Carmel Child Seduction Attorney
Facing a child seduction charge is one of the most serious accusations under Indiana law. You could lose your freedom, your career, your family, and your standing in the community. Hamilton County prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and you can lose your job, your reputation, and face serious stress even before you’ve been found guilty. When you’re fighting for your future, a Carmel child seduction lawyer can help you in the process.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
Five of our attorneys at Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. are Board-Certified* as Criminal Trial specialists from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We are the only firm in Indiana that has five Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists.
All of our attorneys are committed to putting together the strongest defense possible. Each client benefits from a team consisting of two attorneys and a paralegal who work together on every case. Our teams allow us to process large amounts of digital discovery, hold strategy meetings, and respond quickly when something urgent comes up.
One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor with experience in major felony cases and in homicide cases. We understand how the State will investigate your case and what they must prove to secure a conviction. Together, we have over 100 years of criminal trial experience.
Our Approach
The criminal defense attorneys at our law firm handle serious felony charges all over Hamilton County and Central Indiana. We’re frequently in court at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, located at 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville, just minutes outside of Carmel.
Carmel Child Seduction Laws
Indiana Code § 35-42-4-7 explains that child seduction most commonly involves sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct with a minor child 16 or 17 years old. For purposes of the statute, the adult is typically someone who has guardianship, trust, supervision, or authority over the child. The following circumstances may lead to a child seduction accusation:
- You were the victim’s teacher, coach, youth group leader, employer, or clergy member
- You mentored or supervised the victim in any capacity
In the United States, one in twenty men and at least one in four women reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse. Nearly 90% of child sexual abuse cases include someone the child or relatives know and respect.
You could face years in prison if convicted, along with the collateral consequences that accompany a sex crime conviction. Teachers and other licensed professionals can face administrative penalties up to and including the loss of their careers. Sex offender registration and associated requirements can affect where you live, where you work, and how you interact with your own family members.
The Investigation Process
Many child seduction cases start out as a complaint to the police from a parent, school official, or organization leader. Accusations may also arise during investigations into unrelated matters. Regardless of the initial spark, things happen quickly once the police start asking questions. Law enforcement will often apply for search warrants to examine phones, tablets, computers, and online accounts.
Digital forensics investigations can easily generate a massive amount of information. Text messages, SnapChat and social media dialogues, email, and metadata can become the focus of the prosecution’s case. Just because there is digital evidence does not mean the state’s case is strong. Context is often lost in digital conversations. Questions that may arise include:
- Did someone forget to include previous messages when taking a screenshot?
- Is there evidence that may have been obtained unlawfully?
- Were your constitutional rights violated during the search and seizure process?
Our firm has the resources to handle large volumes of discovery and dedicate the time to review it. Two qualified attorneys review the details for potential violations of your rights and improper applications of criminal statutes. Meanwhile, a paralegal organizes digital discovery and creates a system to track important details. Multiple sets of eyes help make sure that every angle is considered.
Child Seduction Defenses
No two child seduction cases are alike. Defense strategies vary based upon the circumstances surrounding the relationship, statements made by the parties, and the Indiana statute under which you’re charged. If your child seduction case goes to trial, we can focus on:
- Determining if the accused was actually in a position of authority
- Filing motions to suppress illegally seized evidence
- Highlighting contradictions in witness testimony
- Proving the defendant did not coerce or financially exploit the victim
- Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charges if appropriate
Remember, just because the State arrests someone, it doesn’t mean they have the evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors often react strongly to sex crime cases involving children. That’s why it’s critical to have lawyers who can refocus the jury on the elements of the Indiana statute and reasonable doubt.
Hire a Child Seduction Lawyer
Similar to how you wouldn’t just hire any doctor for your medical issues and you would hire a specialist, you would do the same for your legal issues. Hiring an attorney is not just about defending yourself against the current charges. It’s about looking out for your future. A felony conviction can impact your life for decades. It can make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, and build relationships.
We approach each case with a team-based model and have Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists with decades of courtroom experience. Our team includes five of the six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists in the state of Indiana, a former prosecutor, and over a century of combined experience dealing with complex cases.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today
When you face a child seduction charge in Carmel, you need a lawyer who can aggressively protect your rights and privileges from the onset. Hire a child seduction attorney right away.
We can work relentlessly to thoroughly examine every detail of the prosecution’s claims, and we’ll challenge them every step of the way, from the initial investigation through to the courtroom. Quick action, meticulous planning, and zealous advocacy can have a profound impact on the result of your case.
If you have been charged with child seduction, a child seduction attorney at The Criminal Defense Team can help you in the legal process. We understand how serious these charges are for you and your future. Contact us today for a consultation.
*Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.