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Legal Information: Indiana

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of July 30, 2024

What is the legal definition of a "sex offense"?

A “sex offense” can be defined as any of the following:

  1. when someone forces you to have sexual intercourse1 or “deviate sexual conduct” (i.e., oral or anal sex; or penetration with an object):2
    • by force or an immediate threat of force;
    • when you are unaware that the sexual intercourse is occurring; or
    • when you are so mentally disabled or deficient that you cannot consent to sexual intercourse (including if you are drugged without your knowledge);
  2. child molestation;
  3. sexual misconduct with a minor;
  4. child seduction;
  5. vicarious sexual gratification;
  6. fondling in the presence of a minor;
  7. child solicitation;
  8. sexual battery; or
  9. communication with a child concerning sexual activity.

You can click on each link to read the definitions of these crimes on our Selected Indiana Statutes page.

1 IC § 35-42-4-1
2 IC §§ 35-42-4-2; 35-31.5-2-94

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