Experienced Tippecanoe County Sexual Misconduct With a Minor Attorney
One of the most serious crimes an individual can be accused of in Indiana is sexual misconduct with a minor. The penalties are often severe, and the collateral consequences can have a profoundly negative impact on your life. Whether you live in Lafayette or Stockwell, you need to hire an experienced Tippecanoe County sexual misconduct with a minor lawyer. At The Criminal Defense Team, our Tippecanoe County sex crime lawyers are here for you.
Trust The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., Today
If you find yourself in need of legal defense representation for criminal charges anywhere in Indiana, The Criminal Defense Team is here to protect you. With over 100 years of combined legal service and experience in over 1,000 criminal cases, we know the kind of defense you are in need of. We are proud to represent clients throughout Indiana and are here to focus on you, making certain your voice and story are heard.
Our capable attorneys, 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. In Indiana, there are only six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, and five of them are proud members of The Criminal Defense Team.
Defining Sexual Misconduct With a Minor in Indiana
According to a report put out by the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide, one in five kids has received some kind of sexual solicitation online, and nearly 70% of all sexual assault cases occur to children ages 17 and under.
There are several different criminal charges that relate to sexual misconduct with a minor in Indiana. These include:
- Child solicitation: This charge can arise when a minor who is under the age of 16 is persuaded or enticed to take part in certain sexual acts. This can occur through written messages or electronic forms of communication, or by way of verbal communication, in order to lure the minor into the sexual encounter.
- Child molestation: This charge can involve any kind of inappropriate touching or fondling of a child who is under a certain age in order to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. This is considered one of the most serious charges related to sexual misconduct with a minor and often results in long prison sentences and registration as a sex offender.
- Child seduction: This charge occurs when sexual acts are engaged in involving a minor between the ages of 16 and 18 when the adult is an individual who holds a position of authority or trust over the child. These parties might include a teacher, a family member, or a coach.
- Statutory rape: When an adult has sex with a minor who is at least 14 but under the age of 16, this is considered an act of statutory rape in Indiana and comes with severe punishments if convicted.
- Child exploitation: This charge can involve any kind of creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit material that features a minor. This is a severe charge that can lead to serious consequences.
In the United States, someone is sexually assaulted every minute, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Now is not the time to let your accusation and criminal case become just another statistic. Instead, stand up to these charges with the defense lawyers from The Criminal Defense Team. Thanks to our years of experience and the resources we have at our disposal, we know how to review a case and craft a defense that can stand up against the prosecution.
FAQs
How Long Does a Sex Crime Case Take in Indiana?
In Indiana, a sex crime case can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve. The exact timeline involved in your case can depend on the nature and severity of the charge, the evidence that is available, and whether the case is resolved through a plea deal or proceeds to a jury trial. Your Tippecanoe County sexual misconduct with a minor attorney can advise you on how long your case will likely take to be resolved.
What Are Some Defense Strategies for Sexual Misconduct With a Minor?
When you or a loved one is accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in Indiana, there are a number of defense strategies that may work, depending on the exact nature of the charges. One of the most common defense strategies is proving mistaken identity. We may also be able to uncover evidence that shows you are suffering from a false accusation or be able to prove you have an alibi for the time and location of the incident.
What Is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Indiana?
In Indiana, the Romeo and Juliet law works to address specific situations involving the age of consent. Although in most cases, the age of consent is 16, the law allows minors younger than 16 to engage in consensual sexual relations with someone who is close in age under very specific conditions.
How Do I Respond to a Sexual Misconduct With a Minor Charge?
The first thing you should do when accused and arrested for sexual misconduct with a minor is to remain calm and cooperate with the police. However, you have the right to remain silent, meaning you do not need to answer any of the police officer’s questions. Following your arrest, you also need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C. is here whenever you need us in Tippecanoe County.
Hire a Sexual Misconduct With a Minor Lawyer You Can Trust
When the time comes to hire a sexual misconduct with a minor lawyer for yourself or for a loved one, turn to The Criminal Defense Team in Indiana. A member of our team is on-call 24/7 and ready to pick up the phone at any time of day or night. A Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist is here to meet you wherever you are and get to know you and the needs of your case. Reach out to our team today and schedule your initial consultation. Let us protect you.