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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…

Planning your wedding is a whirlwind of excitement. However, statistics show that the divorce rate in the US has increased since 2022. An Indiana prenuptial agreement—also known as a premarital agreement, or prenup for short—is a legal document couples create before marriage to outline how property and debts will be divided if they divorce. The contract can also safeguard separate assets like inheritances. It’s a smart way for couples to protect their assets, have open conversations about finances, and strengthen their relationship. Today, we’ll present…

Accusations of sexual assault are highly complex and sensitive matters. Being accused of a sexual assault offense can have profound consequences. The social stigma attached to accusations alone often leads to lasting reputational damage and personal isolation. More importantly, a criminal charge for sexual assault of any type could ultimately lead to lengthy imprisonment, and compulsory registration as a sex offender. Decisions about arrest, charges, or even guilt often rest on subjective assessments by investigators, prosecutors, judges or jurors who often base…

Facing false accusations of domestic violence in Indiana can lead to a daunting and distressing experience, even if the charges are never proven. The mere allegation can severely damage your reputation, career, and personal life. False accusations can arise from various motives, including emotional disputes, divorce proceedings, or misunderstandings. These charges carry direct legal consequences and collateral damage that can ripple through all aspects of your life, making it crucial to address them urgently and carefully. During these challenging times, seeking guidance from a…