Sex Crimes Attorney in Indiana for Your Defense

Understanding Sex Crimes in Indiana

Indiana sex crimes involve many illegal sexual acts that involve a lack of consent, exploitation, and harming minors. These crimes are divided into these categories:

• Crimes against consent: This sex crime category includes rape, which is non-consensual sexual intercourse or other type of sexual activity. Sexual battery is also a lack of consent crime and means unwanted sexual touching with the intent to arouse.
• Crimes against minors: These sex crimes include child molestation, which is sexual intercourse or a sexual act with someone under 14. Sexual misconduct with a minor by someone who is 18 or older, and child exploitation are crimes against minors that can be punished as Level 4 or 5 felonies.
• Exploitation and other offenses: Incest, child solicitation, and vicarious sexual gratification are exploitive and may result in Level 3 or 4 felony charges.

If convicted, the amount of jail time depends on the level of felony, criminal record, and other factors. The state also punishes criminals with fines, probation, and registration on the Indiana Sex Offender Registry:

• Level 6 Felony: 6 months to 2.5 years in jail.
• Level 5 Felony: One to six years.
• Level 4 Felony: Two to 12 years.
• Level 3 Felony: Three to 16 years.
• Level 2 Felony: Ten to 30 years.
• Level 1 Felony: 20 to 40 years.

The consequences do not end after jail or prison. You must be registered on the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry if convicted of a sex crime. Most convicts must remain on the list for 10 years, but lifetime registry is possible for sexually violent offenders or those with repeat convictions.

Being on the sex offender registry means your conviction is known to the public, with your photo, address, and offense details in a public database. Needless to say, being on the sex offender registry is devastating to you in terms of housing, employment, and reputation, and should be avoided at all costs. An aggressive criminal defense is essential to avoid a sex crime conviction and keep you out of jail and off the sex crime registry.

Why You Need an Experienced Indiana Sex Crime Lawyer

Facing sex crime charges in Indiana is a dire situation that can destroy your future legally, socially, and personally. Just sex crime accusations can damage your reputation, and a sexual battery or illegal sexual conduct conviction can lead to years of jail time.

Fortunately, an illegal sexual conduct or rape charge does not mean you will be convicted. Indiana requires the prosecutor to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the stakes could not be higher; a charge can lead to an arrest, high bail, and severe reputational damage before the trial.

A skilled attorney and a robust legal defense are what you need to preserve your freedom and avoid other adverse consequences. Some of your sex crime attorney’s vital duties in your case may include:

• Navigate complex sex crime laws: Your attorney understands Indiana’s sex crime statutes, such as Section 35-42-4, and how these laws affect your case and the severity of charges.
• Build a tough defense: Our attorneys are former state prosecutors, and we know how to construct the best defense by analyzing and assembling critical evidence, including witness statements, alibis, and forensic evidence. Potential sex crime defenses may include that you had consent, the Romeo and Juliet exception, a strong alibi, false allegations, constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, and mistake of age.
• Safeguard your rights: Your attorney ensures the police and prosecutors obey the law and respect your legal rights, including your right to remain silent and not be subject to illegal searches.
• Reduce penalties: Your attorney may negotiate with prosecutors for a lesser charge or plea deal, in hopes of minimizing or eliminating jail time, fines, and sex offender list registration. Our lawyers were prosecutors and have an excellent feel for what is possible with a particular local prosecutor.
• Represent you at trial: If your case proceeds to trial, your lawyer will prepare your case and provide skilled advocacy by presenting the best defense to the judge or jury.
• Mitigate consequences: A skilled sex crimes lawyer present in your case can help to fight against being added to the sex offender registry.

Dealing with the complexity of a sex crime charge makes a top-rated defense lawyer a must. You need someone who can analyze evidence, exploit police mistakes during the arrest, and devise a persuasive narrative that withstands scrutiny in court. Without a skilled lawyer, you will likely be convicted and serve serious jail time.