What is a Sex Crime?
Sex crime is a broad category that encompasses a variety of common offenses such as: Child Abuse, Child Enticement, Child Pornography, Child Procurement, Child Exploitation, Date Rape, Failure to Register, Indecent Exposure, Internet Porn, Lewd and Lascivious, Lewd Conduct, Marital Rape, Molestation, Obscenity, Pedophilia, Pimping/Pandering, Pornography, Prostitution, Rape, Sexual Offense, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sodomy and Statutory Rape.
These crimes generally include acts of unwanted physical contact for the purpose of sexual gratification. Many sex crimes are considered felonies. In some states the laws include provisions against aggressive sexually suggestive statements, where no physical contact occurs. Physical contact is "unwanted" if the victim did not legally consent to such contact. Examples include saying "no", physically objecting and being intoxicated or incapacitated to the point of not being able to give consent.
Consequences of a Sex Crime
The consequences for the conviction of molestation, rape or any other sex-related crimes are severe and can include lengthy prison terms, significant fines, mandatory AIDS testing, court ordered rehabilitation, loss of your right to vote, loss of your right to possess weapons, and requirement to register as a sex offender typically for the rest of your life if, and when, you are released.
The likelihood of any of these consequences depends on a number of factors including: mitigating/aggravating circumstances, whether or not you're currently on parole or probation, any prior convictions (specifically sexual convictions), your community and/or court's attitude about these offenses, the level of attention your case is receiving in the media, and the quality of your legal representation.
Defending Against a Sex Crime
It takes a lawyer with the confidence and know-how to deal with Federal and State authorities when it comes to defending individuals against sexual criminal charges. For example, lack of sufficient evidence and factual innocence due to mistaken identity are powerful defense strategies that are possible only through early intervention (i.e., interviewing police, prosecutors, witnesses, etc.).
You should retain qualified counsel immediately. Additionally, you should immediately exercise your right to remain silent, keep a diary of all significant events, the names of potential witnesses, and gather documentation of your good character (certifications, reference letters, employment history, etc.). This information will be important to your defense.
