What is the maximum punishment for sexual misconduct with a minor in Indiana?

Full question:

I found our babysitter videotaping my 15-year-old daughter who seemed to be drugged and was laying naked on the bed. He was gratifying himself sexually at the time. I want to sue in court and want the court to deliver the harshest punishment for his act. What is the maximum punishment prescribed by the court in such offenses in Indiana?

  • Category: Criminal
  • Subcategory: Statutory Rape
  • Date:
  • State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, sexual misconduct with a minor is governed by Ind. Code Ann. § 35-42-4-9. If a person at least eighteen years old engages in fondling or touching a child aged fourteen to sixteen with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires, they commit sexual misconduct with a minor. This is classified as a Level 6 felony.

However, if the offender is at least twenty-one years old, the crime is elevated to a Level 5 felony. If the offense involves using or threatening deadly force, or if the victim was drugged without their knowledge, it becomes a Level 2 felony.

In your case, the babysitter could be charged with a Level 2 felony, which carries a punishment of ten to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 (Ind. Code Ann. § 35-50-2-5).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Indiana, sexual misconduct with a minor involves engaging in sexual conduct with a person who is at least fourteen but less than sixteen years old. This includes actions like fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. It is a serious offense classified as a felony, with varying degrees of severity based on the offender's age and circumstances surrounding the act. (Ind. Code Ann. § 35-42-4-9) Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.