While most criminal cases attract negative attention, few crimes carry the stigma and harsh penalties associated with sex offenses. An accusation of a sex crime can severely impact your life, but this is nothing compared to the consequences of a conviction.
Many people facing these charges do not know how to defend themselves in front of the prosecution. Our Butler County sex crimes lawyer could help you understand your defense and potentially avoid a conviction. Before you agree to a plea deal, contact Benjamin Levine Law and talk over your options with one of our dedicated defense attorneys today.
Pennsylvania law classifies numerous sex-based acts as criminal offenses. While the law considers most of these charges to be felonies, some offenses carry misdemeanor penalties. While the facts can differ significantly, these cases generally involve an act of non-consensual sexual conduct or exposure. It can be helpful to have a clear understanding of these charges and how a conviction could impact you and your loved ones if someone has accused you of a crime.
Some of the most common offenses include:
The penalties associated with these charges are as variable as the offenses themselves. While each offense is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences, some could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. If someone has accused you of a sexual offense in Butler County, it is important to seek legal advice from our experienced attorneys as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Facing sex crime charges is an extremely serious matter. However, an accusation does not mean you are guilty, and several viable defense strategies may apply to your case depending on the nature of the charges and the evidence involved. Our Butler County sexual misconduct crimes attorney could suggest one of the following defenses:
In cases involving adults, consent is often a central issue. If the sexual act was consensual, that fact can form the basis for a strong defense. However, this defense is not applicable in cases involving minors, as under state law, minors cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
The prosecution must prove every element of a sex crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, especially those with no physical evidence or eyewitnesses, the case relies solely on testimony. If there is little or no corroboration, an attorney may argue that there is insufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.
Your attorney could challenge unlawfully obtained evidence during pretrial motions. This could include evidence found in an illegal search, or admissions made by a defendant during an interrogation without their attorney present. In some cases, the court may throw out this evidence at trial.
Sex crime allegations can arise out of spite, miscommunication, or manipulation. A thorough investigation into the accuser’s motives, credibility, and prior conduct may reveal inconsistencies or ulterior motives. Demonstrating that an accusation is false or made in bad faith can lead to reduced charges or even a full dismissal.
A sexual offense accusation can leave you feeling alone, even if you have done nothing wrong. Seeking legal representation from our Butler County sex crimes lawyer could help you avoid a conviction.
At Benjamin Levine Law, all of our lawyers are former prosecutors and are, therefore, uniquely well-equipped to defend criminal cases. If you are facing sexual misconduct charges, call our office today and let us advocate for you during this difficult time.