Facing criminal charges can be daunting, especially when your freedom is on the line. In Indiana, battery charges can escalate quickly, and for those accused, the consequences of a conviction are life-altering. The Marc Lopez Law Firm recently achieved a victory in a felony battery case in Hendricks County, Indiana, proving that sometimes, taking a case to trial is the only way to truly seek justice. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, understanding the stakes and knowing your rights is essential. Here’s a breakdown of how our recent jury trial success demonstrates the value of a skilled Indiana criminal defense team.
The Case: Family Feuds and Criminal Charges
Our client was facing a serious charge of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury in Hendricks County. While battery charges often start as misdemeanors, Indiana law allows for escalation based on the severity of the injuries. This was no ordinary altercation. The prosecution alleged that our client inflicted moderate bodily injury—specifically a busted eye and cracked nose—on a family member during a heated incident at a family gathering.
Family feuds are notoriously complex, and in this case, years of tension boiled over during a significant family event. While emotions ran high, our client maintained from day one, “I did not do this.” He held firm that while he and his family member might not get along, he would never cause them harm intentionally. In criminal cases, the state bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and in this case, they fell short of that standard.
The Evidence Challenge: Video and Technology Limitations
When the prosecution relies on video evidence, the case can seem straightforward. But in this instance, the video quality was extremely poor. Captured on security cameras at a hospital, the footage resembled a flipbook more than a reliable record. Every few seconds, the screen would shift, displaying choppy movements that left much to the imagination. At no point did the video capture our client making physical contact with the alleged victim, yet the state still moved forward with prosecution.
This evidence presented a major hurdle for the prosecution. While they showed the video to the jury, it didn’t support their narrative. Instead, it seemed to show the alleged victim falling to the ground in what we compared to a “LeBron James-style flop.” By presenting this lackluster evidence, the state essentially asked the jury to fill in the blanks on their behalf—a significant overreach given their responsibility to establish each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Taking the Case to Trial: When Plea Deals Aren’t an Option
One might wonder why a case like this would go to trial. After all, taking a criminal case to trial is a significant decision. For our client, the prosecution wasn’t willing to negotiate a reasonable plea deal. Our client’s options were limited: plead open (effectively letting the judge decide the sentence) or go to trial.
The decision to proceed to trial was rooted in the client’s steadfast claim of innocence. He refused to admit to something he did not do, and he wasn’t willing to shoulder the burden of a criminal conviction over a family dispute. Our team respected his determination and believed in his case. With no viable plea offer on the table, the best course of action was clear—take it to trial and trust that a jury of peers would see the truth.
A Day in Court: The Evidence, the Witnesses, and the Defense
The one-day trial began early and ran all day. The state presented its case, including:
- Testimony from the alleged victim recounting their side of the story.
- A nurse’s testimony to corroborate the injuries.
- A police officer’s account, which mainly involved the officer’s view of the case without direct evidence of the alleged battery.
From our perspective, the state’s case was a collection of inconsistent and unsupported claims. The video was inconclusive at best, and witness testimony offered more emotional appeal than concrete evidence.
In our closing, we reminded the jury that it wasn’t their job to solve the state’s case for them. We stressed that if the state wanted a conviction, it needed to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt—a burden they hadn’t met. We urged the jury not to assume guilt or interpret vague evidence in the state’s favor but to focus on what was missing from the prosecution’s case.
The Verdict: A Just Outcome for an Innocent Client
After deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty. This outcome was a huge relief for our client, who had been dealing with these accusations and their impact on his family for years. With this verdict, he could finally move forward, free of criminal charges, and begin to rebuild his life without the shadow of a felony conviction hanging over him.
For many people accused of crimes in Indiana, a verdict like this may seem out of reach, but it is possible with the right defense strategy. Our client’s case illustrates the importance of having a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team that will fight for justice, even in the face of tough odds.
Why Marc Lopez Law Firm?
If you’re facing criminal charges in Hendricks County or anywhere in Indiana, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of the criminal justice system. The Marc Lopez Law Firm has extensive experience with a wide range of criminal cases and believes in providing every client with the aggressive defense they deserve. Here’s what we offer:
- In-depth knowledge of Indiana criminal law – Whether it’s a battery charge, DUI, or more severe allegations, our attorneys have the experience needed to address any criminal case.
- Commitment to justice – We don’t settle for easy answers, and we don’t take shortcuts when your future is on the line. We’re prepared to take cases to trial if that’s the best option for you.
- Transparent communication – Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize communication. Our clients are never left in the dark about their case status or strategy.
- A history of success – Our team has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, both in negotiations and at trial.
Know Your Rights: What to Do If You’re Facing Criminal Charges
When you’re accused of a crime, knowing your rights is essential. Here are a few crucial tips:
- Understand the charges – If you’re charged with battery or any other offense, make sure you know what the state must prove to secure a conviction. An experienced attorney can walk you through the specific elements of your charges.
- Exercise your right to remain silent – Avoid giving statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Seek legal representation immediately – The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances are for a successful outcome. An experienced defense attorney can help you understand your options, preserve evidence, and prepare for every stage of your case.
Facing criminal charges alone is risky. With the Marc Lopez Law Firm, you’ll have a team that fights for you every step of the way. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Hendricks County, call us today at 317-632-3642. Remember: when you’re up against the state, always plead the 5th.
Make The Right Call
In the criminal justice system, even a minor accusation can lead to devastating consequences. At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we treat every client’s case with the attention and determination it deserves. Our recent success in Hendricks County is just one example of how we work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. Don’t wait—if you need a defense team that will stand by your side and fight for your rights, reach out to us today. Call us at 317-632-3642, and remember—always plead the Fifth!
