When a person is charged with a sex crime, whether or not there is any truth to these allegations, it may be difficult to rectify the impact on their reputation. If you are facing sex offense allegations, you should talk with a Purcellville sex crimes lawyer immediately to discuss your case. With a skilled criminal attorney advocating for your rights and interests throughout your case, it may be possible to achieve a positive outcome in your case.
There are a multitude of potential defenses that a local attorney could raise on behalf of the accused to get their sex crime charges lowered or dropped. As in other criminal proceedings, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to demonstrate that the accused committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. There may be gaps in the prosecution’s case that the defense attorney could investigate further.
Sometimes, an individual may be accused of a sex crime due to mistaken identity. Under such circumstances, the accused party could provide evidence to defend themselves against allegations of sexual wrongdoing.
If the accused party can provide an alibi for the period during which the crime allegedly occurred, this could also be used as a defense. A sex crimes attorney in the Purcellville area could help the accused individual determine the best strategy suited to the details of their case.
Virginia law defines a wide array of sexual offenses, including those perpetrated by force as well as those that do not involve force, but are still subject to stringent penalties. Some of the most common types of sex charges include the following:
An individual accused of a sex crime in Purcellville should seek legal help from a local lawyer right away who could start investigating the prosecution’s case and any evidence that may be available. A criminal attorney could fight tirelessly to secure a positive end result in the accused party’s case and seek to mitigate the long-term damage that a conviction could bring.
The penalties for sex offenses vary by the individual crime. Depending on the nature of the crime, a person convicted of a sex offense could be required to serve anywhere from one to 20 or more years in prison. Convicted individuals could also face fines as high as $100,00, sometimes in addition to a prison sentence.
For example, a person convicted of rape, which is a felony, could experience a sentence between five years to life in jail. A crime such as sexual battery would be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, subject to a maximum fine of $2,500 and no more than one year in prison. Besides legal punishments including fines and imprisonment, a person convicted of a sex crime may also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
A Purcellville sex crimes lawyer could work diligently to safeguard your freedoms. An experienced attorney could help you understand precisely what your rights and privileges are under the law and fight for a favorable resolution. Schedule your consultation today and learn more about the next steps to take in your case.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
