Sexual Offenses are contained within Chapter 31 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code. It is a long and complicated set of laws that include many offenses. To someone who does not work in the criminal justice system, some of the violations will seem repetitive. Understanding how the offenses are graded (felony vs. misdemeanor and degree) is even more confusing.
There are familiar offenses, such as rape, indecent exposure, and statutory sexual assault (statutory rape). But then there are less understood crimes, such as deviant sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and unlawful dissemination of intimate image. Serious crimes such as false imprisonment and/or kidnapping are often added to the list of charges against someone accused of a sex crime.
Long story short, it is complicated. You need legal counsel to make a gameplan and guide you through the process if you want to achieve the best possible outcome. The consequences for a conviction could mean significant prison time, fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender for as long as the rest of your life.
What should I do if my loved one or I am charged with a sexual crime in Pennsylvania? If you or your loved one has been accused of a sex crime and you would like to get out ahead of it, call 215-650-6500 to discuss your options or get a second opinion from attorney Stephen Stewart. In sex crime cases, there is often a situation in which the case comes down to one person’s word against another’s. Any 911 calls, surveillance video, witnesses, or other evidence could only be available for a limited time.
How does Megan’s Law work in Pennsylvania? Will I have to register if convicted or if I take a plea deal? The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (or SORNA for short) (and also known as Megan’s Law) is both a federal and state law, which requires individuals convicted of certain crimes to register for a number of years or life. Being forced to register as a Sex Offender or a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) will make it very difficult to get certain types of employment, housing, and other privileges and benefits. Call attorney Stephen Stewart at 215-650-6500 to discuss your particular situation.
What if my loved one or I already have an attorney? If you or your loved one has already had a court date in a sex crimes case, a public defender, a court-appointed attorney, or another privately retained attorney will be on the case. Attorney Stephen Stewart can offer a second opinion and potentially an alternative approach to fighting the charges if you are unhappy with your current representation. Book An Appointment to discuss.
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