In October 2024, state police in Cambria County filed charges against a teacher for inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old student. Police allege that the relationship began a year prior when the student was a sophomore, and the accused was her homeroom teacher and basketball coach. They allegedly traded thousands of Snapchats and texts, including several containing sexually explicit photographs. Additionally, the student alleges that they met and engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions. Prosecutors filed charges for felony sexual contact with a minor and unlawful contact with a minor.

Pennsylvania law deals harshly with those convicted of sex crimes, particularly those involving a minor. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you will need an experienced criminal attorney to secure the best possible outcome. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

Sex Crimes Involving Minors

Even if consensual, sexual contact with a person under the age of 17 is a crime in Pennsylvania. This is because the legal age for consent is 16 years of age. Sex with a minor may lead to charges of statutory sexual assault. If the victim is under the age of 13, the offense is aggravated indecent assault of a child, which is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

While sex crimes typically involve prison sentences, the consequences of a sex crime continue long after release. A person convicted of a sex crime in Pennsylvania is required to register as a sex offender, and your name will appear in a sex offender database. This may lead to the loss of a professional license, being terminated from your job, or even disqualification from certain public benefits and aid programs. Most significantly, you cannot work in many professions, find other employment, or volunteer at your child's school. Because these consequences are so serious, people accused of sex crimes have no choice but to fight the charges with all assets at their disposal.

Sex Crime Defenses

People charged with sex crimes have a right to a fair trial and a vigorous defense. In Pennsylvania, defenses to sex crimes include:

• Insufficient evidence of crime.
• Objective innocence.
• Consent, but not for sex crimes with minors.
• Exclusion of wrongfully acquired evidence.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team takes the right to a fair trial and an effective defense seriously. In the courtroom, the fairest outcome is more likely when both sides present their cases effectively with experienced counsel. The case will often come down to whom the jury believes is more truthful. The LLF Law Firm presents a vigorous defense to every client.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has years of experience in criminal defense in Pennsylvania, and we understand the legal landscape. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.