Indianapolis Sex Crime Lawyer

Do Not Underestimate the Severity of a Sex Crime Charge in Indianapolis

A sex offense charge in Indianapolis can have life-changing repercussions. Banks & Brower is committed to providing a strong defense to individuals accused of sexual battery, molestation, and other sex offenses. 

A sex offense conviction can severely damage your reputation, limit your job opportunities, and impact your fundamental rights for life. If your future is at risk, you need a skilled lawyer to help lower or eliminate illegal charges. Let us guide you through this challenging time and build a strong defense on your behalf.

What to Do After Being Arrested for a Sex Crime

The actions you take immediately following an arrest for a sex crime can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Many people make critical mistakes during this time that can harm their defense. To protect your rights and safeguard your future, follow these steps:

1. Remain Silent
   Your right to remain silent is one of your most powerful protections during an arrest. Kindly refrain from responding to inquiries until your legal representative is available. It is critical to avoid unintentionally making statements that could harm your case.
2. Call an Attorney
   The most important step after an arrest is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Banks & Brower offers free consultations, and our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When calling from the police station, it’s important not to say anything that could be used against you because officers can record your call. Contact us immediately to help determine what to do next and protect your rights.

Even if you make mistakes during this process, don’t worry—the most important step is to contact us as soon as possible.

What Are Sex Crimes?

Sex crimes are defined as any illicit sexual behavior, including compulsion, lack of consent, or exploitation. These crimes might range from nonconsensual behavior to exploiting someone who is legally incapable of consenting. Examples of sex offenses are:

• Sexual Misconduct with Minors: This includes sharing images of children performing sexual acts, transporting minors for sexual activity, and molestation.
• Sexual Battery: This offense involves unwanted sexual contact or touching. It can include violence or attempted rape in which the victim is coerced, unaware, or unable to consent due to mental incapacity.
• Rape: Rape is defined as nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration carried out using force, threats, or coercion. It can also occur when the victim is unable to consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or disability.
• Human Trafficking: This includes the trafficking of individuals for sexual exploitation.  It’s a major offense to recruit, transport, or coerce someone into prostitution or other sexual activity.

Serious legal consequences follow sex crimes, and being arrested can have long-lasting effects, even if the charges are later dropped. Should you be caught or charged with a sex crime, you should immediately talk to an experienced lawyer who can help you mount a strong defense.

Common Sex Crimes and Their Penalties in Indiana

A conviction for a sex crime in Indiana has serious implications, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration, which can have a long-term impact on your life. Some of the most regularly charged sex crimes in Indiana are:

Rape

This is a Class A felony with penalties ranging from 3 to 40 years in prison and significant fines.

Child Molestation

Sexual contact with a child younger than 14 is a Level 4 crime that can get you 2 to 12 years in prison.  If there was violence or threats of violence, the crime could become a Level 1 felony, which is much worse and carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in jail.

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery is a Level 6 felony that includes touching or sexual contact that is not wanted. It can get you 6 months to 2.5 years in jail. The charge could become a Level 4 felony if there was violence or threats of violence. This would mean a longer term.

Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

Having intercourse with a 14–15-year-old minor while the defendant is 18 years of age or older is a Level 5 felony. The range of punishments is one to six years in prison. A Level 4 felony is the more serious accusation brought against a defendant older than 21.

Penalties for sex crimes vary depending on the crime and circumstances, but they often include lengthy prison sentences and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

Related Content:

• Can I Move to Another State While on the Sex Offender Registry?
• Can I get rid of my sexually violent predator designation and lifetime parole in Indiana?
• Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
• False Accusations in Sex Offense Cases

Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

If you are facing sex crime charges, securing an experienced attorney is critical. A strong defense strategy can help reduce charges, minimize penalties, or even get your case dismissed. Here are some common defenses to sex crime charges:

• Innocence: A defendant may present an alibi or contest the victim’s identification.
•  Consent: If the defendant can prove that the sexual act was consensual, the charges may be dismissed.
•  Age Misrepresentation: In juvenile cases, the defendant may claim they were misled about the victim’s age.
•  Mental illness or insanity: In some circumstances, a defendant may claim mental illness or insanity as a defense, potentially resulting in lower punishment.

It is important to note that in criminal cases, the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense attorney will carefully evaluate the facts of your case and determine the best strategy to defend you.

Banks & Brower Practice Areas 

• • Criminal Defense
  • Dui Defense 
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence