The penalty for sex offenses is harsh, and rightfully so, given the heinous nature of the crime. However, when people are falsely charged with such crimes, it can be a death sentence, given how difficult it can be to go back to normal life after such an ordeal.
If you’ve been at the receiving end of such allegations, you should fight for your rights. Hiring a good lawyer is the first step to this, as they will be able to guide you on the options available to you and help you understand the charges that you’ve been filed with. Let’s discuss some of the sex crimes that lawyers often have to deal with:
Types of Offenses
A sex crime is any act that is intended to harm, take advantage of, or exploit another person in a sexual manner. The punishment for these offenses varies depending on the degree of the offense and involves crimes like assault, rape, and indecent exposure.
Indecent Exposure
The display of a person’s genitalia or sexual organs in a public place with the intent to shock or intimidate others. This is considered a misdemeanor and is less serious than other sex crimes. The punishment for indecent exposure is around 6 months in prison. If you have been falsely accused of this crime, your lawyer can argue that there is no definite proof that you committed the crime or use the defense that the place where it happened does not qualify as a public place.
Assault
Sexual assault is any form of sexual conduct that took place without the victim’s knowledge or consent and includes inappropriate touching. The punishment for this crime varies depending on state law and the severity of the offense, but it is considered a felony. People charged with this crime can face more than a year in prison and end up with a permanent record.
A common defense used in this situation is arguing that the victim gave their consent and the act took place with their knowledge. Another defense that attorneys commonly use is questioning the investigation process, and if any procedures were not followed or evidence was not collected properly, they can argue for a violation of rights.
Child Sexual Abuse
Engaging in a sexual act with a minor is considered a felony, and the punishment varies depending on the seriousness of the crime. Those charged with child sexual abuse are often given long prison sentences and have to be registered on the sex abuse registry. Distribution of pornographic material is also a crime that falls under this category. Defenses that can be used for this charge include providing evidence of an alibi, which shows that you were not there at the time and place of the incident, proving your innocence.
Solicitation
Solicitation refers to the exchange of goods or money for sex and is illegal in most parts of the country. Those accused of this crime can face short jail sentences, like a few days, to fines of thousands of dollars. Common defenses in this situation would include a lack of evidence, being coerced into the crime, etc.
Summary
In summary, there is a wide range of actions that are considered sex offenses in the United States, and the punishments awarded to offenders vary depending on the nature of the crime. It is important for those accused of these crimes to have the right legal support, as the consequences of these charges can last a lifetime. You may be subjected to long prison sentences, hefty fines, and required to be registered as a sex offender. It can be difficult to lead a normal life after such allegations, which is why you should take them seriously and hire the right lawyer to support you.
