There are a variety of laws that fall under the umbrella term of a sex crime. The ones that come to mind first may be rape or prostitution, but there are many more. All of these acts can result in different penalties and effects on the person who is accused of committing them. If a person is convicted of a sex crime, the court may put that person on the sex offender registry, which can be for life.
If someone has accused you of a sex crime, you may feel embarrassed and worry about your reputation in the community. You may also be fearful of any affects a charge or conviction may have on other matters, such as divorce or custody battles.
A Fredericksburg sex crimes lawyer may be the most effective way to protect yourself and your rights during such a tumultuous time. You may want to reach out quickly if you suspect you may need an experienced defense attorney’s services.
There are different types of acts prohibited by the Virginia Code, which can range from forcible sex acts to those involving an alleged victim unable to give consent, as well as acts related to prostitution. Some of these acts include:
Some of the acts listed above are felonies which may carry with them not only substantial jail time but a permanent criminal record. Even a misdemeanor can land a person on the sex offender registry. An alleged victim of any of the acts listed above can be a spouse.
Virginia Code § 18.2-61 states that rape means the alleged victim was forced or threatened into engaging in sexual intercourse with another person. It is also rape if the alleged victim had a mental incapacity or was physically helpless or the alleged victim was less than 13 years old. The punishment is five years to life in prison. It is critical for defendants to seek the services of a sex crimes lawyer in Fredericksburg.
If the actor was more than three years older than the alleged victim under the age of 13, the court must send that person to jail for 25 years. If the actor was at least 18, the punishment may be life in prison.
Sodomy includes “cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus or anal intercourse” with someone less than 13 years old or against the alleged victim’s consent, according to Virginia Code § 18.2-67.1. The court can send a convicted person to jail for five years to life. The punishment is more if a minor is involved.
The punishment is the same for some act which involves a young person or the forcible use of an object on an alleged victim, according to Virginia Code § 18.2-67.2. There is an exception for penetration done for medical purposes.
If the court finds a person guilty of committing some act of sexual battery against another person, the maximum punishment is 20 years in jail and a fine of not more than $100,000, as stated in Virginia Code § 18.2-67.3. “Aggravated” means that the actor threatened the use of a deadly weapon or caused bodily harm to the victim.
If the police arrest someone for engaging in some act of prostitution, the first offense may be a Class 1 misdemeanor. The punishment will be increased if someone solicits sex from a minor. This also includes soliciting a prostitute.
Sex crimes tend to carry with them certain connotations, which many people would find distasteful. If you are concerned about possible charges, you may wish to get a hold of the situation early on.
A Fredericksburg sex crimes lawyer may be able to help you understand the laws and how each one could potentially influence your life.
If nothing else, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney familiar with the court system may place your mind at ease. Do not hesitate to seek out the information you need in order to properly defend yourself and protect your rights.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
