Prosecutor’s Office

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The Office of the Boone County Prosecutor handles thousands of criminal cases every year. These include adult and juvenile crimes ranging from felony cases to traffic infractions, including Juvenile cases and Bad Check cases occurring within Boone County. The Child Support Division has a caseload of over 2000 files and on average collects over $2,000,000 per year in child support payments.

Services & Resources

About The Prosecutor

Kent T. Eastwood assumed office as Boone County Prosecutor in June of 2018 and has served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the State of Indiana’s 20th Judicial Circuit since 2011. As Boone County Prosecutor, Eastwood represents the State in all narcotics-related matters and other major felony cases within Boone County’s jurisdiction. Throughout his prosecutorial services, Eastwood has demonstrated an unabating commitment to delivering justice for those affected in such cases.

 Eastwood began his legal career in 1999 in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. During his time there, Eastwood served as a Deputy Prosecutor in charge of the Major Felony Narcotics Unit and was named Special Prosecutor in charge of Methamphetamine Prosecution. In addition, he served as the Office’s liaison to the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department–Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Task Force, and other local law enforcement units. As a liaison, Eastwood advised and assisted each agency in criminal investigations and other related legal matters.

In 2005, Eastwood transferred to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office where he served as a Deputy Prosecutor for six years. He was then appointed Chief Deputy on January 1, 2011 by former Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer, before assuming office as Boone County Prosecutor in June of 2018. In his current 13-year stint at the Boone County Office, Eastwood’s track record includes successful prosecutions of every type of criminal activity ranging from public intoxication to murder.

Beyond his trial court duties, Eastwood has worked closely with local law enforcement agencies and has demonstrated a passion for diminishing the drug presence within the county. He has served as an instructor at both the Boone County Sheriff Reserve Academy and the Boone County Sheriff Citizens Academy. In 2005, Eastwood graduated from the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center “Top Gun” Course, focusing his coursework on undercover drug investigations. He is also a member of the National District Attorney’s Association, graduating from their “Prosecuting Drug Cases” course.

Outside of the office, Eastwood has been extremely involved in the local community in and around Lebanon. He is a current member and past president of the Boone County Bar Association and a graduate of the Boone County Leadership Program in 2017. Eastwood is a member of the Rotary Club of Lebanon and served as its president in 2015 and 2016. Furthermore, Eastwood volunteered to serve as the Board President for the Lebanon Presbyterian Church preschool from 2012 to 2015.

 A native of Indianapolis, Eastwood attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University, where he was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Sigma Alpha History and Political Science Honor Societies, respectively. He studied at American University in 1993, interning at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he wrote daily briefings on legislative and executive policy affecting U.S.–New Zealand relations. After graduating from Santa Clara University, Eastwood obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1998.

Eastwood credits much of his success to his wife Brandi and their three sons. He and Brandi reside in Boone County and are members of St. Luke United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Eastwood enjoys volunteering as a Western Boone Little League coach and is an avid tennis player and golfer.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What happens once the defendant is arrested?

An initial hearing is conducted. The defendant is given a copy of the charging information and the judge enters the defendant’s plea (usually “not guilty”). A bond is then set; in other words, the judge determines whether the defendant can afford an attorney. If the defendant is unable to do so, the court will then appoint one. Finally, the court will set pretrial conference and trial dates.

What is a pretrial conference, and do I need to attend?

A pretrial conference serves three purposes: to determine any motions require rulings; to ensure that the prosecutor and defense attorney have exchanged appropriate documents; and to make sure that both sides of the case are effectually prepared for trial.

The victim does not need to attend a pretrial conference. As for the defendant, pretrial conferences are often conducted by conference call. However, some judges may prefer (or require) a formal pretrial conference at which the defendant must appear.

What is the status of my case? How do I know my next court date?

The best source of information for staying up-to-date on your court proceedings is your attorney. Court schedules are created by the court itself and are subject to change. The court possesses the most current information on its calendar.

What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is a court order mandating that the recipient must appear in court at the designated date and time.

What happens if I ignore the subpoena or otherwise fail to appear in court?

The court may issue a warrant for your arrest for failure to appear.

What if someone attempts to intimidate me into dropping the charges and/or not testifying?

Such intimidation and harassment of a state’s witness is a criminal offense. If such a situation occurs, immediately contact the police officer or detective in charge of your case. An arrest warrant may be issued and the defendant’s bond may be revoked. The defendant would then remain incarcerated for the remainder of the trial.

What if the defense attorney or someone acting on behalf of the defendant contacts me about the case?

It is within their right to contact you; however, you are not compelled to talk to them. Prior to talking to the defense, we advise that you consult the prosecutor handling your case. We also advise that you talk to the defense only in the presence of the prosecutor. In addition, you should ask for identification from the individual(s) wanting to speak with you.

What is the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial?

A bench trial is a trial conducted by the judge without a sitting jury. Conversely, a jury trial is a trial before a judge with a jury consisting of either six or twelve jurors (with alternates).

If a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty by trial, what happens then?

The case will be set for sentencing, usually about 30 days from the date of the guilty plea (although the defendant may waive the 30-day period). During this time, the probation department will prepare a Presentence Investigation Report and the probation officer should contact all victims and ask for their input/feelings about the defendant.

What is restitution, and what does it cover?

The court may order an individual convicted of a crime to pay restitution for certain expenses related to the crime. The payments may be made to the victim, the victim’s estate, and/or the family of a victim who is deceased.

When ordering restitution, the court may consider property damages, medical expenses, lost earnings, and funeral, burial, or cremation costs.

How do I request restitution?

Submit all documentation of uninsured expenses related to the crime to the Prosecutor’s Office as soon as possible—the prosecutor must have the documentation prior to the sentencing of the defendant.

Our Office Hours

Mon-Fri  8am-4pm

 

220 West Washington St.

Lebanon, IN 46052

 

Kent Eastwood

Prosecutor

 

Phone: 765-482-6860

Fax: 765-483-4491

Boone County Government. All Rights Reserved.