Sex Crimes in Indiana: Defending Against Allegations and Protecting Your Rights
The state of Indiana takes prosecuting sex crimes very seriously. The penalties for sex crimes in Indiana can be harsh. Penalties for sex crimes in Indiana include, lengthy imprisonment, hefty fines, and having to register with the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. On top of criminal penalties, a person convicted of a sex crime in Indiana may face collateral consequences after they are done with their sentence, such as being unable to find a job, housing, or secure government benefits. A sex crime conviction can affect you for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, this is true even in a case where you are wrongly accused. It is vital that if you are being charged with committing a sex crime in Indiana, you retain an experienced defense attorney. A qualified defense attorney can help protect your legal rights and defend you against the allegations you are facing.
Types of Sex Crimes in Indiana
Generally, in Indiana and the whole of Indiana, a sex crime is an offense that involves non-consensual or unlawful sexual activity. Under Indiana law, a wide range of offenses are considered sex crimes. They include the following;
- Rape
- Child molesting
- Child pornography
- Child solicitation
- Sexual battery
- Sexual misconduct with a minor
- Vicarious sexual gratification
Defending Against Sex Crime Allegations in Indiana
If you are facing sex crime allegations, it is crucial that you retain a skilled defense attorney who can help you develop a strong defense strategy. Depending on the specifics of your case, several possible defenses may be available for use in your case. A qualified defense attorney can evaluate your case and determine the defenses you can raise in your case. One of the defenses that may be available for use in your case is the alibi defense. This defense may be available for use in your case if you have evidence that can prove you were not at the scene of the crime when the crime happened.
Another defense that may be available for use in your case is mistaken identity. If the alleged victim mistook you for someone else, your attorney could raise the defense of mistaken identity. The following are other possible defenses to sex crime charges in Indiana;
- Consent
- Mistaken belief as to age
- False accusation
Protecting Your Rights When Facing Sex Crime Allegations
If you are facing sex crime allegations in Indiana, it is crucial for you to know that you have the same rights as any other person facing any other criminal allegations. The following are some of the rights you have as a person facing sex crime charges in Indiana:
- The right to a criminal defense lawyer
- The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- The right to remain silent and refuse to answer police questions
- The right to a trial by jury
- The right to confront the prosecution’s witnesses
A qualified criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights if you are facing sex crime charges in Indiana.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are facing sex crime charges in Indiana and need help defending yourself against the allegations and protecting your rights, contact our qualified Indiana criminal defense lawyer at Rigney Law LLC.
Source:
in.gov/idoc/sex-and-violent-offender-registry/