Experienced Sexual Misconduct Attorney in West Lafayette, IN
Criminal charges for sexual misconduct are especially serious. In Indiana, sexual misconduct is a criminal offense of sexual conduct with a child. These cases are viciously prosecuted and can result in serious consequences even if the act was consensual and no force was used. If you are facing accusations for this serious criminal charge, a West Lafayette sexual misconduct lawyer is essential to protect your interests.
About The Criminal Defense Team and West Lafayette Sex Crime Lawyer
The consequences of a sexual misconduct conviction can be serious. You need effective defense lawyers to help you avoid or limit the penalties you face. The Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. can give you the aggressive legal representation you deserve while providing compassionate and understanding support.*
At our firm, five of our attorneys are Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists, and they are five of the six certified trial specialists in the state. Just like you would go to a medical specialist to get specific treatment, you need a legal specialist to work for your defense.
Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we work solely in criminal law. One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor on serious cases like homicides. Every case we handle is worked on by a team of two attorneys and a paralegal, and our team focuses on brainstorming defenses together. All of this helps ensure that you get comprehensive and accessible legal services throughout your case.
Sexual Misconduct Laws in West Lafayette
Sexual misconduct with a minor occurs when a person who is 18 years old or older purposefully or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct with a minor who is under the age of 16. It is a Level 5 felony. When the offense does not involve sexual intercourse or conduct but involves fondling or touching with intent to arouse, it is a Level 6 felony.
Both of these offenses are charged as more serious felonies if the offender is 21 years or older, or if the offense was committed with the use of threats or a deadly weapon, if it resulted in serious bodily injury, or if it was committed without the victim’s knowledge. The most severe form of this charge is a Level 1 felony.
The Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide reports that nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults happen to children under 17 years old. There were 49 arrests for sex offenses in Tippecanoe County in 2025, according to the Indiana Management Performance Hub (MPH). Five of these arrests involved sex with a minor charges. The same year, the MPH reported 64 sex offenses in the county, seven of which were sex with a minor offenses.
Sexual Misconduct Penalties
This serious criminal offense carries both immediate criminal penalties and long-term consequences. Sexual misconduct with a minor includes some of the following potential imprisonment sentences:
- A Level 6 felony conviction carries between six months and two and a half years of imprisonment.
- A Level 5 felony conviction results in between one year and six years of imprisonment.
- A Level 4 felony conviction includes between two years and 12 years of imprisonment.
- A Level 2 felony conviction carries between 10 years and 20 years of imprisonment.
- A Level 1 felony conviction can result in between 20 years and 40 years of imprisonment.
All these felony offenses also carry the potential of a fine up to $10,000. It may also result in registration on the sex offender registry.
The reputational damage, permanent criminal record, and financial consequences of a conviction also have significant collateral consequences on your life. It can result in losing child custody, being fired, being unable to obtain new employment opportunities, and significant damage to your personal and professional relationships.
It’s incredibly important to work with a lawyer if you are being investigated or have been accused of sexual misconduct. An attorney helps build a defense to work to avoid these consequences.
*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.
FAQs
What Is Considered Sexual Misconduct in Indiana?
Generally, sexual misconduct refers to sex offenses, sex- or gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and other offenses. In Indiana, sexual misconduct refers to the crime of sexual misconduct with a minor, which occurs when someone 18 years old or older engages in sexual intercourse or conduct knowingly with a child younger than 16 years old. It is a felony.
What’s the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual assault refers to specific criminal offenses, while sexual misconduct is often used as an umbrella term for sexual criminal offenses or policy violations.
In Indiana, sexual assault is defined as either incest or any sex crime under state law, or the attempt to commit incest or a sex crime. One of the state’s sex offenses is sexual misconduct with a minor, so it is considered a form of sexual assault.
Do You Need to Hire a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in West Lafayette?
In West Lafayette, it’s important to hire a sexual misconduct lawyer in West Lafayette to advocate for yourself against these very serious accusations. An attorney understands the criminal laws you are being charged with and can explain your situation clearly. In investigations or interrogations by police, your lawyer works for your interests and protects your rights. These cases can lead to serious criminal and reputational consequences, and an attorney’s goal is to minimize serious outcomes.
How Do You Beat a Sexual Misconduct Case in Indiana?
The most effective way to beat a sexual misconduct case in Indiana is to work with an experienced legal team. Every case is different, so the defense needed for your case will be entirely unique to your charges, the prosecution’s evidence against you, the facts of your arrest, and other factors. An attorney can assess defenses like failure to meet the statutory definitions of the offense, false accusations, or violations of your rights.
West Lafayette Sexual Misconduct Attorney
At The Criminal Defense Team, we can handle large evidence sets due to our significant resources and have a deep understanding of Indiana’s criminal laws and how they affect people like you. When you need a defense for accusations of sexual misconduct, reach out to our Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. We always have a lawyer on call 24/7 to meet your legal needs.