Sexual Assault Defense in Indiana

Sex Crime Defense That Starts Before Charges Are Filed

We represent Indiana adults who are under investigation for or charged with sexual assault offenses, including people contacted by police before an arrest. Our practice was built around sex crime defense, so we understand how quickly an unexpected call, interview request, or search can put your future at risk.

An accusation isn’t a conviction. Whether it involves disputed consent, a delayed report, a family law conflict, or surprise police contact, you remain entitled to a defense and a future worth protecting. Early decisions about interviews, searches, messages, and digital evidence can shape the case. Get legal advice before answering questions, providing access to a device, or agreeing to an interview.

Call (812) 747-9771 for immediate help from our sexual assault defense attorneys.

What Indiana Sexual Assault Allegations Can Involve

Sexual assault is a broad term, not the name of a single Indiana criminal charge. Depending on the conduct alleged and the surrounding facts, an investigation may concern rape, sexual battery, child molestation, or another offense. Many relevant provisions appear in Indiana Code Title 35, Article 42, but the applicable statute must be matched to the specific allegation.

A case may turn on consent, force or threats, awareness, age, identity, intent, witness credibility, or the reliability of physical and digital evidence. Potential consequences depend on the offense and charge level. A conviction may result in incarceration, fines, court restrictions, and sex offender registration when required by law.

Our work includes rape defense, sexual battery defense, and false accusation cases. We also handle internet sex crimes, child molestation, and child pornography, as well as allegations involving sodomy and Title IX actions. We monitor Indiana statutes and case law while evaluating the accusation, possible defenses, and consequences tied to the charge.

How We Investigate a Sexual Assault Allegation

We investigate the accusation itself rather than waiting for the prosecution to define the case. When the facts warrant it, we examine prior false allegations, financial motives, custody disputes, divorce proceedings, and other conflicts that may explain how or why the accusation arose.

Our defense investigation may address:

• Police contact: What officers requested, what was said, and whether a search or interview occurred.
• Communications: Text messages, social media activity, call records, photographs, and other digital evidence.
• Timeline evidence: Locations, dates, witnesses, and records that support or challenge the reported sequence of events.
• Witness accounts: Inconsistencies, motives, prior statements, and facts affecting credibility.
• Forensic evidence: Medical records, testing, device data, and the methods used to collect or interpret evidence.
• Constitutional issues: Potential violations involving searches, seizures, questioning, or the methods used to obtain statements.

A forensic interview is generally a structured, often recorded process used to gather an account of alleged conduct. If police ask you to participate in a formal or informal interview, speak with us before responding. Even an attempt to explain or deny the allegation may become evidence later.

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience Behind Your Defense

We assign at least two attorneys to every case. As police reports, charging documents, discovery, and witness information become available, we reassess the defense and prepare for the next stage. Discovery can include reports, recordings, statements, photographs, test results, and other evidence exchanged in a criminal case.

Adam Bleile, Ashley Dawson, Chelsea Panzeca, and Kate Homan bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to sex crime allegations and federal charges. If a case reaches the courtroom, our entire office contributes to trial preparation.

Adam Bleile and Ashley Dawson hold Avvo ratings of 9.8 Superb and 10.0 Superb. Ashley Dawson has also been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Our case history includes charges never filed, dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and a full acquittal in an Ohio rape case after two jury trials. When the first jury deadlocked and the court declared a mistrial, we rebuilt the defense and tried the case again. Prior results don’t predict another case’s outcome, but this history reflects our readiness to see difficult litigation through.

Protect Your Rights After a Sexual Assault Allegation

If you’re under investigation, have been charged, or don’t know why police are trying to reach you, contact us for a free consultation. We represent clients across Indiana and the surrounding tri-state region. We can begin with the known facts, the investigating agency, any search or interview request, and your next court date.

We aren’t here to judge you. We’re here to address the legal problem, explain what is known and uncertain, and identify the decisions ahead. Until you receive legal advice, avoid discussing the allegation publicly or contacting the accuser about the case. Preserve relevant messages, photographs, documents, and other records without deleting or altering them.

Call (812) 747-9771 to speak with Bleile & Dawson about protecting your rights and preparing your defense.