Virginia prosecutors are notoriously aggressive in the prosecution of sex crimes committed in the Commonwealth. Similarly, if a person is convicted of committing a sexual offense, a judge is likely to take a very stern view at the time of sentencing. The negative stigma our society attaches to most of these crimes means that those convicted should expect harsh sentences.
If you are charged with a sexual offense you should retain the services of a qualified Fairfax sex crimes lawyer. Karin Riley Porter and the team of defense attorneys she oversees are adept at defending against a variety of offenses and will work aggressively to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one is charged with a sex crime, you need to familiarize yourself with the laws in Virginia regarding this type of alleged criminal activity. Below is a brief outline of the actions that constitute sexual offenses in this state and the possible penalties if a person is convicted. Our criminal defense attorneys handle cases related to many other criminal charges as well.
An experienced Fairfax sex crimes lawyer will be able to aid clients during the investigations process and potential subsequent prosecution of his or her case while also helping the defendant build the strongest defense possible. Call today to discuss your case.
In the most basic terms, state law defines sex crimes as acts of a sexual nature that are performed on or forced upon another individual without legal consent. State law identifies an array of different sexual offenses that include rape (including spousal rape and statutory rape), indecent exposure, prostitution, solicitation, sexual battery, sexual assault and battery, and the virtual gamut of Internet sex crimes (including child pornography).
Sentencing terms are subject to guidelines created by the Virginia Sentencing Commission. Sentences associated with these crimes are particularly harsh if the victim was a child. In fact, certain types of aggravated sex crimes (like sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and rape involving significant bodily harm to a child), carry the possibility of life in prison.
In addition to incarceration, a person convicted of sex crimes may also face costly fines and required to undergo intensive therapy and psychological treatment. Sexual offenses are typically prosecuted in the Circuit Court of Fairfax County. A lawyer in Fairfax could explain someone’s charges if they were accused of a sex crime.
In addition to sex crimes that violate the laws of the Commonwealth, a person in Virginia can also be charged with sexual offense under federal statutes. In this day and age, a significant percentage of federal sex crime prosecutions involve the internet. This includes cases involving child pornography and cases involving the luring of a child for the purposes of indecent sexual acts. Federal sentences associated with these crimes are also extremely severe. Life sentences are not unheard of in the federal system, particularly if a person has a prior criminal record. A lawyer in Farifax could prepare a defense for someone accused of a federal sex crime.
The legal consequences of a sex crime do not simply end once the guilty person has paid a fine or served a prison term. Anyone convicted of a sex crime in the Commonwealth will be required to register as a sex offender in the public registry.
In addition, a convicted sex offender has the legal obligation to keep the registry information updated. If he or she fails to register, or if the registration information is not kept up to date, they face the prospect of new criminal charges.
Because of the serious nature of any of these charges, if you or a family member is facing this type of prosecution you should retain a Fairfax sex crimes lawyer immediately. The accomplished legal team with Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law will stand by your side throughout the entire judicial process, protecting your rights in the face of a police investigation and helping you navigate the complex Virginia legal system.
If your charges cannot be dismissed or eliminated, they will fight hard to see the charges reduced. Start building your defense today by scheduling a free, initial consultation with a member of our legal team.
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