Fairfax County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Accusations of committing sexually-based offenses can be highly damaging to your personal life and your professional career. Sex crime charges are likely to be embarrassing, stressful, and frightening as you consider the potential outcomes of the charges. In this situation, a Fairfax County sex crimes lawyer may be able to give you the legal assistance that you need.
Even if you are never convicted of a sex crime, you risk permanent harm to your reputation in the community. When you are uncertain where to turn first, you may wish to look to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer for advice and counsel. Having legal representation throughout any criminal proceedings can place you in a better position to defend yourself against these serious criminal charges.
Sexual Battery in Fairfax County
One common sex crime is sexual battery. Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 defines sexual battery as occurring when individuals sexually abuse others against their will through the usage of force, threats, or some deception.
According to Va. Code § 18.2-67.10, sexual abuse includes any act that is designed to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify others and that involves the touching of private parts. This code section also defines certain relationships involving sexual abuse that rises to the level of sexual battery, including inmates and employees of jails or prisons, as well as probationers or parolees and employees of probation services agencies.
Sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction for this offense carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500. For individuals charged with sexual battery, consulting a sex crimes lawyer in Fairfax County can be essential to building a strong defense to the charges.
Fairfax County Rape Offenses
Rape is another common criminal sex offense for which individuals may face charges. Under Va. Code § 18.2-61, a rape offense occurs when persons have sex with others by:
- Using force, intimidation, or threats to have sex with others against their will
- Using the mental incapacity or physical helplessness of others or
- Engaging in sex with a child under the age of 13
Conviction on rape charges can result in a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Additionally, there can be minimum mandatory prison sentences in some cases, such as a mandatory life in prison for offenders 18 years or older when the victim is less than 13 years old. As a result of the potential severity of rape convictions, getting the advice of a sex crimes attorney in Fairfax County may be essential to the ability of individuals to protect their rights.
Other Sex Crimes Involving Minors
Virginia law provides for some other sex offenses that involve minors as the targets of the offenses. The gravity of the charges and potential penalties is mainly dependent on the respective ages of the parties involved and the situation that led to the crime.
For example, under Va. Code § 18.2-63, carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of 13 and 15 is a Class 4 felony. However, if the child consents to the act and is three or more years younger than the accused, then the offense becomes a Class 6 felony. If, on the other hand, the child consents and is less than three years younger than the accused, then the offense is a Class 4 misdemeanor. For more information, consult with a knowledgeable defense lawyer.
Speak with a Fairfax County Sex Crimes Attorney Today
When you are facing accusations of a sexual offense or believe that you have become the target of an investigation, you may wish to contact a Fairfax County sex crimes lawyer right away.
By engaging legal representation from the very outset of your case, you can avoid inadvertently incriminating yourself and causing further harm to your situation. Taking this step also may allow you to work toward building a strong defense to the allegations against you.
Sex offenses can be difficult and complex cases, especially when they involve children. Being proactive and protecting yourself as early as possible in the investigation can be crucial to effectively defend yourself against the charges.
