When you are faced with a felony sex charge, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in sex offense matters can help explain your rights, your legal options and consequences. To learn more about legal services, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Answers to Your Sex Offense Questions
If you have been charged with a sex offense in Pennsylvania, you can expect a tough fight from the prosecution and serious consequences for a conviction. At the Bucks County law offices of Attorney Niels C. Eriksen, we will be by your side every step of the way. Answering any and all questions you may have, we will help you do everything you can to build the best possible defense.
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If you are convicted of a sex offense in Pennsylvania, you will be subject to Megan's Law, which means mandatory sex offense registration. Regardless of the nature of your crime and your jail sentence, this will haunt you the rest of your life. You want to do everything you can to minimize its impact and reduce your sentence to a non-sex offense, if possible. Contact a lawyer today to find out what you can do.
With so much riding on the results of your sex offense case, make sure you know what you are up against and what you can do to fight the charges. With over a decade of experience protecting the accused facing federal and state sex offenses, we can answer any questions you have and we will make sure you explore all your options for the best possible defense. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and find out more.
Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory Rape
Unwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as "sexual abuse" or "sexual assault." A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a nonlegal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals found guilty of these sex crimes. Prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Contact Law Office of Niels C. Eriksen Jr., LLC in Langhorne, Pennsylvania to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation.
Rape and Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is often considered forcible rape, but that is only one type of such an assault. Sexual assault in most states includes any type of unwanted physical contact with a sexual organ and may include aggressive, sexually suggestive statements. Sexual assault may also occur between persons of the same gender. The force used and the harm suffered may determine what crime is charged, as well as the penalties upon conviction. Under many states' laws, the penalties for sexual assault are severe and may include incarceration, significant fines, psychiatric treatment and paying restitution to the victim. In addition, a person convicted of sexual assault may be required to register as a sex offender, possibly for the rest of his or her life. In most states, you can be charged with first degree sexual assault or rape, sometimes called aggravated felonious sexual assault or gross sexual assault, if you physically forced sexual intercourse on another person, had sexual intercourse with someone who was unable to give legal consent or forced intercourse by threats of retaliation. You must not delay in hiring a knowledgeable attorney to interview prosecution witnesses, show alternative photographic line-ups, protect you during a live line-up and interview possible alibi witnesses.
Date Rape
Date rape is commonly defined as forcible sexual contact during a voluntary social engagement in which a person does not intend to engage in sexual activities and resists the contact. The fact that the engagement was voluntary and the parties were acquainted is not a defense. Nor is previous sexual contact between the parties a defense to date rape charges. The victim does not necessarily have to reject the advance or physically object to demonstrate lack of consent. Although laws vary by state, usually, a victim intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is incapable of giving legal consent. Additionally, date-rape drugs have become more common in the past decade. Some of the most frequently used drugs are rohypnol ("roofies"), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine. Use of drugs makes an individual unable to give consent, lose consciousness and may even cause death. Date rape may be the most common form of rape that occurs, but it is also the most commonly unreported type of sexual assault.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape depends on the ages of the participants. Even if consent is given, the law states that people under the age of consent are legally unable to consent; therefore, the legal effect is the same as if no consent had been given. The age of consent ranges from fourteen to eighteen, sixteen being the most common age. Many states do not actually use the term "statutory rape," but use terms such as "rape," "unlawful sexual penetration," "felonious sexual assault" or "unlawful sexual contact." Some states also consider the age difference between the two people, as well as their individual ages. State laws may change the age of consent or the penalty for sexual relations involving a person of authority, such as a teacher or a coach. The alleged victim or his or her parents often participate in bringing statutory rape charges, but often the state can bring charges, even against the protest of both the underage person and his or her parents. The punishment for statutory rape can be severe, followed by a stigma that follows the offender for the rest of his or her life.
Conclusion
The laws regarding sexual assault are complex and cannot be fully described here. If you have been charged with rape, sexual assault, date rape, statutory rape or another sexual offense, contact a criminal defense attorney such as one at Law Office of Niels C. Eriksen Jr., LLC in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, immediately to schedule a consultation.
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