Jennifer Hinkebein Culotta

Jennifer Hinkebein Culotta’s practice focuses on criminal defense, business crimes, and internal investigations. Jennifer regularly assists individuals and corporations through all phases of litigation, and has tremendous experience defending the rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses ranging from petty offenses to murder. She also has significant experience representing corporations entangled in litigation regarding fraud, RICO, tax evasion, and federal search and seizure.

Ms. Culotta provides her clients with the skill and capabilities necessary to succeed in the ever-changing venue of the courtroom. With over 350 jury trials under her belt, and almost three (3) decades of experience,  she has litigated cases in both State and Federal courts, on both sides of the aisle. 

In addition to her courtroom proficiency, Jennifer has assisted in several internal investigations in the United States and abroad. Because of her years of litigation experience, she has developed a symbiotic relationship with one of the world’s best investigative firms. This relationship has developed into a coordinated effort to provide her clients with the best investigative and legal services necessary to root out potential problems and pro-actively face the legal challenges that unfold.

State Bar Admissions:

• Louisiana Bar
• Washington D.C. Bar
• Indiana Bar
• Kentucky Bar

Federal Bar Admissions:

• Western District of Louisiana
• Middle District of Louisiana
• Eastern District of Louisiana
• Southern District of Indiana
• Northern District of Indiana
• Western District of Kentucky
• Eastern District of Kentucky
• District of Columbia

• J.D., Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, 1987
• B.A., University of Louisville, cum laude, 1984

• Former Partner at Hunton & Williams LLP, Washington, D.C.
• Former Executive Counsel to the Director of the Criminal Enforcement Program within the U.S. EPA, Washington, D.C.
• Former National Academy Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia
• Former Homicide Special Prosecutor in the New Orleans District Attorney’s office, Louisiana

• AV® Preeminent™ Rated Martindale-Hubbell
• Recipient, (2014, 2015) Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indiana
• Guest Commentator, TruTV (formerly Court TV)
• Recipient, 2002 Top Defense Wins, The National Law Journal
• Recipient, EPA Award for Outstanding Legal and Policy Support in Complex       Litigation Involving Recently Enacted Legislation Effecting Significant EPA Cases -2000
• Recipient, EPA Award for Outstanding Service – 1999
• Recipient, EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1997
• Received, EPA “Outstanding” evaluations during every period of evaluation during years of hire
• Recipient, Jefferson Public Defenders Walker Award (outstanding representation of indigent offender) 1990

• Member, Indiana State Bar
• Member, Commonwealth of Kentucky Bar
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, Louisiana Bar
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Indiana Bar Association
• Kentucky Bar Association
• District of Columbia Bar Association
• University of Louisville Association

Ms. Culotta has the tenacity to investigate allegations and secure dismissals when justice dictates. Recently, after a 1½ year investigation into allegations of murder, Jennifer was able to effectuate the dismissal of two cases and the release of her clients who were falsely accused of murder. State v. Martin; State v. Guy.

Even in the face of DNA evidence, medical evidence and a failed polygraph, Jennifer successfully defended to a Not Guilty Verdict a grandfather who was accused of molesting his granddaughter. State v. Askren.

Ms. Culotta defended an individual falsely accused of Rape in the State of Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. State v. Howell. Ms. Culotta skillfully defended Mr. Howell in his jury trial, resulting in a Not Guilty Verdict as to all charges.

Ms. Culotta successfully secured a dismissal with prejudice of all rape charges against a man being held in jail in the State of Indiana. State v. Chalker.

Again, understanding that an outright dismissal is better than a jury trial, Jennifer successfully negotiated the dismissal of all child molesting and criminal deviant conduct charges against a man being held in jail in the State of Indiana. State v. Woods. Prior to Ms. Culotta’s acceptance of representation, the client sat in jail for over three years, while former attorneys merely continued the case. Ms. Culotta, through a thorough forensic investigation, established the client’s innocence with respect to the charges against him and secured a complete dismissal from the State of Indiana.

Ms. Culotta served as the lead trial counsel successfully defending a Fortune Global 200 company in United States District Court in a wrongful termination claim brought by a corporate executive following a large scale internal investigation, and successfully obtained a million dollar jury verdict for the company on its cross-claim. Piratello v. Philips Electronics North America Corporation.

Over the years, she has advised and represented several corporations involved in Qui Tam (False Claims) litigation, including defending a corporation in a Medicaid/Medicare fraud Qui Tam suit, and defeating a potential $45 million fine, which resulted in a settlement wherein the corporation paid only $250,000.

Jennifer represented a Fortune Global 200 company in a contract dispute after directing an internal investigation that uncovered fraud and deception on the part of a distributor.