Experienced Lawyer Defending You Against Sex Crime Charges In Noblesville

Last updated on October 23, 2026

Indiana law treats sex crimes as some of the most serious offenses on the books. Most charges center on two key elements: a lack of consent and whether some form of sexual contact took place. The exact definition of that contact changes depending on the charge. Indiana law covers many different sex crimes, from sexual battery to child solicitation to internet sex crimes. Each charge comes with its own statute, its own legal definitions and its own penalties. The charge you face determines exactly what the prosecution has to prove. That is why understanding what you are up against is the first step toward building a strong defense.

With over 20 years of experience serving clients in Indiana, I understand how prosecutors build their cases and how to use that knowledge to protect your rights. My career started as a deputy prosecutor with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. From there, I spent years as a public defender with the Marion County Public Defender’s Office before opening my own criminal defense practice in 2012. Today, I work out of Patel Defense, LLC‘s main office in Noblesville and a shared office in Indianapolis, representing clients throughout Hamilton and Marion counties. I also take on serious cases across the state. I have handled thousands of criminal cases over the years, and I bring that trial experience into every case I take on.

Why You Need A Defense Attorney From The Start

Little evidence is needed to arrest someone for a sex crime. All that is needed is a statement from a witness. Once an arrest has been made, the police often launch an investigation to determine who committed the crime, if any. Do not talk to the police, give a statement or volunteer any information without a lawyer present. Anything that you say to police can and will be used against you in a court of law. Avoid incriminating yourself by having a skilled attorney by your side throughout the whole legal process.

Working with an experienced Noblesville sex crime attorney during the early stages of your case can help you make informed decisions early. Your lawyer can protect your rights during questioning, ensure law enforcement follows proper procedures and begin building your defense immediately.

Avoid The Sex Offender Registry

Sex crime charges can have devastating, long-lasting effects on your life. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will likely have to register as a sex offender. Most sex crimes do not carry a life prison sentence, but some believe that having to register as a sex offender is similar to a life sentence for your crime. When you are on the registry, there are restrictions on where you can go and where you can live and your neighbors will likely get notified when you move near them.

There are ways to avoid having to register as a sex offender, even if you are convicted of a sex crime. Skilled attorneys can work closely with you so that you can avoid the lifelong sentence that typically is associated with these crimes.

Steps To Defending You

There are a few defenses to consider when you are facing sexual crime allegations. When you are charged with a sex crime, the first thing your lawyer should do is check the statute of limitations period for the crime in question. Your lawyer must also establish the motivation for the accuser. Oftentimes, sexual crimes that involve children are the product of a divorce or child custody dispute.

Defending someone against sex crime charges requires a great deal of discretion and a strategic approach. The first thing I do is investigate every aspect of the case. When needed, I employ the following experts to build a solid defense:

• Investigators
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Technological experts

Sex crime cases have a lot of forensic evidence involved. These include rape kits, computer evidence, browsing history and witness statements. There are complex evidentiary issues involved, especially with computer sex crime cases, in which technical expertise is invaluable. We can also use lie detector tests and other technological tools to build a solid defense for you.

These methods are often used on the offense instead of the defense; however, the evidence is just as important to defense attorneys. If police obtained this evidence in a manner that violates your rights, then the evidence can be thrown out of court. This is a very important part of your case, and you must have your defense attorney by your side from the beginning stages of the crime.

Once the details are in place, I use that knowledge to build a strategy for your defense. In some cases, I can show the prosecuting attorney that his or her case is too weak, getting the charges reduced or dropped outright. If that is impossible, I will use our extensive criminal trial experience to fight your case in court.

Felony Versus Misdemeanor Sex Crimes

Misdemeanors carry a sentence of 365 days or less and typically apply to lower-level offenses like public indecency or indecent exposure without aggravating factors. Felonies carry a sentence of more than 365 days and apply to most major sex crimes, including rape, sexual battery and child molesting. Under Indiana law, these serious offenses are automatically charged as felonies, no matter the circumstances surrounding the case.

Several factors can push a charge up to a higher felony level or keep it from getting reduced. These include:

• The age of the defendant: Indiana treats a defendant who is 21 or older more harshly than one between 18 and 20 when the alleged victim is a minor.
• The use of force or a deadly weapon: Charges involving force, a weapon or physical injury almost always escalate to a higher felony level.
• The age of the alleged victim: Indiana draws hard lines around certain ages, such as under 14 or under 16, and charges involving victims below these ages carry harsher penalties.
• The use of drugs to incapacitate a victim: Allegations involving drugs used to impair or incapacitate a victim will raise a charge to a more severe level.

If you face any sex-related charge, do not wait to get help. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the sooner a strong defense can be built to protect your rights and your future.

Start With A Free Consultation

To speak with an experienced Noblesville sex crime lawyer in a free initial consultation, call 317-643-5459 or contact us online.

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