Indiana Jury Instruction — Escape is a set of guidelines provided to jurors in Indiana when considering cases involving an individual's act of escaping or attempting to escape from custody. This instruction is designed to assist jurors in understanding the relevant laws, standards of proof, and considerations to be weighed when determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Escape is a serious criminal offense that refers to the act of breaking free from lawful confinement or custody without authorization. It is vital for jurors to understand the different types of escape offenses in order to make an informed decision during the trial. Indiana recognizes several types of escape offenses, each carrying its own set of elements and penalties. Some common types include: 1. Escape from Criminal Confinement: This type of escape involves intentionally and unlawfully fleeing from a secure correctional facility, such as a prison or detention center. The instruction provides jurors with the specific elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to establish guilt in such cases. 2. Escape from Lawful Arrest: This type of escape pertains to an individual evading lawful arrest or detention by a law enforcement officer. Jurors are instructed on the specific elements necessary to prove that the defendant knowingly and intentionally resisted or fled from a lawful arrest, thereby committing the offense of escape. 3. Escape from Detention or Custody: This type of escape applies to situations where an individual unlawfully escapes or attempts to escape from detention or custody. It encompasses circumstances where a person tries to break free from the control or confinement imposed by a private security guard, hospital staff, or any other individual authorized to detain them lawfully. The Indiana Jury Instruction — Escape offers guidance to jurors by explaining the burden of proof that the prosecution must meet. It outlines the factors jurors need to consider when assessing the credibility of witnesses, evaluating evidence, and deciding whether the elements of a specific escape offense have been proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors are also instructed on potential defenses related to escape charges, such as claims of mistaken identity, lack of intent, or lawful justification. These defenses might influence the jury's decision-making process and ultimately determine the outcome of the trial. In summary, Indiana Jury Instruction — Escape provides a detailed and comprehensive framework for jurors to analyze and evaluate escape offenses. It outlines the different types of escape as recognized by Indiana law and guides jurors through the legal elements, burdens of proof, and potential defenses associated with each offense. By adhering to these instructions, jurors can effectively fulfill their responsibility in deciding the guilt or innocence of individuals accused of escape crimes.