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Sex crimes are most often state crimes, as opposed to federal crimes or violations of city or county ordinances. The legal penalties for being convicted of a sex crime are severe, and can include:
Even if you're not convicted of a sex crime, the arrest for a sex-related matter and the mere allegation that you did something can damage your life forever. Family, friends, neighbors and co-workers may forever see you as a sex offender.
Misdemeanors and Felonies
The spectrum of sex crimes ranges from minor misdemeanor offenses to violent felonies. Some sex crimes involve a specific individual, whereas others involve Internet use. Most states have laws against:
If you have been charged with a sex crime, your freedom, reputation, and livelihood may be in jeopardy. Police and prosecutors are very serious about sex crimes, and you'll need someone on your side — a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in the specialized area of sex crimes.
A Sex Crimes Attorney Can Make All the Difference
Your lawyer will scrutinize the statements and evidence from an accuser and witnesses, if any. Your lawyer can re-interview the people involved, and can arrange to have medical professionals, including a psychiatrist, contribute their expertise.
Sex crimes investigators and police are highly skilled at encouraging the accused person to talk — but don't talk to the police without an attorney at your side. The police are not a neutral party. Don't answer questions on the phone from police; sometimes they make "pretext calls" to ask you about "your side of the story" when someone has accused you of a sex crime. Police and prosecutors will use anything they can to implicate you.
Therapists, Law Enforcement
The same rule applies for talking to a therapist. Oftentimes, therapists are required by law to contact the police when they've heard something related to a sex crime from their client. Don't make an admission to a therapist without consulting a criminal defense attorney first — avoid the serious repercussions, including sex offender registry, that can result from what you assumed would be a private consultation.
Law enforcement officers often overextend their authority in efforts to trap individuals that the police suspect of sex crimes. Your lawyer may be able to make a motion to dismiss your case based on entrapment or outrageous government behavior, whether you've been accused of soliciting an undercover prostitute, possessing Internet child pornography, or a multitude of other sex crimes.
Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney for Help
If you're under investigation for a sex crime, or you've been arrested for or charged with a sex crime, or if you're dealing with the long-term consequences of a sex crime, get the legal assistance you need by contacting a sex crimes attorney today.
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