Indiana Rape Defense Attorneys

Your Defense Starts With the Details.

How an Indiana Rape Defense Attorney Can Fight for You

A rape accusation can change how people see you before you ever enter a courtroom. Your freedom may be at risk, but so are your career, relationships, and reputation. You may be dealing with police questions, public assumptions, and a serious criminal case all at once.

Summerfield-Dandurand Law Group, LLP, Founders of Custom Law defends people facing rape charges throughout Indiana. Based in Noblesville, we serve Hamilton County, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and communities across the state. Our attorneys give you a voice in a process where the accusation can quickly become the only story people hear.

You deserve a defense built around what actually happened, not assumptions about the charge. Contact Custom Law to discuss your case and what comes next.

What Is Rape Under Indiana Law?

Rape is defined under Indiana Code § 35-42-4-1. The statute covers certain sexual conduct without legally valid consent and other circumstances defined by Indiana law. The specific charge and potential penalties depend on the alleged conduct and facts of the case.

These cases may involve witness statements, medical records, messages, recordings, forensic evidence, and statements made during a police investigation. Each piece of evidence must be considered against the elements the State must prove.

An Indiana rape defense attorney can examine those elements, identify factual or legal issues in the case, and explain how they may affect your defense.

What Are the Consequences of a Rape Conviction in Indiana?

A rape conviction in Indiana can carry years in prison and consequences that continue after a sentence ends. The penalties depend on how the offense is charged and the facts of the case.

Under Indiana law, rape may be charged as a Level 3 felony or elevated to a Level 1 felony in certain circumstances. Potential consequences include:

Level 3 felony: A sentence of 3 to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Level 1 felony: A sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Sex offender registration: A conviction can trigger registration requirements under Indiana law.
A felony criminal record: A conviction can remain part of your criminal history and affect opportunities long after the case ends.
Employment and professional consequences: A felony conviction may affect your job, professional license, or future employment.
Housing and personal consequences: Registration and a felony record can affect where you live, your relationships, and other parts of your life.

With decades of your life potentially at stake, you need to understand the exact charge and what it could mean for your future. Early legal representation gives your attorney time to examine the case and start protecting your rights.

How Can an Indiana Rape Defense Attorney Help?

A rape charge puts you up against a case the State is already building. An Indiana rape defense attorney can protect your rights, examine the evidence, and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Custom Law can help by:

Reviewing the evidence: Our attorneys examine police reports, witness statements, interviews, messages, physical evidence, and other material tied to the allegation.
Examining the investigation: We look at how evidence was gathered, how questioning was handled, and whether your rights were respected.
Identifying weaknesses in the State’s case: Conflicting statements, missing evidence, credibility issues, and facts that do not add up may affect your defense.
Raising legal challenges: When there are grounds to do so, our attorneys may challenge evidence, statements, searches, or other parts of the investigation.
Preparing for court: Our criminal defense team prepares your case with trial in mind from the start.

We will be straight with you about the evidence, your options, and what comes next. You will know what you are facing and how we plan to respond.

Why Choose Custom Law for a Rape Defense?

A rape charge demands serious preparation. Custom Law brings former prosecutor experience, Indiana trial experience, direct attorney involvement, and strong ties to Hamilton County to your defense.

Former Prosecutors on Your Side

Robert Summerfield and Nicholas Dandurand both served as prosecutors in Hamilton County before moving into criminal defense. Robert also prosecuted cases in Madison County. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors build criminal cases because they have done that work themselves. We now bring that experience to your defense.

Indiana Trial Experience

Robert Summerfield has practiced criminal law in Indiana for more than a decade, with experience in Hamilton and Madison counties. He has handled criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom. Custom Law brings that courtroom experience to your case and prepares your defense with trial in mind.

Direct Attention From a Boutique Firm

Custom Law is a boutique firm by design. Robert Summerfield and Nicholas Dandurand remain directly involved in the cases they handle. You get straight answers from us about your charge, your options, and what comes next. We build your defense around your case, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hamilton County Court Experience

Custom Law is based in Noblesville. Our attorneys have worked in Hamilton County as both prosecutors and defense attorneys, giving us practical familiarity with the local court process. We also represent clients in Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and throughout Indiana.

Clear Communication Throughout Your Case

You need to know where your case stands. Our attorneys keep you informed and explain your options in plain language. In-office consultations are available in Noblesville. Spanish interpreters can also be arranged when needed.

What Happens When Custom Law Takes On Your Rape Defense?

A rape case can move quickly. From your first conversation with us through trial or resolution, you will know where your case stands and what comes next.

Tell Us What Happened: Your first conversation is confidential. Tell us what happened and give us the full picture, including facts you think may hurt your case. We will ask direct questions about the allegation, investigation, and events leading to the charge.
Review Your Case: Once you hire us, our team reviews the available records and evidence. We identify the factual and legal issues that need attention and explain what the State must prove.
Build Your Defense: Custom Law develops a strategy based on the facts of your case. We explain possible defenses, the risks you face, and the decisions that may need to be made.
Handle Pretrial Proceedings: Our attorneys represent you at hearings and address motions or other issues that arise before trial. When there are grounds to challenge evidence or another part of the State’s case, we raise those issues in court.
Evaluate Your Options: If the State makes an offer, we explain what it means and what you would give up by accepting it. The decision is yours. If your case proceeds to trial, our attorneys are prepared to present your defense and challenge the State’s case.
Handle What Comes Next: What happens after a plea or verdict depends on the outcome. If sentencing or another proceeding follows, we continue representing you and explain what to expect.

You will not be left guessing. We will be straight with you about where you stand, what your options are, and what needs to happen next.

Talk to an Indiana Rape Defense Attorney Now

A rape charge can put your freedom, record, career, and reputation at risk. The State may already be building its case. Your defense should not wait.

Custom Law represents clients in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and throughout Indiana. Our attorneys bring former prosecutor experience and trial-ready preparation to your defense.

Contact Custom Law to request a confidential case review. Tell us what happened. We will tell you straight where you stand, explain your options, and start preparing your defense.

Questions About Indiana Rape Charges

Can You Be Charged With Rape in Indiana Without Physical Evidence?

Yes. A rape charge does not necessarily depend on physical or forensic evidence. The State may rely on witness testimony, statements, messages, recordings, or other evidence. What evidence matters will depend on the facts of the case.

What if the Person Who Made the Accusation Changes Their Story?

A changed or withdrawn statement does not automatically end a criminal case. The State decides whether to continue prosecuting the charge. However, conflicting or changing statements may be important when evaluating credibility and the evidence against you.

What Should I Do if Police Want to Question Me About a Rape Allegation?

You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Statements made during an investigation may later become evidence in the case. Getting legal advice before an interview can help you understand your rights and avoid making decisions without knowing their consequences.

Can Consent Be a Defense to a Rape Charge in Indiana?

Consent may be a central issue in some rape cases, depending on the allegations and circumstances. Indiana law also recognizes situations in which a person cannot legally consent. An attorney can review the facts and determine how consent affects the State’s case.

What if the Alleged Incident Happened Years Ago?

A delay does not necessarily prevent the State from bringing a rape charge. Indiana’s time limits for criminal prosecution depend on the offense and circumstances, and exceptions may apply. A long delay may also affect the available evidence, witness memories, records, and other parts of the case.