Chantilly Sex Crimes Lawyer

Offenses categorized as criminal sexual assault are prohibited under the Virginia criminal code and include such acts as rape and attempted rape, sexual battery, and carnal knowledge of a minor. A person charged with any form of criminal sexual assault could be prosecuted and face incarceration and a fine if convicted.

If you are facing criminal charges or prosecution for a sex offense, a Chantilly sex crimes lawyer could provide legal representation and defend you against the charges.

In addition to preparing a legal defense to the charges against you, a sex crimes lawyer in Chantilly could also safeguard your legal rights, including your constitutional right to due process. A criminal law attorney could also work to obtain the best resolution possible in your case.

What Constitutes a Sexual Offense

Laws prohibiting offenses of a sexual nature in Chantilly can be found in chapter four of the criminal code of Virginia under article 7 on criminal sexual assault. There is a wide range of sex offenses for which a person could face criminal charges and prosecution in Chantilly, including:

• Sexual battery
• Forcible sodomy
• Rape or attempted rape
• Object sexual penetration
• Sexual abuse of a child
• Carnal knowledge of a child

A Chantilly sex crimes attorney could explain how the Virginia criminal code defines specific sex offenses. Additionally, an attorney could review the specific charges against an individual to determine if the alleged sex offense actually meets the legal definition for it. A sex crimes attorney could also prepare a legal defense to the charges.

Legal Penalties for a Sex Crimes Conviction

The legal penalties for sex crimes in Chantilly depend on the specific offense. Individuals with prior convictions for sex offenses could face harsher penalties than they would for a first offense. A Chantilly sex crimes lawyer could answer questions about the legal penalties for specific sex offenses.

The penalty for committing the sex crime of rape in Chantilly is a sentence of five years to life in a state correctional facility. The penalty for attempted rape, which is a Class 4 felony, is a sentence of two to ten years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. The offense of sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

State Sex Offender Registry

Adults convicted of certain sex crimes in Chantilly are required to register with the state Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

The Code of Virginia describes the registry as having the purpose of assisting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to protect their respective communities from repeat sex offenders, as well as to protect children by preventing individuals convicted of a sex crime from working directly with children.

Sex offender registration is done through an individual’s local law enforcement agency, while the registry database is maintained by the Department of State Police.

Individuals who fail to register as required or intentionally provide false information when registering can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense or a Class 6 felony for subsequent offenses. Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by a fine and up to 12 months in jail, while Class 6 felonies are punishable by a fine and a sentence of one to five years in prison.

A Chantilly sex crimes attorney could answer questions about sex offender registry requirements, including what types of sex offenses require registration.

Speak with a Chantilly Sex Crimes Attorney Today

It is generally best to avoid fighting sex offense charges on your own, especially if you have any prior arrests or convictions for sex crimes. A Chantilly sex crimes lawyer who understands criminal sexual assault laws and how to properly navigate the legal system could fight on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome in your situation.

Another benefit of having an attorney on your side is that the attorney could protect your legal rights while representing you. Consult with a Chantilly sex crimes attorney about your case today.