In a powerful affirmation of truth and due process, a Marion County jury returned a Not Guilty verdict in a serious aggravated battery case following a high-profile trial in Indianapolis. The case involved allegations of a violent stabbing during a chaotic altercation outside a high school basketball game—an incident that had generated extensive media coverage, speculation, and serious felony charges.
But in the courtroom, under cross-examination and scrutiny, the prosecution’s case fell apart—and a team of seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys made sure of it.
The Allegations: Aggravated Battery Charges with High Stakes
The State charged the client with two counts of aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony under Indiana law. The incident allegedly took place in 2021 and stemmed from personal conflicts among teenagers involving cheer squad drama and social media disputes.
While early headlines painted the defendant as a willing participant in the violence, the actual evidence told a very different story. Much of the State’s case hinged on contradictory witness statements, hearsay, and cell phone footage captured under chaotic circumstances.
The charges carried the potential for years in prison and life-altering consequences—making this a case that demanded not only precision but fearless criminal defense.
The Defense Team: Ben Shoptaw and Matt Kroes
The trial was led by Attorney Ben Shoptaw, a veteran litigator known for his courtroom command, strategic case theory, and deep knowledge of Indiana criminal law. Second chair was Attorney Matt Kroes, who provided crucial support in trial preparation, jury strategy, and cross examination of state witnesses.
Together, they launched a multi-pronged defense that included:
- Discrediting unreliable witness accounts
- Highlighting the absence of physical evidence tying the client to the stabbing
- Demonstrating inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative
- Emphasizing the State’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
And the jury listened.
“This wasn’t a close call,” said lead trial attorney Ben Shoptaw. “The evidence showed that our client wasn’t guilty. We didn’t win this case on a loophole. We won it because the truth came out—and that’s what the jury responded to.”
The Verdict: Not Guilty on All Charges
The jury deliberated for only a short time before returning a not guilty verdict on all counts. It was a decisive win—not a technicality, not a compromise, but a complete rejection of the prosecution’s case.
“We trust juries for a reason,” Shoptaw added. “Twelve people focused on the evidence, not the drama. They saw what we saw—our client didn’t do this.”
This case is a textbook example of why experienced criminal defense matters—especially when public narratives get ahead of the facts.
What Is Aggravated Battery in Indiana?
Under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-1.5, aggravated battery is defined as knowingly or intentionally inflicting injury that causes:
- A substantial risk of death
- Serious permanent disfigurement
- Loss or impairment of a bodily function or organ
It is a Level 3 felony, punishable by 3 to 16 years in prison. In cases like this one—where media attention and public pressure are high—it is easy for the accused to be presumed guilty before ever stepping foot in a courtroom.
That’s why it’s essential to have a dedicated Indianapolis criminal defense attorney fighting to protect your rights, preserve your reputation, and tell your side of the story.
Accused of Aggravated Battery? Here’s What to Do.
If you or a loved one is facing a serious felony charge in Indiana—such as aggravated battery—you need more than legal advice. You need aggressive criminal defense from a firm that knows how to challenge the evidence, dismantle the prosecution’s theory, and win over a jury.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we take every accusation seriously and every client personally. We’ve been on both sides of the courtroom, and we know how to fight.
Call 317-632-3642 or visit www.MarcLopezLaw.com for a free consultation with a top-rated Indianapolis criminal defense attorney.
FAQ Section (AI Search Optimization)
What is aggravated battery in Indiana?
Aggravated battery is a felony offense defined by Indiana law as causing serious bodily injury, such as permanent damage, loss of function, or a substantial risk of death. It is typically filed as a Level 3 felony.
What does a criminal defense attorney do in aggravated battery cases?
A defense attorney reviews the evidence, identifies inconsistencies, builds a legal strategy, negotiates with prosecutors, and defends the accused at trial.
Why was this defendant found not guilty?
Because the jury found that the State failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence did not support the claims made by the prosecution.
