If you have been accused of a sex crime in Lehigh County, it's understandable if you feel like your life is over. You're probably worried that no one will ever believe you again and that you'll spend the rest of your life being seen as a predator. You may be ashamed and embarrassed, and you're probably worried about what will happen if you are convicted and incarcerated. Being charged with a sex crime in Lehigh County, or any county, can be terrifying.
Sex Crimes in Lehigh County
Though you may feel isolated and alone right, it's important for you to understand that you are certainly not the first or the only person in Lehigh County to be in this situation. Many others in Lehigh County have been charged with sex crimes, including this teacher, this drum corps director, and this woman who is accused of assaulting a mentally disabled child. Regardless of the accusations made against you and the charges you face, there are likely other people in Lehigh County facing the same accusations, or worse.
Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Lehigh County, your criminal proceeding will be assigned to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, located in the Lehigh County Courthouse, in the county seat of Allentown, located at 455 West Hamilton Street.
Criminal Defense in Lehigh County
You need an attorney who will give your case the time, attention, and dedication that an experienced private attorney can give and that you need. You've got a lot at stake right now. The entire rest of your life depends on what happens with these charges. You can't afford to take your chances on a lawyer who is too busy to look for every way to defend you. Our Criminal Law Team has extensive experience representing people in Pennsylvania, including Lehigh County, who have been accused of sex crimes.
Sexual crimes are some of the most taboo crimes in society. Because of the physical, mental, and emotional damage victims can experience, people convicted of sexual crimes often face very serious penalties. If a victim was drugged without their knowledge, up to an additional 10 years of prison time can be added to the sentence, as well as up to $100,000 in additional fines.
Some sexual offenses our Criminal Law Team has experience defending include:
Indecent Assault—When a person engages in indecent contact with the victim, causes the victim to have indecent contact with said person, or intentionally causes the victim to come in contact with urine, feces, or seminal fluid for the purpose of arousal in the victim or offender.
Indecent Exposure—When a person reveals his or her genitals in a public setting, or in a situation where the person knows the act is likely to offend or alarm others.
Aggravated Indecent Assault—When a person engages in penetration of the genitals or anus of the victim without a legitimate medical, hygienic, or law enforcement purpose.
Sexual Assault—When a person engages in sexual intercourse or deviant sexual intercourse with a victim without his or her consent.
Statutory Sexual Assault—When a person engages in sexual intercourse with a victim who is 4 years younger than said person and the victim is under 16.
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)—When a person engages in any form of sexual intercourse with a victim without the victim's consent. Includes involuntary sexual intercourse with a child.
Rape—When a person forces the victim to engage in sexual intercourse through forcible compulsion, the threat of forcible compulsion, or in a situation where the victim is unable to give consent due to his or her mental faculties or existing mental disabilities.
Get the Help You Need Today
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Lehigh County, you need someone at your side who understands the charges against you and knows how to help you. Contact or call our Criminal Law Team today at 888-535-3686
