Sexual crimes are serious offenses, and being charged with any sexual crime is life-altering. Your reputation can be ruined before you even go to trial. Because these allegations are so serious, you must hire an experienced Fairfax sexual abuse lawyer who can fight on your behalf.
At The Leiva Law Firm, we have extensive trial experience involving serious criminal matters. If you are accused of a criminal act, our sex crimes attorney can provide zealous representation. Contact us today to discuss your charges.
The charge of sexual abuse involves a defendant touching someone else’s intimate parts or forcing another to touch their own. According to Virginia Code § 18.2-67.10(6), sexual abuse by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse results in a charge of sexual battery. These charges also apply if the same defendant sexually abuses more than one person within a span of two years. Sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 18.2-67.4, so you will need an attorney if you are facing this charge in Fairfax, as it carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500.00, or both. Depending on the age of the victim, the manner in which the sexual battery occurred, you could be charged with a felony Aggravated Sexual Battery, which carries a possible sentence of 1 to 20 years.
In Fairfax, there is a one-year statute of limitations to be charged with a misdemeanor sexual battery. A statute of limitations sets the timeframe in which someone can file charges following a criminal act. If they do not file within the statute of limitations, the court will likely dismiss the case. Therefore, charges must be filed against the alleged defendant within one year of an incident. If you have been charged with sexual battery, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney from The Leiva Law Firm about protecting your legal rights. Aggravated sexual battery has no statute of limitations.
If you have been charged with sexual assault in Fairfax, a knowledgeable lawyer from our firm can assist you throughout the legal process. A defendant may argue that the sexual contact was consensual, which means both parties agreed to act. Text messages, social media contact, witness testimony, or evidence of prior sexual contact could all assist in proving that the act was consensual. Perhaps the alleged victim has a motive to fabricate, or the defendant may argue that they were not the perpetrator and use DNA evidence to prove their innocence. A dedicated attorney may also argue that the prosecutor has insufficient or unreliable evidence and has failed to prove their case.
Sexual battery cases can be complicated, so it is imperative to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can put forth a strong defense to the allegations.
Defending sexual battery charges takes a skilled and dedicated attorney who understands the criminal process. If you have been charged with this offense, you need to immediately speak with an experienced Fairfax sexual battery lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected.
At The Leiva Law Firm, we relentlessly advocate to protect your legal interests. We offer the trusted legal support needed to guide you throughout the process. We understand the gravity of criminal charges and will help you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your case.
LEIVA LAW FIRM
N/a
+1 (703) 352-6400
