Springfield Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex crimes cover a broad range of sexually-based criminal offenses. While some of these offenses can be relatively minor and not involve any sexual contact, they could also be extremely serious.

As a Springfield sex crimes lawyer may tell you, the repercussions of a sex crime conviction could go well beyond the criminal penalties for the conviction.

A conviction for a sex offense might result in mandated sex offender registry for life. It can also place restrictions on where individuals live, work, and may even limit their ability to volunteer at a school attended by their own children.

Enlisting the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney may be beneficial in effectively defending yourself against accusations of a sexually-based offense.

Sexual Battery in Springfield

Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 defines sexual battery as the sexual abuse of others against their will that occurs through the use of physical force or threats. Sexual abuse, as set forth in Va. Code § 18.2-67.10 primarily involves the intentional touching of intimate parts or material covering intimate parts, with the intent to abuse or arouse any person.

Certain relationships that involve sexual abuse also constitute sexual battery, which include jail inmates and corrections officers, or other relationships in which one party is in a position of authority over the other.

Aggravated sexual battery is a separate offense pursuant to Va. Code § 18.2-67.3. This offense encompasses children under the age of 13, the use of dangerous weapons in the commission of the offense, and various other situations.

Aggravated sexual battery is a serious offense for which accused individuals may want to strongly consider seeking the advice of a sex crimes attorney in Springfield.

Sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is one of the less serious sexual offenses. It should be noted that a conviction for sexual battery still might result in a potential jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. Alternatively, aggravated sexual battery is a felony offense with the potential of up to 20 years in prison. A knowledgeable attorney could explain which penalties a defendant may face if accused of sex crimes.

Rape Offenses

Rape is also a common sexual offense that involves persons who engage in sexual intercourse with others in certain circumstances, as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-61. Essentially, rape occurs when sexual intercourse takes place through force, threats, or intimidation and against the will of one party. This could occur by reason of the mental or physical incapacitation of one party, or with a child who is under the age of 13.

While penalties for rape vary quite a bit based on the respective ages of the parties, the potential prison sentences for a rape conviction can range from five years to life in prison. Taking the time to contact a Springfield attorney may be highly advantageous when facing sex crime allegations.

Sex Crimes Involving Minors

Some sex offenses specifically deal with minors. The penalties for these offenses often vary given the age of the parties involved, whether the acts were consensual, and the presence of other aggravating or mitigating factors. Consequently, carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of 13 and 15 pursuant to Va. Code § 18.2-63 can be different degrees of a felony in some cases and a misdemeanor in other cases.

Some other sex offenses that involve minors include carnal knowledge of certain minors who are in juvenile detention facilities or involved in the juvenile justice system and carnal knowledge of inmates, parolees, and probationers.

Virginia law also establishes the offenses of forcible sodomy, object sexual penetration, and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 15.

Allow a Springfield Sex Crimes Attorney to Provide Legal Counsel

The stakes are extremely high in sex offense cases. Even in the best of situations, mere accusations of involvement in sex crimes can be devastating to your reputation, job, and family.

A Springfield sex crimes lawyer may be in the strongest position to represent your interests and advocate on your behalf with respect to any sex crime charges.

Avoiding or minimizing the potentially negative repercussions of a sex offense conviction may be crucial to your ability to continue your normal life. As a result, you should not hesitate to get legal advice when it really counts.