A sex crime in Indiana is a very serious criminal offense with lifelong implications, including potential jail time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a long-lasting social stigma. It is important that anyone facing sex crime allegations in Hammond hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their rights and defend the charges against them effectively.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, we are dedicated Hammond criminal defense attorneys who are committed to protecting the rights of those accused of serious crimes in Hammond and throughout Northwest Indiana. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Hammond sex crimes defense lawyer. Let us review your case and explore your best legal options.
Types of Sex Crimes in Indiana
Title 35, Article 42 of the Indiana Code lists various criminal offenses in Indiana that are treated as sex crimes. The most commonly charged sex crimes in Indiana include:
- Sexual Battery: Involving touching another person without consent for sexual gratification. This is often charged as a Level 6 felony but can be elevated to a Level 4 felony under certain circumstances, like the use of force or administering drugs to the victim.
- Rape: A serious criminal offense, ranging from a Level 3 to Level 1 felony, depending on factors like the use of a weapon, bodily injury to the victim, or administering drugs without the victim’s knowledge.
- Child Molestation: This offense involves sexual contact with a minor under 14 years old and is classified as a felony, with higher penalties if force or injury is involved.
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: This applies to individuals over 18 engaging in sexual activities with minors under 16, carrying Level 5 or 4 felony charges, depending on the severity of the conduct.
The Penalties for Sex Crimes in Hammond
Most sex crimes in Indiana are classified as felony offenses, starting from Level 6 (which carries six months to 2.5 years in prison) to Level 1 (which can lead to up to 50 years in prison for the most serious offenses like child molestation with aggravating factors).
In addition, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Indiana, you may be required to register on Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry, which comes with long-term consequences for your housing and employment opportunities, as well as limitations on your freedom of movement.
The Long-Term Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
When you are accused of any kind of sexual offense, your reputation is on the line along with your freedom. An innocent touch viewed as inappropriate by the recipient is enough to mark you as a sex offender and start you through the spiral of court appearances, days of lost work, and public embarrassment.
Furthermore, if you have to register as a sex offender, where you live and work will be closely regulated, and you may have to register with local law enforcement every time you move. It is, therefore, extremely important that you hire an attorney who will fight aggressively against any false allegations levied against you.
How an Experienced Hammond Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Hammond, you need to hire a local Hammond sex crimes defense attorney familiar with Indiana’s sex crime laws and courts. A seasoned attorney will have built relationships with the local prosecutors and judges and know how to navigate the local judicial system.
A skilled Hammond sex crimes defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutors for reduced charges or sentencing and, in some cases, may be able to get the charges dismissed before trial.
Common defenses to sex crimes in Indiana include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Your defense attorney may be able to challenge the prosecution’s evidence by questioning the validity of witness testimony and forensic evidence or by identifying procedural errors during law enforcement’s investigation of the matter.
- Consent: If the alleged victim was over the age of consent (16 years old), your attorney may be able to prove that the sexual act occurred between two consenting adults.
- Mistaken Identity: This means calling into question the identity of the actual perpetrator by proving that you could not have been involved in the alleged criminal act.
Contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC For a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Hammond
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Hammond, you are facing serious criminal consequences. You, therefore, need the best legal representation you can find to protect your rights and work for the best possible outcome.
Contact us at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC for a free and confidential consultation and to explore legal options.