Those who are charged with a sex crime in West Chester, Pennsylvania face serious charges that can impact their lives in very serious ways. Sex crimes carry a great deal of stigma, as well as the potential for long prison sentences, high fines, and sex offender registration. Because of these severe penalties, it is critically important that anyone charged with a sex crime have the best possible representation at their side. A strong defense can protect you from an overzealous prosecutor who cares more about getting a conviction than making sure your charge is appropriate, or even accurate.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a sex crime in West Chester, PA or the surrounding area, experienced sex crime attorneys at the LLF Law Firm are here to help.
West Chester Sex Crime Defense Attorney
With nearly a decade of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, attorneys at LLF Law Firm are qualified West Chester criminal defense attorneys with a comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you have been charged with a sex crime in West Chester, Pennsylvania and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at LLF Law Firm. We have built our practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your free consultation and discover what the LLF Law Firm can do to clear your name.
Understanding Sex Crimes in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Sex crimes in Pennsylvania are treated very seriously by prosecutors and judges. The penalties can be harsh, but all too often the charges leveled against you are too severe based on the facts, or are simply untrue. In every case, you deserve to have your constitutional rights protected by an experienced sex crimes lawyer. Many of these cases revolve around disputes about consent, or the kind of alleged conduct that occurred. They can be complex, but with the right help your rights can be protected.
Some of the most common sex crimes people face include, but are not limited to:
- When a person forces the victim to engage in sexual intercourse through forcible compulsion, 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
- First-degree felony
- Up to 20 years of prison
- Up to $25,000 fine
- 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
- First or second-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison
- $10,000+ fine
- When a person engages in penetration of the genitals or anus of the victim without a legitimate medical, hygienic, or law enforcement purpose
- First or second-degree felony offense
- Up to 20 years of prison
- Up to $25,000 fine
- When a person engages in sexual intercourse or deviant sexual intercourse with a victim without his or her consent
- Second-degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fine of up to $25,000
- When a person engages in sexual intercourse with a victim who is 4 years younger than said person and the victim is under 16.
- Excludes married couples that meet these requirements
- Second-degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fine of up to $25,000
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 and involuntary sexual intercourse with a
- First-degree felony
- Up to 20 years of prison
- Up to $25,000 fine
- When a person engages in indecent contact with the victim, causes the victim to have indecent contact with said person, or intentionally causing the victim to come in contact with urine, feces, or seminal fluid for the purpose of arousal in the victim or offender
- First or second-degree misdemeanor, or third-degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Defending Against Your Charges
All sex crimes, whether felony or misdemeanor level, are serious and must be defended against. The right strategy to defend your case can make a massive difference in whether you are found guilty or innocent, and the penalties you may face.
Filing a Suppression Motion
Suppression motions keep out or "suppress" evidence that was unconstitutionally collected by law enforcement. Without this evidence, the prosecutor may not be able to move forward, or may be forced to reduce the charges against you for lack of evidence for more serious crimes. This can be an incredibly powerful tool.
Reasonable Doubt
A Pennsylvania prosecutor is required to prove your guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt" which is a very high standard. By presenting evidence which casts doubt on the alleged "victim's" story, you can defend your case effectively. Many of these cases turn on he said-she said evidence, and when you present your case in a strong and convincing manner, it can make all the difference.
Defense of Consent
One of the most powerful defenses against a sex crime allegation is that of consent. When the other person consented to the sexual acts, and was of age to consent, this means there was no crime. Many times this occurs because someone changed his or her mind after everything occurred, or to hide their choices from others by putting the blame on you. When the sex acts did occur, but were consensual, you have the right to tell your side of the story.
Contact a West Chester Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a sex crime in the West Chester, Pennsylvania area, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future with as soon as possible. The attorneys at LLF Law firm are passionate about helping sex crimes charges like yours through the system and making sure justice is served on all sides.
For your consultation on how the team at LLF Law Firm can help you, call (888) 535-3686 today.
