Indiana Child Molestation Attorneys

We are Available 24/7 at (812) 747-9771 to Provide a Free Consultation

When an allegation of child molestation is made in Indiana, the legal and social machinery of the state moves with devastating speed. These charges are among the most serious in the Indiana Code, often carrying the presumption of guilt in the court of public opinion long before a trial even begins. 

Because the state prioritizes the protection of minors, investigations are often aggressive, and the potential penalties can effectively end a person's life as they know it. At Bleile & Dawson, we understand the terror and confusion that follow such a high-stakes accusation. 

Our firm provides a sophisticated and relentless defense, ensuring that your constitutional rights are not sacrificed in the state's rush to judgment. With 50+ years of combined experience, our Indiana child molestation attorneys offer the seasoned guidance and trial-ready advocacy needed to navigate these complex waters.

Contact our legal team for legal counsel regarding your case at (812) 747-9771 today. You can also contact Bleile & Dawson online.

Understanding Child Molestation Laws in Indiana

The legal framework for child molestation in Indiana is primarily found in Indiana Code § 35-42-4-3. This statute is strictly enforced and covers a broad range of conduct involving a child under the age of 14. In Indiana, child molestation is not a single charge but a series of felony levels that depend on the nature of the act and the presence of "aggravating factors."

These felonies include:

• Felony Level 4 - fondling or touching with the intention of satisfying the sexual desires of either the child or the defendant, punishable by a prison term of 2 – 12 years and a fine of up to $10,000
• Felony Level 3 - knowing or intentional sexual conduct or intercourse with a minor less than 14, punishable by a prison term of 6 – 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000
• Felony Level 2 - an upgrade from a Level 4 when it includes the threat of force, a deadly weapon, or the use of drugs, which increases prison terms to 10 – 30 years
• Felony Level 1 - an upgrade from a Level 3 when the defendant is 21 or above, when deadly force or a deadly weapon is used, when resulting in serious bodily injury, when drugs are used, or when it results in the transmission of a dangerous disease, all of which increase prison terms to 20 – 40 years

Collateral Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction in Indiana

Beyond prison time, the collateral consequences of a conviction are life-altering. In Indiana, those convicted of child molestation are typically required to register as Sex or Violent Offenders.

• Lifetime Registration: Many molestation convictions require lifetime registration on a public database.
• Residency Restrictions: You may be prohibited from living near schools, parks, or daycares.
• Employment Barriers: A permanent felony record of this nature makes it virtually impossible to work in many fields, especially those involving children, healthcare, or government.
• Loss of Rights: You will permanently lose the right to own firearms and may face severe restrictions on your parental rights and visitation.

The Indiana Criminal Defense Process

Navigating the Indiana court system for a sex crime requires a strategic timeline. Our firm is available 24/7 to intervene at any stage of this process.

1. The Investigation and Forensic Interview: Most cases begin when a report is made to the Department of Child Services (DCS) or local police. The child is usually taken to a "Child Advocacy Center" for a forensic interview. These interviews are often led by professionals who are predisposed to believe the child, potentially using leading questions. We scrutinize these recordings for any sign of coaching or inconsistency.
2. Arrest and Preliminary Hearing: Once an arrest is made, the court will hold a preliminary hearing to read the charges and set bail. In Indiana, judges are often hesitant to set low bail in molestation cases. We fight for fair release conditions so you can assist in your defense.
3. Discovery and Depositions: This is where the real work happens. We demand all evidence, including police reports, medical records, and digital forensics. In Indiana, we have the right to conduct "depositions"—questioning the state's witnesses under oath before trial. This allows our Indiana child molestation attorneys to lock down witness stories and expose lies or motives for false accusations.
4. Trial or Negotiation: If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are trial-ready. We use our 50+ years of combined experience to present a compelling narrative to the jury, challenging the state's forensic evidence and the reliability of witness testimony.

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation in Indiana

If you learn that you are under investigation for child molestation or are contacted by law enforcement, such as the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office, the actions you take immediately matter. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely asserting those rights can prevent statements from being used against you later. Before agreeing to interviews, searches, or written statements, consult legal counsel.

At this early stage, an attorney can review any documents you have received and explain potential charges in clear terms. Legal guidance helps you respond appropriately to requests from police, Child Protective Services, or school officials. In many cases, directing communication through your lawyer reduces the risk of misunderstandings or pressured decisions.

Early representation also allows your defense to begin before formal charges are filed. A child molestation lawyerin  Indiana can start gathering favorable evidence and advising you on practical steps to protect yourself and your family. Acting quickly can shape how the case develops and position you more effectively moving forward.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Child Molestation Defense

When someone is accused of child molestation in Dearborn County or neighboring areas such as Ohio County and Ripley County, the case may move quickly through courts like the Dearborn County Circuit Court, and early decisions can affect everything from bond to long-term registration requirements. 

Our legal team can help you understand how an investigation typically unfolds in Indiana, what to expect at your initial hearings, and how contact with law enforcement or the Department of Child Services can impact your situation. By explaining these procedures in clear terms, we give you the information you need to make careful choices about your defense and avoid missteps that could harm your case.

At Bleile & Dawson, we don't just "manage" cases; we dismantle the prosecution's narrative. Our methodology is built on a deep investigation of the facts and the science.

• Challenging the Forensic Interview: We work with child psychology experts to analyze the state's interview techniques. If the interviewer used suggestive or coercive methods, we fight to have the statements suppressed.
• Digital and Medical Forensics: In the age of digital evidence, we leave no stone unturned. We analyze text messages, social media, and internet history to prove innocence or provide context. We also review medical reports to determine if physical evidence truly supports the allegations.
• Exposing Motives for False Allegations: False accusations can arise from custody battles, family disputes, or "coached" memories. We investigate the background of the accusers to uncover the truth.
• Board-Certified Strategy: We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves, ensuring that a free consultation is just the beginning of a dedicated partnership.

Bring Your Case to Our Top-Rated Lawrenceburg Law Firm

Child molestation allegations are among the most serious of criminal charges in Indiana. If you believe you are being investigated or if you have been charged with this offense, you should seek the legal help of an Indiana attorney experienced in handling such matters. 

At Bleile & Dawson, our legal team focuses the entirety of its practice on sex crime defense. Because of our specific concentration in this field, we offer hard-won insight and ability into every case entrusted to our care. We fully understand the criminal and social consequences you face and make it our job to build the best defense possible.

Bleile & Dawson have extensive experience handling pre-arrest and arrest cases involving alleged child molestation. Let us protect you and go on the offensive in communicating on your behalf, seeking to minimize the consequences, and challenging the claims against you. We are passionate about defending your legal rights and working diligently to help preserve your reputation, your freedom, and your future.

Talk to a Dearborn County child molestation defense lawyer about your case at (812) 747-9771. Or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.