Facing sex crime charges in Indianapolis, Indiana, can take a sizable emotional toll on you and your family. You can do this by hiring an experienced Indianapolis sex crimes defense lawyer – like those at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Contact us today at (317) 759-2599.
Though worries about spending time in prison will certainly be at the forefront of your mind, you may also be concerned about the damage an arrest might do to your reputation. The best way to minimize the damage from your arrest is to fight back against the claims of the prosecution.
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Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re facing sex crimes charges. That’s why we’ve built a team of criminal defense attorneys who combine deep legal experience with practical, real-world insight.
Here’s what makes us different—and why so many people in Indianapolis, IN, trust us to defend their rights:
- Together, our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table, offering clients the benefit of seasoned judgment and time-tested strategies.
- Our team includes former police officers and prosecutors, giving us a valuable perspective on how law enforcement and the criminal justice system operate behind the scenes.
- We’ve been included as Super Lawyers and in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Members of our team have received perfect 10.0 Avvo ratings
Facing charges is never easy—but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you need a trusted Indianapolis criminal defense attorney, contact our firm as soon as possible.
Common Types of Sex Crimes in Indiana
The Indiana Code classifies a wide range of offenses as sex crimes, from rape to possession of child pornography. Some of the most commonly charged sex offenses in Indianapolis include:
Sexual Battery
Section 35-42-4-8 of the Indiana Code defines sexual battery as the unlawful touching of another individual with the intent to arouse. To be classified as unlawful, the touching must occur without consent. This crime is sometimes referred to as sexual assault.
Sexual battery is usually classed as a Level 6 felony, which carries up to 30 months in prison. However, it can be bumped up to a Level 4 if certain aggravating factors are present.
Prostitution
Section 35-45-4-2 of the Indiana Code explains that anyone who knowingly performs a sexual act for payment may be charged with prostitution. The state classifies prostitution as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
However, it may become a felony if the accused has been charged with the same crime on two previous occasions.
Child Molestation
Section 35-42-4-3 of the Indiana Code states that an individual who has sexual intercourse, engages in deviate sexual conduct, or fondles a child under the age of 14 may be guilty of child molestation. If the child molesting offense involves intercourse or deviate sexual conduct, it will likely be classified as a Level 3 felony.
Fondling is generally classified as a Level 4 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years behind bars.
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor
Section 35-42-4-9 of the Indiana Code states that an individual aged 18 or older who engages in sexual activity with a child under 16 may be charged with sexual misconduct with a minor. If the act involves intercourse or deviate sexual conduct, it is generally a Level 5 felony, punishable by up to six years in prison. Fondling is typically a Level 6 felony, which carries up to 30 months.
The crime can be elevated to more serious levels if aggravating factors are present .
Rape
Section 35-42-4-1 of the Indiana Code defines rape as the act of performing sexual intercourse without the other party’s consent. It is generally classified as a Level 3 felony, which carries up to 16 years in prison. However, if certain aggravating circumstances are present, it can be upgraded to a Level 1, which can send you to prison for up to 40 years.
The sex crime attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have defended clients against all of these charges, and more. If you would like us to do the same for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.
What are the Punishments for Sex Crimes in Indiana?
Punishments for sex offenses committed in the state of Indiana usually depend on the nature of the offense as well as any prior convictions. Serious offenses tend to receive the most severe punishments. Misdemeanor offenses, meanwhile, tend to be handled more leniently.
If any of the following aggravating factors played a role in the crime, punishments can become even more severe:
- Drugs
- Deadly weapons
- Domestic Violence
- Threats, or
- Mental disability on the part of the victim.
With all of the elements of the offense taken into account, the potential punishments for Indiana sex crimes include:
- Prison time
- Fines
- Registration as a sex offender
- Permanent criminal history
- Revocation of professional licenses, and/or
- Loss of immigration status.
If you would like to minimize your chances of facing these punishments, please reach out to the criminal law experts here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. We are ready, willing, and able to launch a vigorous and strategic defense on your behalf.
Do You Have to Join the Indiana Sex Offender Registry?
Committing certain sexual offenses in the state of Indiana will require you to register as a sex offender. Your status will restrict the places that you can live and work.
While you are on the list, the following information about you will be viewable by the public:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your photograph, and
- The nature of your sex crime conviction.
The length of time that you must spend on the registry will depend on the seriousness of your crime(s). Some convictions will require you to be on the list for the rest of your life.
Once you have been charged with a sex crime, the best way to avoid being registered as a convicted sex offender is to prove your innocence. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers may be able to provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need to do just that. Give us a call to find out more about how we can help you.
Are There Potential Defenses Against Your Indiana Sex Charges?
When you hire a Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers sex crimes attorney, we will work tirelessly to defend you against the claims of the prosecution. Of course, the exact defense strategy that we use will depend on the specifics of the offense that you have been accused of. Generally speaking, however, you can expect us to use one or more of the following defenses:
- Valid Consent – We may argue that the sexual contact was consensual and therefore not illegal.
- Lack of Evidence – We may claim that the prosecution’s evidence is not enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. If the trial jury agrees, you will almost certainly be acquitted.
- Mistaken Identity – We may argue that the victim made a mistake when accusing you of the crime. This defense is most successful when accompanied by a strong alibi.
- Constitutional Violations – We may claim that your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. This argument could potentially result in key evidence being thrown out and your case being dismissed.
Call our legal team today to schedule a free consultation. Once we review your case, we will be able to let you know which defense strategy we think will work best for you.
Contact Our Experienced Sex Crimes Attorneys Today
When the people of Indianapolis, Indiana, need an attorney to defend them against sex crimes charges, there is only one law firm they need to turn to – Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our combination of skill and experience makes us the perfect choice for any difficult legal situation. Contact us as soon as possible to find out how we can help you and protect your rights.
