What Counts as a Sex Crime in Indiana?
You may know that if you are facing charges for a sex offense in Indiana, particularly a sex offense involving a juvenile victim, the consequences in the event of a conviction will be very serious. Not only will you likely be sentenced to a term of incarceration, but a conviction may also involve required registration on the sex offender registry and a range of limiting conditions upon your release from jail or prison that might affect where you can work and where you can live. The best way to determine the likely consequences of a conviction for the charges you are facing is to discuss the details of your charges with an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney. In the meantime, however, you may be wondering what specific offenses count as sex crimes? Consider the following information.
Offenses Identified as Sex Crimes Under the Indiana Code
Sex crimes are identified as such under Chapter 4 of the Indiana Code, from IC 35-42-4-1 through IC 35-42-4-14. The crimes that are listed that can be charged as specific offenses include the following:
- Rape;
- Child molesting;
- Child exploitation;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Vicarious sexual gratification;
- Sexual conduct in the presence of a minor;
- Child solicitation;
- Child seduction;
- Sexual battery;
- Sexual misconduct with a minor;
- Unlawful employment by a sexual predator;
- Sex offender residency restrictions violation;
- Sex offender internet offense;
- Sex offender unmanned aerial vehicle offense;
- Inappropriate communication with a child; and
- Unlawful entry of school property by a serious sex offender.
As you can see above, there are several specific offenses that involve juvenile victims under the terms of the crime. At the same time, other offenses that do not expressly identify a juvenile victim as an element of the offense can still involve a juvenile or minor victim, such as rape or sexual battery.
Not All Sex Crimes Involve Classification as a Sexual Predator
It is also important to know that a person convicted of a sex crime listed in Chapter 4 of the Indiana Code and a “sexually violent predator” are not the same thing, although there is some overlap. Under IC 35-38-1-7.5, a sexually violent predator is a person who has been convicted of specific sex offenses, and typically at a felony level or as a repeat offender.
What Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Many people want to know about specific offenses that require registration on the sex offender registry. Sex offenses requiring registration are enumerated under Chapter 8 of the Indiana Code. A lawyer can provide you with specific information about the charges you are facing.
Contact a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis for Assistance with Your Case
If you are currently facing any charges for a sex crime in Indiana, it is essential to begin building a tailored and strong defense for your case. Convictions for any of the types of sex crimes discussed above are serious, and convictions for many of the above can result in lengthy terms of imprisonment. Having a sex crime conviction on your record can also follow you long after the terms of your sentence are completed. One of the experienced Indianapolis sex crimes defense attorneys at Rigney Law LLC can discuss the details of your case with you today and options for developing a defense strategy. Contact our firm to learn more about how we can assist you.
Sources:
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-42/chapter-4/
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/2006/title11/ar8/ch8.html