Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Philadelphia
Being charged with a sex crime means that you are faced with potentially serious consequences. In Pennsylvania, a person found guilty of a sex crime will have to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. In addition to harsh legal penalties, if found guilty of committing a sex crime, an individual can expect to encounter difficulties in both their professional and personal lives. The reality is that being a registered sex offender is a strain on every aspect of a person’s life, and is to be avoided at all costs.With these predictably grave consequences looming in the event of a conviction for a sex offense, any person charged with a sex offense has to take the situation seriously. You need to hire a criminal defense attorney who will fight to avoid lengthy prison terms and probations. Lawyers with a strong litigation background and extensive criminal defense experience are vital to favorably resolving your case.
What Is a Sex Crime?
Sex Crimes are crimes either involving a sexual assault or having a sexual motive. In Pennsylvania, they are all classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor, and carry different penalties as a result. Below is a list of sex crimes and their classification (for full definitions, see the provided codes):
Rape – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3121 – Felony of the first degree
When a person has sexual intercourse with another by force, compulsion, or otherwise involuntarily.
Statutory Sexual Assault – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3122.1 – Felony of the first or second degree
While paralleling §3121, this refers to when an individual over 18 who engages in sexual intercourse with a person under 16 to whom they are not married.
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3123 – Felony of the first degree
While paralleling §3121, this refers specifically to penetration of the mouth or anus of the individual, penetrating an individual with a foreign object, or any sexual act with an animal.
Sexual Assault – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3124.1 – Felony of the second degree
Sexual intercourse of any kind without consent.
Aggravated indecent assault – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3125 – Felony of the first or second degree
While paralleling §3121, this refers to the penetration of genitals, mouth or anus by a person’s body.
Indecent Assault – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3126 – Misdemeanor of the first or second degree or felony of the third degree
While paralleling §3121, this refers to either the touching of genitals or intimate areas or bodily fluids without penetration.
Incest – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4302 – Felony of the second degree
Sexual contact with or marriage to a person of common blood, i.e. parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, etc.
Endangering the Welfare of Children – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4304 – misdemeanor of the first or third degree
When a parent, guardian, or supervisor over a child violates their duty to care, protect, or support the child.
Obscene and other sexual materials and performances – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §5903 – misdemeanor of the third degree or felony of the third degree
This involves the inappropriate use, display, sale, etc. of certain materials as defined by the statute.
Corruption of Minors – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §6301 – misdemeanor of the first or third degree
An adult who by any acts corrupts the morals of a person under 18 years.
Sexual Abuse of Children – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §6312 – felony of the second or third degree
Engaging in or simulating sexual acts with a child under 18 years of age or permitting, disseminating or actually photographing a child under 18 acting out or engaging in prohibited sexual acts.
Unlawful Contact with a Minor – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §6318 – felony of at least the third degree
Engaging in contact with a person under 18 years of age in any way as defined by the statute.
Sexual Exploitation of Children – 18 Pa.C.S.A. §6320 – felony of the second degree
Procuring for another person a child under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
These misdemeanors and felonies are all serious offenses which may carry significant fines, jail time, and registration as a sex offender. To fight such a serious offense requires a highly experienced criminal defense attorney with experience in this particular area of law. A conviction of any of these crimes can have a drastically negative effect on your life, and must be prevented by any legal means necessary – be that procedural measures, fighting the charge in court, or negotiating to arrive at an acceptable plea deal.
Please call one of our offices or contact us online. The consultation is free.