Terre Haute Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a sex crime, you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you who has experience winning at a jury trial. Sex crimes carry severe punishments, and plea agreements can result in lengthy prison sentences. Terre Haute sex crimes defense attorney Rowdy Williams has successfully tried sex crime cases, including charges of child molesting and rape. If you are charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you seek high-quality legal representation immediately. Important things can occur at the beginning of a case that can affect the outcome at trial.
Getting a Not-Guilty Verdict
Winning at trial in sex crime cases demands a superior strategy and solid jury trial experience. What motive does the alleged victim of rape have to lie? Did an ex-spouse tell a minor child to lie? Could there be a different perpetrator that the alleged victim is scared to tell the authorities about? Is there any actual evidence that a sex act was committed (e.g., any DNA)? Are the witnesses credible? A skilled criminal defense lawyer can find the answers to these important questions via depositions. In Indiana, a criminal law attorney can put the prosecutor’s witnesses under oath and question them prior to a jury trial in the case. Oftentimes, this is the first instance that the accuser has to answer tough questions and have his or her truthfulness questioned.
Examples of Indiana Sex Crime Defenses
Common sex crime defenses include:
- Consent
- Mistaken identity
- Accident or mistake
- False accusation
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken belief as to age
What are the Sentences for Child Molesting and Sexual Misconduct in Indiana?
Sex crimes carry stiff sentences, which is why taking your case to a jury trial must be seriously considered. Sex crime convictions also result in a requirement of registering on the sex offender registry.
The possible sentences for sex crimes in Indiana are as follows:
- Child Molesting: Level 3 felony, but elevates to a Level 1 felony if committed by a person at least 21 years of age (three to 16 years in prison)
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Level 5 Felony, but elevates to a Level 4 felony if committed by a person at least 21 years of age. (two to 12 years in prison)
- Rape: Level 3 Felony, but elevates to a Level 1 Felony if committed by using or threatening deadly force (20 to 40 years in prison)
- Child Exploitation: Level 5 felony (one to six years in prison)
- Child Pornography: Level 6 felony (Six months to 2 ½ years in jail)
- Sexual Battery: Level 6 Felony (Six months to 2 ½ years in jail)
Evidence and Polygraph Examinations
Sex crimes might involve scientific evidence, such as DNA or a rape kit; the evidence might also just consist of the alleged victim’s testimony. It is very common for law enforcement investigations into sex crimes to begin with an attempt convince the accused to take a polygraph test. Polygraph examinations are very unreliable and are not admitted in court unless both the State and defendant consent. Police will routinely try to convince an unrepresented defendant that the polygraph is in their best interest. Taking a polygraph is usually a mistake. If you are a suspect in a sex crime, you should never take a polygraph examination without the advice of an experienced criminal lawyer. Furthermore, it is almost never advisable for a defendant who is facing a sex crime charge to give a statement to the police in the course of their investigation.
Help Is Available for Serious Sex Crime Charges in Terre Haute
If you need a criminal defense attorney who has won jury trials in child molesting and other sex charges, call the Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm today for a free initial consultation. At your conference, Rowdy will discuss the facts of your case and how to develop an aggressive litigation strategy to win your case.
