If you’re charged with a sexual offense, it can be one of the most difficult things that you have to deal with. Not only are you facing criminal charges, but you also have to deal with the emotional impact.
Sex crimes are often misdemeanors or felonies depending on the nature of the offense and the people involved. They can come with hefty fines and years in jail.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is one of the most common sex crimes, and it affects women disproportionately. Nearly one in six American women will be a victim of an attempted or completed rape at some point during her lifetime.
Survivors of sexual assault often experience serious emotional and physical problems. They may feel confused, depressed, angry, frightened, helpless, ashamed and alone.
The trauma of a sexual assault can lead to psychological disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, dissociation and personality disorders.
It is important to seek medical attention right away. A health practitioner can collect samples and provide a safe environment for you to recover. They can also offer emergency contraception and screening for STIs, including HIV. They can also refer you to Social Services, Victim Support or a Community Safety Unit.
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery is one of the most common sex crimes and can lead to harsh penalties for convicted offenders. It is also often under-reported, because victims of these crimes may not want to report them or seek help from law enforcement.
The act of touching another person’s intimate areas without their express consent can be considered a sexual battery crime if it is done in an attempt to arouse the victim or to satisfy the offender’s own sexual desires. People who are drunk from alcohol or high on drugs, as well as those who are mentally or physically incapacitated cannot consent to being touched.
If you are accused of sexual battery, it is important to hire a lawyer immediately. A good attorney can work to have your charges reduced or even dropped entirely. Additionally, you can request a hearing to have your case heard by the judge. This will ensure you receive fair treatment. You can also file an appeal if you have been denied a hearing.
Lewd Conduct
One of the most common sex crimes in the United States is lewd conduct. This type of crime includes a variety of acts such as giving and receiving oral sex, exposure of genitals (flashing), and masturbation in public places.
In order to be charged with a lewd conduct offense, the defendant must have known or should have known that someone who was present would be offended by their behavior. In addition, the behavior must have occurred in a public place.
The law considers a number of different places to be public, including stores, roads, restaurants and parks. However, lewd behavior can also occur in more private locations if a member of the general public can see it and is offended by it.
If you or a loved one has been accused of lewd conduct, it is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. This will help you fight the charges and avoid the severe consequences that often follow.
Child Enticement and Endangerment
Child enticement and endangerment is one of the most common sex crimes, and can be charged at both the state and federal level. These charges carry extremely severe penalties, and can have a devastating impact on your life and reputation.
A defendant who is convicted of child enticement may be sentenced to a lengthy prison term and forced to register as a sexual offender for the rest of his or her life. It is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are arrested for this crime.
A successful entrapment defense can help to get criminal charges against you dismissed entirely. This defense claims that you only committed a crime because of a law enforcement agent#8217;s undercover sting operation. This is a difficult and complicated case that requires the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to prove.