Sex Crime Attorney in Noblesville, IN
Facing allegations of a sex offense often brings immediate worries about criminal consequences, jobs, professional licenses, reputation, and sex-offender registration. A Noblesville sex crime lawyer can review the specific accusations, analyze how evidence was gathered, and pinpoint the issues that may control the outcome. Because Indiana has many sex crimes with varying elements and penalties, knowing exactly what you’re charged with is an important place to start.
A Defense Team Equipped to Handle Your Case
Sex crime cases often entail more than a police report. The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. has the collective strength to meticulously sift through vast amounts of discovery. Our firm is based in Indiana, and our lawyers have over 100 years of collective experience. At least two attorneys and a paralegal are assigned to every case. This allows our lawyers to split up discovery review and brainstorm multiple defense strategies.
We also have a former prosecutor on our team. Indiana has only six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, and five of them practice at The Criminal Defense Team. Just like you may seek a medical doctor’s specialization when facing a serious medical issue, you may want to consider criminal trial experience when choosing your attorney.
Sex Crime Allegations in Noblesville
Indiana’s sex crime statutes are primarily located in Indiana Code Chapter 35-42-4. Depending on the allegations and circumstances, prosecutors can charge a variety of offenses. Examples include:
- Rape. Indiana Code § 35-42-4-1 makes it a crime to knowingly or intentionally have sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct with another person when circumstances described in the statute apply. These circumstances include situations where force or placing another person in fear of immediate force is used.
- Sexual battery. The law defines sexual battery as generally involving touching of another person for the purpose of arousing or satisfying sexual desires of either person. Sexual battery can occur when similar circumstances to rape apply, such as use of force or immediate threat of force and the other person’s inability to consent.
- Child solicitation. Sex crime laws cover child solicitation, which involves knowingly or intentionally soliciting another person who is at least 18 years of age to perform or submit to sexual conduct if the person is a child or if the defendant believes the person is a child.
In addition to criminal cases involving these offenses, our lawyers also represent clients charged with child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, child pornography, and other inappropriate contact with minors. Each offense has elements that the State must prove.
Of all crimes reported to the United States Sentencing Commission, Indiana had 2.5% of committed crimes that were for sexual abuse. For fiscal year 2025, 16 people were sentenced for federal sexual abuse crimes, and 1 person was sentenced for obscenity/other sexual offense crimes. There were also 19 people sentenced for child pornography offenses.
Indiana Sex Crime Penalties
Indiana sex crime penalties range from large fines to decades in prison. The level of felony also impacts penalties like incarceration and probation. For example, Indiana Code § 35-50-2-4 sets the sentencing for a Level 1 felony at 20 to 50 years, with an advisory sentence of 30 years. Under Indiana Code § 35-50-2-5, a person who is found guilty of a Level 3 felony is sentenced to three to 16 years, with probation also being an option.
Convictions can also affect employment and professional licenses. Some offenders are required to register under Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry law. The offense of conviction and other circumstances determine if registration is necessary and the length of time the registration requirements apply.
Noblesville criminal charges are handled in Hamilton County at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center located at 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, IN 46060.
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer
If you need to hire a sex crime lawyer in Noblesville, you can meet with a Noblesville sex crime attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can speak with investigators or the prosecutor and file pretrial motions, preparing for trial if necessary.
It can also be beneficial to hire an attorney early if an investigation is underway, but you have not been charged. We can advise you before you talk to the police and help you avoid statements that may hurt your situation.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Legal Requirements for Sex Offenders in Indiana?
A: The legal requirements for sex offenders in Indiana include that the individual must notify local police of certain information and maintain updated required information. Registrations are either for a specified period or for life, depending on the offender’s classification. Failure to register or maintain updated information is punishable by additional criminal charges.
Q: What Crimes Are Considered Sex Offenses?
A: Crimes that are considered sex offenses include rape, child molestation, sexual battery, child solicitation, and sexual misconduct with a minor. There are also many other crimes involving children and/or sexual conduct that could result in sex-offender registration as a penalty. The specific classification and penalties vary based on the offense itself, circumstances of the crime, the age of the victim and defendant, and additional factors under Indiana law.
Q: Does a Sex Offender Charge Show Up on a Background Check?
A: Conviction of a sex offense does show up on a criminal background check. The details that show vary based on the type of search and its scope. Sex offenders who are required to register also show on Indiana’s public Sex and Violent Offender Registry. A conviction can therefore have repercussions for employment, housing applications, professional licensing, and other background-screening scenarios after completing a criminal sentence.
Q: Can You Be Charged With a Sex Crime Without Physical Evidence?
A: Yes, you can be charged with a sex crime without physical evidence. Not all Indiana sex crime cases have physical or forensic evidence. Prosecutors can use witness testimony, electronic communication, recorded statements, photos, or other means to try to prove the offense. The State still must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, and the evidence against you can be argued by your defense.
Contact Us Today
At our firm, five out of Indiana’s six Board-Certified* Attorneys practice together. That means The Criminal Defense Team has the highest concentration of Board-Certified* criminal trial specialists in Indiana. Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your charges, the evidence against you, and ways we can defend you.
*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.