Leesburg Sex Crimes Lawyer

Crimes of a sexual nature may seem the most intimate of crimes against another person. While the most commonly-known act is rape, sex crimes also include sodomy, sexual assault and sexually touching another person without their consent.

If someone accuses you, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. You may be more concerned about the harm to your reputation than the possible associated punishments. If you are in a precarious circumstance, you should to do everything in your power to protect your good name.

A Leesburg sex crimes lawyer may be able to help you fight for a positive outcome. If nothing else, you may wish to gain information about the legal process, what you can expect and what potential penalties you may face.

During such a complicated time, you may want to build the most robust defense you can. Seeking out the advice of a knowledgeable criminal attorney may make all the difference.

Laws Governing Sex Crimes

Many crimes relate to sex. These can include prostitution, child pornography, and human trafficking. As a seasoned defense attorney could explain, dome more common offenses are as follows:

• Rape,
• Statutory rape,
• Forcible sodomy,
• Sexual penetration by an object,
• Sexual battery,
• An attempt of a forcible sex crime.

The punishment for these acts can range in severity from life in prison to less than one year. Typically, the courts consider the surrounding circumstances and other factors that the prosecutor proves in court to determine the amount of punishment. No matter which sex crime allegation a person is facing, a well-versed Leesburg sex crimes attorney could help.

Rape

The Code of Virginia defines rape in §18.2-61. A spouse can be suffer from this crime. Rape is when someone forces an alleged victim to have sex through threats or intimidation, or when the victim is mentally disabled or physically helpless. If convicted, the court may send the actor to jail for five years to life in prison.

Statutory Rape

The worst form of statutory rape is sex with someone under the age of 13. If the offender is 18 or more at the time of the offense, then the punishment is a mandatory life sentence. 

If the accuser is between the age of 13 and 15 and the actor does not force them, that is a Class 4 felony, as found in Code of Virginia §18.2-63. If the actor is less than three years older than the accuser, that is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Forcible Sodomy

If someone engages in cunnilingus, fellatio, analingus or anal intercourse with another person against that person’s will, that is a crime as noted in Code of Virginia §18.2-67.1. The court may penalize the actor with five years to life in prison.

Sexual Penetration by Object

It is a crime to penetrate another person’s genitalia without their consent with an object or animal, as described in Code of Virginia §18.2-67.2. There is an exception for medical necessity. The punishment the same as forcible sodomy.

Sexual Battery

There is sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery. As an experienced Leesburg sex crimes lawyer would explain, the latter occurs when:

• the accuser is less than 13 years old,
• the accuser was mentally or physically helpless,
• the actor was a relative, and the accuser was less than 18 years old,
• the actor forced the accuser, and the accuser was 13 or 14 years old,
• the actor seriously harmed the accuser, physically or mentally, or
• the actor used a dangerous weapon.

The court may send a convicted person to jail for a minimum of one to 20 years and fine that person up to $100,000, as detailed in Code of Virginia §18.2-67.3.

Attempted Sex Crimes in Leesburg

Attempted rape, sodomy or object penetration is a Class 4 felony. The law states that attempted aggravated sexual battery is also a felony.

Speak to a Leesburg Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex crimes may be more shocking to the conscience, which is why you may need a strong defense if you find that someone has accused you. Reach out to a Leesburg sex crimes lawyer to receive the help to which you have a right. Do not risk your reputation, freedom, and future.

You may also be at risk for the government placing you on a sex offender registry, which can be difficult or impossible to get off. Call today to see how an attorney may be able to advise you.