Fishers Child Seduction Attorney
Child seduction allegations can arise quickly, escalate fast, and have consequences that reach far beyond jail time. They often involve emotionally charged accusations, substantial evidence, severe penalties, and high stakes from the moment they’re filed. Because of this, it’s critical to have legal representation from a Fishers child seduction lawyer at The Criminal Defense Team as soon as possible.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. is a law firm located in Indiana that serves individuals in Fishers, Indiana, and throughout Hamilton County with their criminal defense needs. Hamilton County Courts, located at 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, IN 46060, try thousands of felony cases each year. We staff our attorneys like a law firm by assigning at least two criminal defense lawyers and a paralegal to every serious case.
There are only six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists across the State of Indiana, and five of them are all part of The Criminal Defense Team. To be clear, not all our lawyers are Board-Certified.* Only five of them are.
Combined, we have over 100 years of experience focusing on clients who have been charged with a felony. We even have a former prosecutor on staff who handled felony cases and homicide investigations. We can help you understand how the prosecution will build its evidence against you and how it will approach the trial. We believe in high-touch service and a 24/7 lawyer on-call system.
Indiana Statutes
Indiana’s child seduction statute is Indiana Code § 35-42-4-7. Essentially, this law applies if a person 18 or older who holds a position of authority over a minor who is under the age of 18 performs certain sexual acts with that child. The biggest difference between child seduction vs. other Indiana sex crimes statutes is age. Many child seduction cases turn on the dynamics of influence.
Parents entrust schools to educate their children, coaches to teach them sports, and counselors to advise them about homework, friends, and everything in between. Child seduction laws cover the adults who abuse that trust in a sexual manner. Sexual contact with a minor is against the law when someone in a position of authority over them is involved.
Across the United States, at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys have been sexually abused before they reached adulthood. Nearly 90% of child sex abuse is committed by someone the victim or family knows and trusts.
Understanding Child Seduction Charges
Child seduction charges are often confused with other sexual offenses like child molestation and sexual misconduct. While these charges can be filed together depending on the facts of the case, Indiana has created separate statutes to distinguish crimes based on age, criminal activity, and relationship.
Some prosecutors will file both charges simultaneously. Others may only charge child seduction, but word the complaints in a way that fits the criteria for another sexual offense. The statute you’re accused of will dictate maximum penalties and felony classification.
Evidence in Child Seduction Cases
Every child seduction investigation is different. However, these cases usually involve multiple allegations and almost always include some form of digital evidence. Types of evidence commonly seen in these cases include:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Phone records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Statements and records made from the school
- Internet downloads
When large amounts of digital evidence are involved, it can be easy for the State to pick a narrative and build its case theory around screenshots or snippets of conversations. Letting an experienced child seduction attorney review all of this evidence is crucial.
Penalties & Consequences of Child Seduction
Child seduction is considered a felony offense in Indiana. The felony class can vary depending on what type of sexual conduct is alleged and the age of the victim. Some of the consequences a person faces if convicted of child seduction include jail/prison time, probation, and hefty fines.
Someone convicted of child seduction can also be required to register as a sex offender. Not only do you face these consequences if convicted of child seduction, but you can also face severe reputational damage whether you’re found guilty or not.
Defenses to Child Seduction Allegations
Every good defense starts with knowing all the facts. Defenses vary from case to case but typically involve contesting the prosecutor’s ability to prove each element of the crime. Due to the nature of these allegations, it’s not uncommon for the prosecutor’s case to come down to one person’s word against the defendants. When this occurs, depositions and document review become that much more important.
Child seduction cases can be very nuanced. That’s why it’s important to have someone review the police report and evidence who knows how to identify weak points in the State’s case.
Hire a Child Seduction Lawyer
You wouldn’t go to just any doctor when you have medical needs. You would seek out a specialist who knows what they’re doing. For any legal concerns, especially critical ones like child seduction charges, swift action is crucial.
Hiring a child seduction lawyer when you’re being investigated or charged with child seduction can make the difference in your case. During an investigation, there is digital evidence to preserve, witnesses to interview, and forensic exams to dispute. Waiting to hire a child seduction lawyer only allows the prosecution more time to build their case.
Our attorneys start working on your case the second you call. While the prosecutor is gathering evidence to strengthen their case, we are looking for weaknesses. Don’t wait for charges to be filed; contact us today.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today
If you have been charged with child seduction in Fishers, contact a lawyer. Charges of child seduction are severe, complex offenses that are usually prosecuted upon evidence that can and should be challenged immediately.
There are six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists in the entire state of Indiana. Five of the six lawyers work for The Criminal Defense Team. If you are facing charges for child seduction, contact The Criminal Defense Team today. We understand the charges against you and can help advocate on your behalf in court.
*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.