With an ever-increasing number of sexual crimes in the United States, it is vital to understand the types of crimes. Gaining knowledge has been even more essential to restrain from committing a legal violation and preventing the adverse effects on the lives of people involved.
The legal practitioners in the US exclaim that a diverse number of sex crimes lead to severe penalties in the court of law. Furthermore, knowing about illegal actions helps the falsely accused from being penalized in criminal activities. Thus, enlightening oneself about these laws helps the victim ( here, falsely accused) know about their rights.
A study sheds light on the shocking fact that approximately 5% of filed reports on sexual assault have proven false.
Thereby, when you’ve been wrongly accused, it is essential to hire a lawyer for the criminal defense. With a sex crime attorney at your service, you can battle against charges with the help of a legal strategy and mitigate the damages.
Sex Crimes- What are they?
Several offenses fall into the category of sex crimes. These usually involve coerced or illegal sexual conduct against an individual.
When involved in sexual abuse (whether falsely accused or victim), it is wise to know that every state has laws dealing with sexual assault or rape offenses. Also, the time duration differs based on the report filed.
As per law, those convicted of a sex crime are known as “sex offenders.” And their names are added to the federal and state sex offender registries. That’s the reason why people who’ve been falsely accused reach out to the court of law to protect themselves from being charged.
Sexual Offenses- What are the Most Popular Types?
The sex crime laws are more and less in all states across the United States. Some of the most common ones include sexual activity with a minor, sexual battery or assault, lascivious acts, and rape against another.
The penalty or conviction differs based on the crime charged. For instance, a person who participates or engages in sexual activity with a minor may face a jail sentence or a prison along with a conviction. However, lewd activity leads to excessive fines. Instances of assault, rape, or battery may lead to excessive fines, prison terms, or rehabilitation.
Furthermore, if you’re an accused who believe in being charged with sexual defamation, having a sex crime attorney at your service can be your best bet. Some of the most common crimes are:
- Crimes Against Minors:
Studies show that some of the most traumatic and severe crimes occur with minors. A person below the age of consent isn’t capable of indulging in sexual contact with an adult.
Or, a person below the age of seventeen who has sex with an adult of at least twenty-four is charged with a sex crime. Know that ignorance of age doesn’t reduce criminal charges. Also, it involves some severe penalties.
Thereby, individuals who’ve been falsely charged need lawyers to build a defense against sentencing for conviction. After all, no innocent wants to pay $10,000 in fines and up to fifteen years in prison.
- Child Pornography:
Child pornography involves the possession, viewing, or control of illicit information. These may relate to visual depictions, images, data files, exhibitions, motion pictures, or other presentations that include sexual conduct by a child.
The law considers it illegal to possess or transfer obscene data or information to a minor through an electronic device like a computer or others.
However, not always the victim is true in their actions. Sometimes, out of revenge or misrepresentation, he may charge an innocent with a crime. And, here’s when having a defense attorney is vital.
- Rape and Sexual Battery:
The two charges- rape and sexual battery- go hand-in-hand in states like Florida. These crimes account for coercion and force of a sexual nature. However, the age of both the parties and their actions play a pivotal role. Indulging in a sex crime of this nature may lead to the registration of the sex offender for the rest of their life.
Nevertheless, the standard sentencing in a conviction increases by using aggravating factors. These may include physical injury, assault, or intimation using a deadly weapon.
However, if the accused believes that he’s falsely charged, getting in touch with an attorney plays a significant role.
- Lascivious Behavior:
Indulging in sexual activity with a minor below sixteen may account for participating in lascivious behavior or lewd conduct. It is because anybody below this age cannot provide consent to the other party.
Also, ignorance towards the actual age of the other party isn’t a defense against sex crimes. Instead, the accused may be registered as a sex offender and charged with additional penalties. Some of which are prison terms, re-education programs, and fines.
Thus, if an accused (falsely) needs evidence, it is always wise to seek legal assistance. After all, the repercussions may affect their personal and professional well-being.
The Verdict
The law system of the United States acknowledges numerous types of sex crimes, depending on the nature of the crime conducted. Thereby, if you’ve been falsely charged with a crime, it is vital to have a sex crime lawyer by your side.
The professional will present your case in the court of law and help you prove yourself innocent. After all, a wrong accusation has severe monetary and emotional repercussions.
