Section 35-42-4 of the Indiana Code criminalizes certain offenses, such as rape and sexual battery, as sex crimes. Including difficulty finding a job or apartment, inability to obtain government benefits, trouble maintaining custody or visitation rights, sex offender registration, and reputation damage. It can completely alter your life, destroy your family, and hurt your future. To fight false accusations or unfair arrests, it is absolutely crucial that you have a team of dedicated and talented Indianapolis sex crimes lawyers on your side.
The criminal defense attorneys at Eskew Law represent clients throughout the state of Indiana who have been wrongly accused of sex crimes. We have experience handling a wide variety of different offenses and can help you understand the law and how to use the law to defend against the allegations. Call Eskew Law today at 317-699-4655 to discuss your charges.
At Eskew Law, our attorneys represent Indianapolis and Indiana residents accused of a variety of sex crimes. These include:
Sexual contact with a child less than 14 years old, even if the defendant believed the child was older at the time of the conduct
Having sexual intercourse by way of force or with a victim who cannot consent
A sexual act involving a sex organ of one person and the mouth of another person
Sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct without consent
Sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct with a minor under 14 years old
Sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct by a guardian, adoptive parent, or stepparent
Commanding or advising a child under 14 years old to engage in sexual acts
Performing or agreeing to perform sexual acts in exchange for payment
Touching another person by force or without consent, even if the other person is unaware
Indianapolis attorney Chris Eskew knows a conviction for a sex crime is associated with especially burdensome penalties, and he could fight for your
rights by building a solid defense strategy.
Child molestation covers (1) sexual intercourse, (2) deviate sexual conduct, and (3) fondling or touching with intent to arouse or satisfy either the child’s or the accused’s sexual desires. While the child must be under 14 years old, the accused can be any age. Sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct is a Level 3 felony, and fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy is a Level 4 felony. Aggravating factors can enhance the sentence, including:
Our Indianapolis attorneys are experienced in defending cases involving these types of sex crime charges, and we could put that experience to use for you.
Rape is sexual intercourse either without the victim’s consent or with a victim who is legally unable to consent. Consent issues arise when one or more certain factors are present, including:
Rape is a Level 3 felony. However, it becomes a Level 1 felony if certain aggravating factors are present, like a deadly weapon. Our sex crimes attorneys in Indianapolis could help you understand the charges against you and what your defense strategy might look like.
Sexual deviate conduct is sexual activity without consent that does not include sexual intercourse. Like rape, other sexual activity requires valid consent. Individuals with mental disabilities or deficiencies are unable to consent. In addition, lack of consent occurs when:
Criminal deviate conduct used to be a separate offense. Now it is grouped with rape as “other sexual conduct,” and our knowledgeable sex crimes attorneys in Indianapolis could help you understand what that means for your case. Criminal deviate conduct is a Level 3 felony.
Sexual misconduct with a minor involves (1) sexual intercourse, (2) deviate sexual conduct, or (3) fondling or touching with intent to arouse or satisfy either the minor or accused’s sexual desires. The minor must be 14 or 15 years old, and the accused must be at least 18 years old. Sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct is a Level 5 felony, and fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy is a Level 6 felony.
Aggravating factors can bump up the penalty for sexual misconduct, including:
If you have been charged with this type of sex crime, do not let it go unchallenged by a skilled Indianapolis defense attorney.
Child seduction occurs when an adult who is a stepparent, adoptive parent, adoptive grandparent, guardian, custodian, child care worker, or military recruiter of a minor aged 16 or 17 engages in:
Section 35-42-4-7 of the Indiana Code identifies and defines which types of individuals can be charged under the statute, such as teachers or foster home caregivers. Child seduction is a Level 6 felony if fondling is involved or a Level 5 felony if sexual intercourse is involved. We are also experienced in these cases, so reach out to our sexual misconduct attorneys in Indianapolis for help right away.
Child solicitation involves soliciting a child under the age of 14 to either participate in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual conduct, or fondling or touching intended to arouse or sexually gratify either the child or the accused. “Solicit” is defined in Section 35-42-4-6 as:
Solicitation can be done in person, over the phone, in writing, using a computer or text message, via advertisement, or any other method. The accused must be at least 18 years of age. Solicitation is a Level 5 felony unless certain aggravating factors are present, which can bump the offense up to a Level 4 felony. These factors include the use of a computer or a previous solicitation conviction. Previous convictions of a sex crime can make a case harder to defend, so get in touch with our Indianapolis defense attorneys for help.
Section 35-45-4-2 of the Indiana Code defines prostitution as the act of knowingly or intentionally performing or agreeing to perform sexual intercourse, deviate sexual conduct, or fondling for payment. Prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor, but becomes a felony if the accused has at least two prior convictions for prostitution. Let us help you understand th legal implications of this sex crime on your life in Indianapolis and build a solid defense strategy for you.
Sexual battery is the unlawful touching of another with the intent to either arouse or sexually gratify the accused or the victim, and our Indianapolis attorneys are familiar with the nature of these case. The touching must occur without consent, which can involve:
Sexual battery is a Level 6 felony. However, it becomes a Level 4 felony if the individual is unable to consent due to mental disabilities.
Understanding the trial process in Indiana will help prepare you for what’s to come. It’s essential to remember that you have the right to remain silent after you are arrested or detained, and you can always contact an attorney for assistance. When you call an Indianapolis attorney on our team, we can help you navigate the process and answer your questions about your sex crime charges as they arise. After you are arrested and charged, the process will most likely be as follows:
If your case goes to trial, an Indianapolis sex crimes attorney on our team will represent you in court, presenting evidence in your defense to get your case thrown out or to get an acquittal. Our team may also negotiate with the prosecution to secure you a plea deal that reduces or removes some of your penalties. Depending on the charges against you, it may be advisable to take a plea deal and avoid going to court.
The most important thing to remember after you are arrested is that you don’t have to talk to anyone without a sex crimes lawyer present. Our team is here to support you and ensure that your rights are protected. Law enforcement officers may say they are on your side, but they’re only trying to build a case against you. We recommend contacting our team as soon as you know there’s an investigation against you.
The defenses available for your case will vary depending on the type of charge and the facts of your case. Making the decision to hire a knowledgeable sex crime attorney in Indianapolis is of the utmost importance. Common defenses, depending on the charge, may include:
Outside of all these potential defenses, ultimately, the prosecution must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We will introduce doubt to the judge and jury to potentially avoid a conviction.
An allegation of rape, sexual battery, child molestation, or any other sex crime is an incredibly serious accusation. To save your reputation, future, and freedom, contact Eskew Law now. Over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly to absolve clients of false complaints, fight shoddy police investigations, and defend against charges in court.
We customize representation based on your needs, the facts of your particular case, and your available options. We take this privilege and responsibility seriously for all of our clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. To speak with an Indianapolis sex crimes lawyer and schedule your consultation, call Eskew Law at 317-699-4655 or contact us online.
Meet with the attorney to discuss your legal issue. This initial meeting helps you understand their expertise and decide if they’re the right fit.
Review and sign a retainer agreement. This contract outlines the services, fees, and other essential terms.
Gather and provide all relevant documents related to your case. This step helps your attorney build your case efficiently.
Set expectations for how and when you’ll communicate with your attorney. Clear communication ensures that you stay informed throughout the process.
Facing legal issues can be very overwhelming. Defending against criminal charges, navigating a personal injury claim, and advocating for yourself during a family law case can be difficult when you’re also balancing all your other responsibilities. At Eskew Law, we know how challenging this time can be for you, and we are dedicated to making it easier for you and your family.
If you are looking for a compassionate lawyer serving Indianapolis with integrity and professionalism, look no further than Eskew Law. With over seventy-five years of experience serving clients in Indiana, we are confident that we can help you get the answers you need and reach the resolution you deserve in your case.
