Defending You Against Severe Criminal Penalties 

Rape, sexual battery, and other crimes involving sexual violence are categorized as sex crimes. These crimes are considered especially heinous and carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime or you’ve been charged, you need a criminal defense law firm on your side to protect your rights and defend you from severe consequences.

Being convicted of a sex crime can lead to fines and imprisonment. Not only that, but having a sex crime on your record can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or maintain relationships. Sex crime allegations can damage your reputation severely, impacting your family and your future at the same time.

An experienced criminal defense attorney on our team can defend you from these criminal charges. No matter what crime you have been accused of, our team at Eskew Law can help you. For more information and to receive a consultation about your case, call us today at 317-793-2325.

What Are the Most Common Sex Crimes Charges in Indiana?

The term “sex crimes” covers various types of criminal charges. Our criminal defense lawyers have experience in many different kinds of criminal cases, and we are confident that we can represent you no matter what sex offenses you have been accused of.

In Indiana, the most common sex crimes include:

Child Molestation

Sexual contact with a child under the age of 14 is illegal, even if the accused believed the minor was older than they actually were.

Child Pornography

Possession of child pornography is against the law. Creating child pornography comes with additional penalties and increased charges.

Rape

Having sexual intercourse with someone without their consent is considered rape. You may also be charged with rape if you have intercourse with someone who cannot consent, like a minor or a person with an intellectual disability.

Criminal Deviate Conduct 

Criminal deviate conduct is a broad term that means any sex crime involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth of another person.

Sexual Misconduct 

Any intercourse or deviate sexual conduct without consent is considered sexual misconduct. When the victim is under 14, it’s classified as sexual misconduct with a minor.

Child Solicitation

Encouraging or advising a child under the age of 14 to engage in sexual acts is considered child solicitation. This can often be charged in conjunction with child pornography.

Child Seduction 

When a guardian, adoptive parent, stepparent, or person in a position of authority over a child commits sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct against a minor.

Prostitution 

Committing sexual acts or agreeing to commit sexual acts in exchange for payment. Payment does not have to be money; it can include goods and other services.

Sexual Battery

Touching another person without consent or by force. Defendants can still be charged even if the victim is unaware they are being touched.

What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes? 

The penalties for sex crimes vary in severity. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you will likely face less than one year of imprisonment. If you are facing a felony, you could face years in prison or even life in prison. Serious offenses like rape and child molestation typically have the most severe consequences. Prostitution is often charged as a misdemeanor.

Certain aggravating factors can increase the penalties you are facing, such as:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Drug possession
• Domestic violence
• Threats
• Mental disability of the victim

The potential punishments for sex crimes in Marion County include:

• Thousands of dollars in fines
• Prison time
• Permanent criminal record
• Registration as a sex offender
• Loss of immigration status
• Revocation of professional licenses

Collateral consequences of a sex crimes conviction can include damage to your reputation, job loss, and damage to your personal relationships. If you want to avoid these consequences, working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to defend yourself and reduce or remove the penalties you are facing. Contact our team today to get started on your case.

What is the Sex Offender Registry?

If you are convicted of a sex crime, it’s possible that you will be required to sign up for the sex offender registry list. Your sex offender status will impact the places you can live and work.

If you register as a sex offender, the following information will become public record:

• Your name
• Your address
• A photo of you
• The nature of your conviction

Some convictions require that you remain registered as a sex offender for life, while others have a set time limit that will expire. The timeline of your sex offender registration depends on the severity of your criminal charges.

Being registered as a sex offender can severely limit where you are allowed to work and live. It can also damage your reputation, making it difficult to maintain relationships in your community. If you want to avoid the sex offender registry, working with our team of criminal defense lawyers is the best way to do so. Call our law firm today for more information about your case and how we can help you.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges? 

Creating a solid defense strategy is essential during sex crime cases. The specific legal defense strategy our team will use depends on your criminal record, the nature of your offenses, and the evidence against you. Once we investigate your case and determine what argument the prosecution is going to make, we can build a defense strategy to reduce or remove your charges or penalties.

The most common defenses used in sex crime cases include:

Valid Consent

If the sexual contact was consensual, then no crime has been committed. Our team can argue that the alleged victim gave their consent.

Lack of Evidence

Some sex crime charges are based on shaky evidence that can’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Our team will challenge the evidence against you to introduce doubt and avoid a conviction.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, victims or witnesses make mistakes when identifying a defendant. Our attorneys could argue that the wrong person has been charged for the crime. This defense works best if you have a strong alibi.

Constitutional Violations 

Even when you are accused of a crime, you still have rights protected by law. If your rights were violated during the investigation or your interrogation, our team could argue that your case should be dismissed.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do? 

Facing a sex crime charge can be overwhelming. As your attorneys, our team will stay by your side and walk you through the criminal justice system to get the best possible outcome for your case.

When you work with our team, we’ll take the following steps:

• Investigate your case and the evidence against you
• Talk to witnesses
• Develop a legal defense strategy that’s unique to you
• Gather evidence on your behalf
• Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal
• Represent you in court if your case goes to trial

Should You Contact a Marion County Defense Attorney? 

All criminal offenses are serious and can lead to penalties. Sex crimes, however, have a significant impact on your future and your freedom. If you’d like to reduce or remove the penalties you’re facing, you need a criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Eskew Law is here to fight aggressively for our clients in Marion County. We will defend your legal rights and create a defense strategy to get the outcome you deserve in your case. We understand how devastating a sex crime charge can be, and we are here to walk you through the justice system, supporting you at every step of the way.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Call 317-793-2325 for a consultation.