Charges for Child Seduction Versus Child Molesting in Indiana
The Indiana Code has a lengthy chapter on sex crimes, and there are a wide range of offenses that can be charged, all with elements that are specific to each offense. It can be difficult to understand the differences between some of the particular types of offenses, particularly those that involve juvenile victims. Our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers can assist you in building a defense strategy for any sex crime charges you are facing, and in the meantime, we can provide you with more information about distinctions between charges that have some similarities between them. Below is a discussion of child seduction versus child molesting charges under the Indiana Code.
What is Child Molesting?
Under IC 35-42-4-3, child molesting is an offense that can be charged against a person “who, with a child under fourteen (14) years of age, knowingly or intentionally performs or submits to” one of the following:
- Sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct, which is a minimum of a Level 3 felony; or
- Any fondling or touching, of either the child or the older person, with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the older person, which is a minimum of a Level 4 felony.
In either of the above forms of child molesting, the charge is increased (to a Level 1 felony for the first definition, and a Level 2 felony for the second definition) when there are aggravating or enhancing circumstances, such as threat or use of deadly force or a deadly weapon, or by furnishing the victim, without their knowledge, with a controlled substance.
How Does the Offense of Child Seduction Differ from Child Molesting?
Similar to child molesting, the offense of child seduction under IC 35-42-4-7 involves sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct, fondling, or touching between an adult and a child when there is a particular kind of relationship of trust that should exist between the adult and the child. In short, a person can face charges for this offense if they are in any of the following roles in relation to the child:
- Guardian;
- Adoptive parent;
- Adoptive grandparent;
- Custodian;
- Stepparent;
- Child care worker;
- Coach;
- Law enforcement officer; or
- In another type of professional relationship with the child.
Contact Our Indianapolis Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers for Assistance
Whether you are facing charges for child seduction, child molesting, or any other sex crime involving a juvenile victim in Indiana, it is crucial to begin working quickly on your defense. While a conviction for any misdemeanor or felony offense can have long-term consequences, the consequences of a sex crime conviction can be especially severe. To be sure, your entire life can change with a sex crime conviction that requires sex offender registration, even long after you have completed the terms of your sentence. To get started on a strong defense strategy, you should get in touch with one of the experienced Indianapolis sex crimes defense attorneys at Rigney Law LLC. Contact our firm today to learn more about the criminal defense services we provide to clients in Indiana.
Sources:
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-42/chapter-4/section-35-42-4-3/
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-42/chapter-4/section-35-42-4-7/