Manassas Sex Crimes Lawyer

Being accused of a sex offense can have a profound and immediate impact on your life. Often, the accused person is treated as if he or she is guilty before even being charged with a crime. Fortunately, there is someone who can stand in your corner and fight for you every step of the way. Call a Manassas sex crimes lawyer at once if you are looking to start building a proactive defense strategy.

A criminal lawyer in Manassas can help prepare you for what you are about to face, and develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts and circumstance of your situation. To learn more, call today.

Importance of Speaking with a Sex Crimes Attorney

Allegations of a sex crime can put your every word and move in question. Hiring a defense lawyer to represent you should be your first priority if you are accused of a sex offense.

Avoid Self-Incrimination

For many people, their first instinct when accused of any crime—particularly a sex crime—is to deny it. Often, the accused is willing to go to any length to explain the situation and try to clear up a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, this move often backfires, as investigators may manipulate the person’s words in an attempt to make him or her appear guilty.

If you are questioned by police or child welfare agents about a relationship or any possible inappropriate contact, it is important to insist upon your right to a Virginia sex crimes lawyer and decline to speak with law enforcement unless your attorney is present.

Know Your Right to Representation

Sometimes, people are afraid to call a lawyer—they are afraid they will look guilty, and they may think that hiring a defense attorney gives the appearance of having something to hide. But if you are accused of a sex crime, having a lawyer familiar with Virginia sex crime laws, local law enforcement, and the Prince William Circuit Court is vitally important to clearing your name.

When you need a sex crimes defense attorney in Manassas, Virginia, we are here to offer you the legal counsel and defense representation you need to fight the charge.

State Sex Crimes

Sex offenses in Virginia include both forcible, non-consensual acts of physical sexual contact as well as non-forcible acts with a willing partner who is statutorily unable to provide legal consent.

The penalties for each sex offense depend upon certain factors, including the use of force, threats, or violence; the age of the alleged victim; and the presence or absence of apparent consent.

For example, rape (Virginia Code Section 18.2-61) is punishable by five years to life in prison if committed through force or by exploiting a person’s “mental incapacity or physical helplessness.” However, the rape of a child under 13 carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years, and a mandatory minimum of life in prison if the person convicted is over the age of 18.

Statutory rape, known in Virginia law as Carnal Knowledge of a Child (§18.2-63) or Carnal Knowledge of Certain Minors (§18.2-64.1), occurs through non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person aged 13 to 15, or with a minor under 18 who cannot legally consent to sex because of supervisory or custodial status. Carnal Knowledge of a Child or specified minor is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.

Other common sex crimes charges in Manassas include:

• Forcible Sodomy (18.2-67.1)
• Object Sexual Penetration (18.2-67.2)
• Sexual Battery (18.2-67.4) or Aggravated Sexual Battery (§ 18.2-67.3)
• Incest (18.2-366) or Crimes against Nature (§18.2-361)
• Indecent Liberties with Children (18.2-370)

For many people, the most difficult aspect of a sex crime conviction is not the jail or prison time, but the sex offender registration requirements of the Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry Act. The restrictions and stigma of sex offender registration can be challenging, but with defense from an experienced sex crimes lawyer in Manassas, Virginia, you may be able to avoid conviction and sex offender registration.

Call Our Legal Team Today

Act quickly to preserve your rights, protect your family, and uphold your reputation. Call for your risk free, confidential consultation with a sex crimes attorney in Manassas.