal issues with confidence.
Eskew Law’s lawyers have assisted countless clients with fighting drug charges in Indianapolis and throughout the northern and southern parts of the state. The Indiana General Assembly is responsible for codifying all drug offenses and enumerating which substances are considered controlled. A conviction for a drug offense can be utterly devastating for your family and your future. To minimize or even avoid the adverse effects and stigma of a drug conviction, you need the right drug crime lawyer in Indianapolis.
It is crucial to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to navigate the criminal justice system and effectively protect your rights. When choosing a lawyer, you need to consider what your goals are for the case, as well as the type of representation you would prefer.
Eskew Law provides one-on-one personalized representation for all clients from the start to the conclusion of their cases. Our attorneys stay in constant contact, ensuring clients are kept up-to-date on developments, thoroughly discussing all options, and helping clients make important decisions by making sure they are fully informed. We help clients avoid or respond to criminal prosecution as part of our comprehensive legal representation.
To learn more about how we can help you strategize on your own terms, or if you have been arrested for a drug offense in Indiana, contact Eskew Law at 317-576-2517.Our experienced Indianapolis lawyers will craft a personalized defense strategy for you and have extensive experience handling every stage of a criminal case.
The Indiana Code criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Violations of controlled substance laws are considered serious criminal offenses in Indiana. Controlled substances are drugs with a likelihood of abuse. The Indiana General Assembly has organized controlled substances into five schedules: Schedules I-V.
Certain drug crimes, especially those involving large quantities or intent to distribute, can be charged as a felony offense depending on the circumstances. Controlled substances include both street drugs and pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmaceutical drugs require valid prescriptions from doctors. Without a prescription, the possession or trafficking of a pharmaceutical drug is illegal and can result in being charged with a criminal offense. For additional information, consult an experienced drug crime lawyer.
Facing drug charges in Indiana? Get personalized defense from the drug defense lawyers at Eskew Law in Indianapolis. Our lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and future. A drug-related criminal conviction can have long-term consequences on your record and future opportunities.
The Indiana Code groups manufacturing, financing the manufacturing, and financing the delivery of a controlled substance as “dealing in” a narcotic or controlled substance. Manufacturing involves concocting, cooking, or growing a controlled substance. This can include combining ingredients to make an illegal street drug such as methamphetamine from scratch. This can also involve planting marijuana seeds, watering the plants, and harvesting them.
Manufacturing a controlled substance requires either knowledge or intent. You must either know you are manufacturing something that is prohibited by law, or you must intend to manufacture such a substance. In addition, even if you play no part in the actual manufacturing process, you can be prosecuted under this law if you in some way finance the manufacture of the drug, such as purchasing equipment or ingredients.
Drug manufacturing charges are among the complex criminal defense cases the attorneys at our Indianapolis firm handle. We have extensive experience in trial advocacy and have successfully represented clients in court trials involving drug manufacturing charges.
Delivery is often referred to as sale, distribution, or trafficking. When a controlled substance exchanges hands from one person to another, delivery has occurred. This can happen when a dealer sells a drug to another or when a manufacturer transfers a finished product to the dealer. Oftentimes, the police will not have evidence of a direct hand-to-hand transfer. However, if a controlled substance leaves your possession and enters another person’s possession, you can be charged, even if that person was not present at the time of delivery. For instance, if you drop off a street drug at someone’s home when they are not there, you have delivered the substance.
Like manufacturing, financing the delivery is also criminalized. If you are not involved in the physical delivery but provide financial assistance, such as paying someone to deliver the drugs or supplying the vehicle, you can be charged. Speaking with a knowledgeable lawyer at Eskew Law may be in your best interest. Our team of experienced criminal attorneys handles delivery cases and is recognized as leading drug crime lawyers in Indianapolis, known for providing a vigorous defense for clients accused of delivery crimes.
In addition, delivery requires either knowledge or intent. If you intend to transfer ownership of a controlled substance, you are criminally liable. However, if you had no idea the substance was an illegal drug, you cannot be convicted under the statute.
Sometimes, the Indianapolis police suspect that you are going to sell, distribute, or otherwise deliver a controlled substance, but have no overt evidence of a delivery. The police may then arrest you for possession with intent to distribute (PWID). If you are suspected of PWID, you face the serious risk of criminal prosecution, which can result in severe penalties.
PWID is usually charged when a substantial amount of the drug is present to indicate it is not for personal use. In addition, PWID is also coupled with circumstantial evidence of dealing, such as Ziplock baggies, large amounts of cash, or a scale. The drugs do not have to be found on your person for you to be charged. There are two types of criminalized possession: actual possession and constructive possession. Actual possession occurs when you are in direct physical possession of the drug. It is in your hand or in your pocket.
Constructive possession occurs when you know about the drugs, as well as the present intent and ability to control the drugs. Constructive PWID is often charged when drugs are found in someone’s car or home. For example, if drugs are found in your bedroom nightstand, the prosecutor may introduce evidence that the bedroom belonged to you and that only you had access to the nightstand. In either event, you may wish to consult an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, who will work to protect your constitutional rights during drug crime investigations and searches.
Possession of a controlled substance is akin to PWID. However, the charge is generally smaller as the possession is associated with personal use. Likewise, simple possession can be either actual or constructive.
Simple possession is the most commonly charged Indiana drug crime and is associated with lighter penalties. However, possession charges often require representation at court hearings to protect the client’s interests.
The potential sentences for dealing in a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute, and simple possession all vary based on the type of drug and the amount, as well as other aggravating factors such as your criminal history and the presence of a weapon. Generally speaking, though, dealing in a controlled substance is a felony. For example, dealing in cocaine is a Level 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 6 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
The sentence can be enhanced if the dealing occurs on school property, a school bus, or public park grounds, or at a youth center or public housing complex, or if there is a gun present, the accused has a prior conviction for dealing drugs, or if there is enough quantity of the drug.
However, simple possession can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. For example, possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail, while possession of more than 30 grams is a Level 6 felony.
Some drug-related cases may also involve traffic offenses, which can carry additional penalties. If your driving privileges are suspended as a result of a drug conviction, our Indianapolis attorneys can assist with hardship license petitions and specialized driving privileges petitions to help you regain limited or restricted driving rights.
A felony or misdemeanor drug conviction can result in a loss of freedom, inability to maintain employment, difficulty finding an apartment, and child custody and parenting time issues. If you were arrested for a drug offense in Indiana, call Eskew Law. With over a decade of experience, our skilled Indianapolis drug lawyers can help craft a defense strategy that is customized to the facts of your case and your goals. We take this privilege and responsibility seriously for all of our clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Call Eskew Law today at 317-576-2517 to schedule a case evaluation.
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.
