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 Marion County sex crime lawyer 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 317-699-4655.
The term “sex crimes” covers various types of criminal charges. Our criminal defense lawyers in Marion County 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 that 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 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 dedicated sex crime attorneys in Marion County today to get started on your case.