Indianapolis Statutory Rape Lawyer

Are you facing statutory rape charges in Indianapolis, IN?

These are serious allegations, and you need to do everything in your power to avoid a conviction and safeguard your future.

Your first steps should involve enlisting the help of an experienced Indianapolis statutory rape lawyer from Suhre & Associates, LLC.

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients against serious sex crimes.

We’ve helped countless clients achieve favorable results – including getting charges reduced, cases dismissed, and negotiating favorable plea agreements. Contact our Indianapolis law office to find out how we might be able to help you, too. Your first case evaluation is free at (317) 759-2599.

Why You Should Hire Suhre & Associates, LLC If You’re Facing Criminal Statutory Rape Charges in Indianapolis

Enlisting the services of a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer is a smart way to protect your freedom, your finances, and your prospects for the future when charged with statutory rape in the state of Indiana. Here are just a few of the ways Suhre & Associates, LLC, can assist you with your case:

  • Offer you sound legal advice throughout your sex crimes case 
  • Help you understand how the Indiana justice system works
  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of the state
  • Guide you through the complex Indiana criminal justice system
  • Work tirelessly to secure your release from police custody
  • Answer any questions you might have about the justice process
  • Devise a customized defense strategy for your statutory rape case
  • Communicate with the state’s attorney on your behalf
  • Look for evidence that may persuade a jury to acquit you
  • Protect your rights as a resident or citizen of the United States
  • Consult with relevant experts about the intricacies of your case
  • Work out a plea bargain with the prosecution
  • Present evidence and argue on your behalf at trial, if required

Don’t make it easy for the prosecution to turn your criminal charges into a conviction. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer from Suhre & Associates, LLC, today to begin fighting back against their efforts to send you to prison. Our law firm knows how the Indiana criminal justice system functions, and we are ready to use our knowledge to stand up for you.

An Overview of the Indiana Laws Against Statutory Rape

The age of consent in Indiana is 16. Therefore, it is unlawful for an adult to engage in sexual activity with an individual who is less than 16 years old.

When Indianapolis residents violate the state’s age of consent law, police officers can arrest them and charge them with a criminal offense like:

Rape

Section 35-42-4-1 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally have sexual intercourse or engage in sexual conduct with an individual when:

  • They compel the other individual by force or the threat of force
  • The other individual is not aware that the sexual activity is occurring
  • The other individual cannot consent because they are mentally disabled

Those who break this law are guilty of rape.

Indiana courts typically classify this offense as a Level 3 felony. However, they may upgrade it to a Level 1 felony if:

  • The offender uses or threatens to use deadly force
  • The offender carries a deadly weapon, or
  • The crime results in serious bodily injury to any individual besides the offender

Prosecutors may also upgrade this crime when the offender furnishes the other individual with a controlled substance without their knowledge.

Child Molestation

Section 35-42-4-3 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally have sexual intercourse or engage in sexual conduct with individuals aged 13 or younger.

This statute also says that it is unlawful for a person to engage in fondling or touching, with intent to arouse, with individuals who have not yet turned 14.

Anyone who violates this law commits child molestation.

The state of Indiana usually punishes this crime as a Level 3 or Level 4 felony. However, it can upgrade the severity of this offense if:

  • The offender is at least 21 years of age
  • The offender uses or threatens to use deadly force
  • The offender carries a deadly weapon
  • The crime results in serious bodily injury to any individual besides the offender
  • The offender furnishes the other individual with a drug without their knowledge
  • The offender knowingly transmits a sexually transmitted disease

If one or more of these conditions exists, courts in Indiana may classify this offense as a Level 1 or Level 2 felony.

Vicarious Sexual Gratification

Section 35-42-4-5 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person who is at least 18 to knowingly direct, aid, or cause an individual who is no more than 15 years old to:

  • Touch or fondle themselves
  • Touch or fondle another individual who is below the age of consent
  • Engage in sexual intercourse with another individual who is below the age of consent, or
  • Engage in sexual conduct with an animal

Individuals who violate this statute commit vicarious sexual gratification. 

Depending on the circumstances surrounding this offense, courts can opt to classify it as a Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 felony.

Child Solicitation

Section 35-42-4-6 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person who is at least 18 years old to knowingly or intentionally solicit a child who is under 14 years of age to:

  • Engage in sexual intercourse
  • Engage in sexual conduct
  • Engage in sexual touching or fondling

When police officers catch Indiana residents violating this law, they may charge them with child solicitation.

The Indiana Code classifies this crime as a Level 4 or Level 5 felony.

Have you been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in the state of Indiana? If so, please contact Suhre & Associates, LLC, today. We may be able to use our detailed knowledge of state law to help you get your case dismissed or your charge reduced.

Consequences of Statutory Rape Convictions in the State of Indiana

When courts in the state of Indiana convict people of statutory rape, they penalize them in accordance with the following sentencing guidelines:

  • Level 5 Felonies: As long as six years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Level 4 Felonies: As long as 12 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Level 3 Felonies: As long as 16 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Level 2 Felonies: As long as 30 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Level 1 Felonies: As long as 40 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

First-time offenders ordinarily receive much more lenient sentences than people with lengthy criminal records.

In addition to prison terms and fines, the state of Indiana requires people who commit crimes such as child molestation or sexual battery to register as sex offenders.

Offenders must remain on the registry for at least ten years. However, if a court opts to classify them as a “sexually violent predator,” they may have to stay on the list for the remainder of their lives.

For as long as a person remains on the Indiana sex offender registry, they must adhere to terms like:

  • Not being allowed to live within 1,000 feet of a school
  • Not being allowed to live within a mile of their victim
  • Not having permission to visit certain websites
  • Having to submit to random computer searches
  • Not having permission to message minors on social media
  • Not being allowed to work with children
  • Not having permission to consume alcohol
  • Having to refrain from engaging in consensual sexual relationships with individuals who have minor children

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we have been representing the residents of Indianapolis in their statutory rape cases for years, achieving countless favorable results in the process. If you would like to have our team help you fight to avoid the negative consequences of a rape or sexual assault conviction, please give us a call as soon as you can.

Defenses Against Indiana Statutory Rape Charges

The fact that an Indiana prosecutor charges a person with statutory rape does not mean that they will be able to convict them. Arrestees can often get their charges dropped or reduced when they:

  • Claim that the police violated their constitutional rights during their investigation
  • Argue that the state’s attorney does not have enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
  • Claim that they did not know the victim was under the age of consent
  • Prove that they were in another location when the crime occurred

Would you like to have one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys take a look at your case and help you develop an effective legal strategy? If so, please give us a call today to set up a free initial consultation at our law offices in Indianapolis. Having spent years in the industry, we know which tactics are most likely to work in just about any situation.

Your Experienced Indianapolis Sex Crimes Law Firm

When you need an Indianapolis statutory rape lawyer to help you battle back against the allegations of the state of Indiana, you can always rely on Suhre & Associates, LLC. We have been handling cases like yours for years, and we are more than ready to stand up for you. Contact us today to begin your legal fight.

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