Prosecutors rarely stop at filing one sex crime charge if they believe multiple violations could apply. A single incident can lead to several overlapping sex crime charges. This gives the prosecution more leverage and makes it imperative to have a defense attorney on your side.
Call a Fairfax sex crimes lawyer at The Leiva Law Firm to discuss your charges and possible defenses.
Here are the most common offenses a sex crimes attorney in Fairfax encounters:
Rape is penetration of any kind against another person’s will by force, threat, intimidation, or under any circumstance with someone under age 13. The penalty is five years to life in prison. If the alleged victim is under the age of 13, depending on how the case is charged, there could be a mandatory life sentence.
This involves inserting an object or body part other than genitals into another person without consent and is punishable by five years to life in prison.
Aggravated sexual battery is sexual abuse of a person under age 13, or by force, threat, or incapacitation, with possible penalties of one to 20 years in prison.
This refers to sexual touching without consent, generally charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail.
Taking indecent liberties with a child under age 15 for sexual purposes is punishable by up to five years in prison.
This offense involves using electronic means to solicit a child for sex, punishable by up to 30 years if aggravated circumstances apply.
Knowingly possessing child sexual abuse material carries penalties of up to five years in prison per offense.
Again, the local prosecutors will make every effort to stack multiple counts from one incident or will charge different crimes based on the same set of facts. For example, each child pornography image serves as one possession count.
In Virginia, many sex crime convictions come with mandatory registration on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. The Virginia State Police maintains the registry, and it is available for public searches, which can affect your reputation, employment, and housing opportunities.
The law requires people convicted of certain offenses, such as rape, aggravated sexual battery, sodomy, object sexual penetration, and child pornography, to register. The nature of the sexual offense charge also determines how long you will be required to register on the Sex Offender Registry.
Failing to comply with registration requirements is a separate felony charge that can lead to prison time. Working with a lawyer who is familiar with sexual offenses in Fairfax means having legal counsel that understands not just the immediate penalties but the lifelong consequences tied to the registry.
Sex crime convictions usually bring jail or prison time, probation, and strict no-contact rules with your victims and/or minors. Courts also order counseling, electronic monitoring, and lengthy supervision.
Many people fail to understand the lasting impact a sex offense conviction can have on their lives. Not only can you face court-ordered penalties that implicate your freedom and finances, but the collateral consequences can be lasting. You might lose custody of your child, lose your employment, and have difficulty finding rental housing.
The most important thing is to avoid a conviction and potential sex offender registration whenever possible. You want a lawyer who will do everything they can to secure a dismissal or an acquittal. Accepting a plea deal may or may not be in your best interest, but never plead guilty to a sex offense without first consulting your Fairfax attorney and reviewing all your options. Failing to do so can affect your entire future.
The Leiva Law Firm has been litigating and winning cases for 25 years. As your Fairfax sex crimes lawyer, Manuel Leiva will work to put together the strongest possible defense for you. For a free consultation, contact our team now.
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