Penalties for Sex Crimes in Indiana
No matter the exact charges, a sex crime is a serious offense, and the consequences can seem incredibly harsh. You deserve an insightful lawyer who treats you with humanity and compassion as you work together to build an effective defense. Otherwise, you could face punishments that may have been reduced or avoided entirely.
Levels of Indiana Sex Crimes
Indiana has various “levels” to classify sex offenses by severity. A level 6 felony is the lowest sex offense, and a level 1 felony is the highest.
Level six felonies can include possession of child pornography, sexual battery, and sexual misconduct with a minor. However, the circumstances of your case—such as the use of a deadly weapon—can enhance the felony to a more serious level. Finding a knowledgeable attorney who can evaluate your case and help determine the exact charges you face is crucial.
The legal penalties of a sex crime conviction will undoubtedly impact your life. If convicted, the penalties involve:
Registering as a Sex Offender
The sex offender registry displays the addresses, photos, names, and other relevant information of people convicted of a sex crime. The registry is accessible online to the public—including employers, partners, friends, neighbors, family members, and total strangers. Your privacy is jeopardized if you end up on the sex offender registry, and you may be on there for life, depending on the severity of the charges against you.
If you fail to register as a sex offender or do not notify officials of an address change or other updates to your information, you could be listed as “non-compliant” on the registry and face additional felony charges, jail or prison time, fines, and other penalties.
Prison Time for Indiana Sex Crimes
Depending on the severity of your charges, you could face months or even years in prison if convicted of a sexual offense:
- Level 6 felony: six months to two and a half years in prison
- Level 5 felony: one to six years in prison
- Level 4 felony: two to 12 years in prison
- Level 3 felony: three to 16 years in prison
- Level 2 felony: 10 to 30 years in prison
- Level 1 felony: 20 to 40 years in prison
Fines & Additional Sex Crime Consequences
If you’ve been convicted of a serious sex crime in Indiana, you could be forced to pay fines of up to $10,000. The financial impact of a conviction can be devastating. Defense attorney Allison Chopra can help negotiate for lower fines and reduced penalties so that you don’t have to bear this burden alone.
Aside from the legal penalties, you will likely experience indirect issues upon a sex crime conviction in Indiana. For example, you might face the following:
- Limited job opportunities
- Loss of child custody
- Harassment from others
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Issues with housing
- Inability to live and work in certain areas, such as nearby a school or park
- Revocation of your professional license