Charged with a Sex Crime: How to Get Help

When an individual is charged with a sex crime, whether guilty or innocent, they are extremely fearful. The penalties for sexually related crimes are some of the most severe in the criminal system.  There are also many sexually related behaviors that fall under the umbrella of sex crimes. The fear of facing such serious consequences leaves those charged with these crimes in serious need of help.
Sex Crimes

There are many charges that can be leveled against an individual which would be considered sex crimes.  The following offenses all fall under the category of sex crimes.

1. Lewd Acts in Public

Usually this charge is leveled against homosexual men when propositioning one another for oral or anal sex. I is also used for those involved in masturbation and/or touching another person sexually while in a location open to the public.  Usually a police task force will monitor behaviors in or near bathrooms at parks or adult bookstores where they believe lewd behavior can or will take place.

2. Indecent Exposure

This charge can be considered either a misdemeanor or felony depending upon circumstances. Generally this is the charge for those who expose themselves or their private parts in a public area or in a place where other people are present and are offended or annoyed by the exposure. It is also charged against those who in some way assist or counsel others to expose themselves or make any exhibition of themselves to public view in such a way that it is offensive to decency, or is designed to excite lewd thoughts or actions. Whether misdemeanor or felony, conviction of this offense results in lifetime sex offender registration.

3. Peeking

Peeking is the charge of looking in at or taking pictures of (including video of) others in areas where the culprit knows those others will be, and that those others will presume they have complete privacy.  This offense is usually due to looking in residence windows, bedrooms and or bathrooms, hiding cameras in these places as well, or aiming cameras up skirts, etc. These charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies as well, depending upon the circumstances of the crime.

4. Prostitution/Solicitation

It is a sex crime to be loitering with the purpose of prostitution or the solicitation for prostitution and/or engaging in the act of prostitution. Both the prostitute and the prostitute's client can be charged with this crime. Police no longer focus strictly on areas where prostitutes walk the streets.  They now do undercover work in night clubs, chiropractic offices, strip clubs, and massage parlors.

When proving the intent of prostitution, the police will be looking for physical evidence such as condoms, large quantities of cash, lubricants, client lists, sexually explicit devices, the appearance and dress as well as the manner of those involved.

It is not entrapment for a female officer to offer sexual acts for money.  What will determine the charge is how the potential client responds to the offer.

5. Sexual Battery

The charge of sexual battery is a bit of a catch-all term for many of the crimes that fall short of being called rape or sexual assault. It is generally the touching of someone that is of a sexual nature and that the touching is unwanted.  The definition is vague as conversations which one might find flirtatious can be interpreted as sexual battery. Other forms of this crime include unwanted touching of genitals or groping, and it doesn't matter if it is under or over clothing.

6. Statutory Rape

This charge is when a man or woman engages in sexual acts, regardless of whether it is consensual, with a minor (one who is under the legal age of consent). Different state laws will dictate the age of a minor, but generally it is 18 years of age or younger. If a minor is involved and lies to the culprit about his/her age, the culprit is still guilty of the crime.

7. Date Rape

This charge is when there is forcible sex between two people who already know each other or have a familiar relationship with one another.  With this offense, consent becomes the major argument. This charge is also quite often associated with date-rape drugs such as rohypnol or alcohol.  When the victim voluntarily intoxicates him/her self and rape occurs, it falls under this charge as well.

8. Forcible Rape

This is the most serious charge of a sex crime.  Forcible rape takes place as a random act between strangers or between those who know each other and usually takes place along with a violent crime.  This is usually always prosecuted as a felony and can lead to a lifetime sentence.

Help for those Charged with a Sex Crime

No matter whether the person is guilty or innocent or has been the victim of a misunderstanding, if he/she is charged with a sex crime, he/she should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer.  Check online, or through a local phone book, or better yet get a referral from someone who can vouch for the effectiveness of a powerful defense attorney.

In the case of rape where no witnesses are present, it can be difficult on the part of the prosecutor to prove.  Physical evidence, including DNA, photographs of injuries, witnesses who can testify that the two of you were together, proof or samples that tie you to date-rape drugs, etc., can all lead to a guilty verdict.  There are some defenses which are commonly employed, they include: consent, insufficient evidence, and mistaken identity.  Regardless of the strategies employed by counsel, the best help for one charged with these crimes is an excellent attorney.

There are innocent people who end up in prison because they assumed that their innocence didn't need to be proved in a court of law. This is a mistake. So is assuming you can represent yourself and appear more innocent.  An attorney can assist you with issues beyond the maze of court filings and hearings.  They can help you with how to act, dress and even speak to protect your reputation.

Contact an Attorney

As mentioned above, an attorney is the best help that one charged with a sex crime has available.  Any questions regarding how you can further be helped are best addressed to an attorney as well.