If you have been charged with a sex crime in Merrillville, we understand this can be a very difficult time for you and your family. Being charged with a sex crime is often embarrassing and can cause considerable social tension. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may face lengthy prison time and have the possibility of registering as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, we have helped many clients overcome allegations of a sex crime and had great success doing so. We take pride in aggressively defending our clients through various methods we have proven effective in preserving their freedom. Call our law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation, confidential case evaluation with a Merrillville criminal defense attorney.
Types of Sex Crimes in Merrillville, Indiana
Sex crimes are a subcategory of criminal law. Basically, any crime that involves sexual misconduct can be classified as a sex crime. Types of sex Crimes in Indiana include:
- Rape (Indiana Code § 35-42-4-1)
- Child Molestation (Indiana Code § 35-42-4-3)
- Sexual misconduct with a Minor (Indiana Code § 35-42-4-9)
- Sexual Battery (Indiana Code § 35-42-4-8)
- Prostitution (Indiana Code § 35-45-4-2)
- Solicitation (Indiana Code § 35-45-4-3)
- Public Indecency (Indiana Code § 35-45-4-1)
If you have been charged or accused of a sex crime, it is extremely important that you speak with an experienced Merrillville sex crimes defense attorney immediately. The penalties for a sex crime conviction can be incredibly harsh and could potentially mean a long prison sentence.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Indiana
Most sex crimes in Indiana are classified as felony offenses. However, some sex crimes, such as public indecency, sexual battery, and prostitution, can be classified as Class A misdemeanors when they are first offenses and lack any aggravating factors. The potential penalties for a Class A misdemeanor include up to a year in jail and fines of up to $5000.
The Penalties one faces if convicted of a felony sex crime in Indiana can be broken as follows:
- A Level 1 felony: 20 to 40 years in prison (e.g., aggravated child molestation)
- A Level 2 felony: 10 to 30 years (e.g., rape with aggravating factors)
- Level 5 or 6 felonies: 1 to 6 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000.
Sex Offender Registration
After being convicted of a sex crime, you may be required to register as a sex offender in the Sex and Violent Offender Registry for the rest of your life. This means that you will have to register with local law enforcement after being released from prison or completing the terms of your sentence.
Furthermore, you will then have to re-register every year and whenever you change your residence or name. Failure to register can result in additional serious criminal charges.
Moreover, as a sex offender, your name, address, and the offense for which you were convicted will all be available for the public to view on the internet and elsewhere. Imagine what that can do to your employment and housing opportunities and to your reputation.
How a Merrillville Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Many people who have been accused of a sex crime have no idea what they are facing. However, our constitution provides that in order to convict you of a crime, the government must prove its case against you beyond any reasonable doubt. It is your attorney’s job to create that doubt, factually and legally.
There are many things that an experienced defense attorney can do to prevent these crimes from going forward. Common defense strategies that may be available in your case include:
- Consent: The alleged crime was a consensual act between adults.
- False Allegations: The accuser or their allegations lack credibility.
- Mistaken Identity: You were not present to commit the offer, or you are being mistaken for someone else.
Getting a skilled Merrillville sex crimes attorney involved in your case early will allow them to do more in terms of challenging the prosecution’s evidence, countering aggressive law enforcement tactics, and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the criminal process.
Contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC for a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Merrillville
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Merrillville, Indiana, make sure your first call is to The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC. We have spent years defending people accused of complex crimes, from inappropriate touching to felony sexual assault.
What you do immediately after being accused of a sex crime can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration. Make the right choice. Contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Merrillville sex crimes attorney.