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Alexandria Sex Crimes Lawyer

Each state has its own laws dealing with sex crimes and the punishments that come with them, and Virginia is no exception. Knowing the ins and outs of these laws is extremely important, especially for individuals who ever find themselves in need of legal representation against the misdemeanor or felony charges that can accompany sex crimes.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in Alexandria, Virginia, please contact an efficient criminal attorney for a free case analysis. En Español.

Sex Crimes in Alexandria, Virginia

In the state of Virginia sex crimes are rigorously prosecuted and this is especially true when minors are involved. The laws governing sex crimes are covered under state codes 18.2-61 through 18.2-67.10 under Title 18.2.

The sex crimes covered under this section include rape, sex trafficking, sexual battery, child pornography, and carnal knowledge of any person who qualifies as a minor, among other infractions.

Although Alexandria borders our nation’s capital, criminal cases in this suburb are governed by the Code of Virginia rather than the DC Code. The actual punishments can vary quite a bit depending on the nature of the sex crime. Some sex crimes are classified as felonies, and are punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a prison sentence up to life. Even the “lesser” sex crimes in Virginia fall under the heading of a “Class 1 misdemeanor,” which often is punishable by up to a full year in jail in addition to a fine as high as $10,000.

Crime statistics in recent years for Alexandria, Virginia, show that the average number of rapes per 100,000 people is well below the national average in the United States. Assaults, including sexual assaults, are also well below the national average and in fact often sit at only half that number.

All the same, being charged with, investigated for, or accused of a sexual offense is a serious matter that requires the advice and guidance of an Alexandria sex crimes attorney.

Age-Affected Charges

Whether or not a sex crime falls under the category of a felony or a misdemeanor depends specifically on the act and individuals involved. Some of the charges are fairly cut-and-dry. Any case of abduction connected to sex trafficking or forcible rape will obviously be charged as a felony. In some cases age can make a major difference when it comes to determining the penalties for sex crime charges.

Several criminal charges in Virginia have varying penalties based on the age of those involved. Carnal knowledge, for example, can be a Class 4 felony, Class 6 felony, or Class 4 misdemeanor depending on the ages of the victim and the accused. The level of severity for punishment varies depending on whether the victim is under 13 or under 15, as well as if the accused is within three years of age of the victim or not.

Just a few of the various charges that can change depending on the age of those involved include:

  • Carnal knowledge
  • Crimes against nature
  • Various child victim statutes

Consult with an Alexandria Sex Crimes Attorney

If you are accused of a sex crime in Alexandria, you cannot afford to take a risk with substandard legal representation. Search for an attorney who is thoroughly versed in the Virginia state statutes regarding this area of law.

When getting consultation for an upcoming sex crime trial it’s important to understand every nuance of each case. As discussed earlier, when going to trial in Alexandria things like age of the victim, age of the accused, and the nature of the crime itself can go a long way towards determining what is on the table for a case. Some of the crimes have vast potential ranges for sentencing – for example, the sentence imposed in some felony convictions can vary from five to 30 years.

As a result, you want an attorney who is not only familiar with each aspect of the legal process but also the individual judges who will be imposing the verdict and sentence. Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law has a team of competent and capable attorneys familiar with Virginia sex crime laws as well as the characteristics and procedures followed by the local court system in Alexandria. Call an Alexandria sex crimes attorney today for a free consultation.

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