What Is a Felony Sex Crime in Indiana?

Posted on May 1, 2022
  • Criminal Defense

    • If you or a loved one were charged with a sex crime in Indiana, the charge will fall within a certain category. Crimes fall under the categories of infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. A felony is the most serious classification and is punishable by more than one year in prison or jail. An infraction is the lowest form of violation and does not subject a person to a criminal conviction or jail time. For example, a speeding ticket is an infraction.

    If you or a loved one was charged with a sex crime in Indiana, you want an experienced team of lawyers working to protect your rights and defend your freedom. Call the Indiana sex crimes defense lawyers of The Criminal Defense Team today at (317) 687-8326 to speak with an attorney.

    In the state of Indiana, there are six board-certified criminal defense attorneys, and five of them are on our staff. You want our experience and success record on your side. Contact us as quickly as possible so we can begin to put together a plan.

    What Types of Charges Are Possible for a Sex Crime?

    Indiana law takes sex crimes very seriously. When convicted, you can face harsh penalties. But just the criminal charge can take an emotional toll on you and your family. Many times, sex offense charges involve people who know each other. This can make the case legally and emotionally complicated. In Indiana, sex crimes include:

    Rape: This offense involves knowingly or intentionally having sex with another person using force or threats of force. It also includes when the other person is unaware that sex is happening or if the other person is mentally disabled and unable to consent.

    Sexual battery: The crime of sexual battery includes touching another person’s private parts without their knowledge or when the person does not have the mental capacity to consent. It also includes touching another person through the use of force or threat of force.

    Child molestation: Child molesting is performing or submitting to sex or deviant sexual conduct with a child under the age of 14.

    Child exploitation: There are several charges that fall under child exploitation, all of which involve some aspect of child pornography.

    Sexual misconduct with a minor: Many people call this charge “statutory rape.” In Indiana, you’re charged with sexual misconduct with a minor if you are 18 years old or more and are suspected of having sex with a child 14 to 16 years or touching or fondling a minor age 14 to 16 years.

    What Crimes are Charged as a Felony?

    In Indiana, punishment for crimes depends upon the category into which the crime falls. For example:

    • Level 6 felony carries a sentence of six months to two and a half years
    • Level 5 felony carries a sentence of one to six years
    • Level 4 felony carries a sentence of two to 12 years
    • Level 3 felony carries a sentence of three to 16 years
    • Level 2 felony carries a sentence of ten to 30 years
    • Level 1 felony carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years

    In Indiana, rape is charged as a felony, but the level is dependent on whether the offense was committed with a deadly weapon or deadly force. If the victim was given a drug or seriously injured in the attack, this also is considered a felony charge.

    A sexual battery charge is a level 6 felony with a fine of up to $10,000. When deadly force is used, or a drug is used, it becomes a level 4 felony and a fine of up to $10,000.

    Child molesting is a level 3 felony with fines up to $10,000 and a level 1 felony if the individual was 21 years old or older at the time of the offense, a deadly weapon or deadly force was used, drugs were administered, or the offense resulted in serious physical injury.

    Individuals charged with sexual misconduct with a minor may have any level of felony charge brought against them depending on the age of the offender, the use of deadly force, administration of a drug, or serious physical injury resulting from the crime.

    Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today if You Were Charged With a Sex Crime

    If you or someone you love was charged with a sex crime in Indiana, you want an experienced team of Indianapolis defense attorneys on your side. Our legal team has successfully defended clients accused of a wide variety of sex crimes. We’ve had successful results from jury trials for clients accused of rape, sexual battery, and child molestation.

    It is our experience in forensic interviews, family dynamics, and recognizing false allegations that help our clients obtain the best practical outcome for their case. Call the office of The Criminal Defense Team at (317) 687-8326 now to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.