Prosecution for sexually-based offenses is one of the most serious legal matters you can face. An arrest on these charges alone can damage your reputation, but that is nothing compared to what happens if you are ultimately found guilty.
Thankfully, you have the right to a vigorous defense. As serious as these allegations are, it may be possible to avoid a conviction with the help of a dedicated criminal defense attorney. Before you consider a plea offer, it would be wise to consult with our Cranberry Township sex crimes lawyer at Benjamin Levine Law.
There are a variety of sexual crimes recognized under Pennsylvania law, and all of them carry severe penalties. Arguably, the most notable of these offenses is rape, which is the unlawful use of force to engage in a non-consensual sexual act. This serious felony could result in decades in prison and substantial fines.
Indecent assault does not qualify to the same degree as rape, but it is a serious offense. This charge involves the indecent touching of another person for sexual arousal without their consent. Other types of sex crimes include:
Our Cranberry Township attorneys have experience with sex crime cases and could advocate for you if you have been arrested on any of these charges. Our team could carefully review the allegations against you before building a strong defense strategy.
If you are facing charges for a sexual offense, our criminal defense lawyer in Cranberry Township could develop strategies to defend you. Some commonly used defense strategies in these cases include:
Consent is a common defense used for many sex crimes since these offenses usually involve allegations of non-consensual behavior. However, it is not an option in cases such as statutory rape, where the alleged sufferer is not old enough to consent.
Law enforcement has limitations on searching your home, vehicle, or computer without a warrant. Illegal searches or seizures can cause a judge to reject evidence before trial. If these rulings weaken the case against you, it could be enough to mitigate the charges.
The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the case against you is weak, your best approach might involve highlighting those weaknesses instead of offering another explanation or theory.
Every case is unique, and the best possible outcome in your situation might be very different from someone else’s. When you work with our experienced lawyer in Cranberry Township, you could avoid a conviction or diminish the consequences of a sex offense through a guilty plea.
The best-case scenario for most people is to have the charges dropped before the trial. This is most common when an attorney proves that the state has violated your constitutional rights.
If prosecutors refuse to dismiss the case, it may be necessary to take the case to trial. While there are risks that come with this approach, being acquitted by a jury means the Commonwealth can never bring the charges against you again.
There are also times when there is enough evidence to convict you. In that scenario, working with your attorney to get the most favorable plea deal possible may be the right approach.
If you have been accused of a sex offense, it is vital to take your defense seriously. The right approach could help you avoid a conviction or get the best deal possible through a plea.
All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and therefore, uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Contact a Cranberry Township sex crimes lawyer from our firm today to learn more.