Allegations of sex crimes are often high-profile, which can be highly embarrassing and stressful for you and your family if you are facing charges. Clearing your name can be challenging when so many people in your community may already have prejudged your actions. A Summerville sex crimes lawyer may know how to handle these cases and build the most effective defense possible in your case.

A criminal defense lawyer could answer your procedural questions and guide you through your proceedings every step of the way. This advice and counsel may allow you to reach a more positive outcome to the charges that you are facing.

What are Sex Crimes?

Sex crimes is a broad classification that involves a wide range of crimes involving illegal sexual behaviors. Some of the most commonly charged sex crimes include:

  • Sexual assault and battery
  • Rape and statutory rape
  • Child pornography or sexual exploitation of a child
  • Lewd conduct and indecent exposure

Other sex crimes may consist of Internet-related sex crimes, prostitution, and criminal solicitation of minors.

What are the Penalties for Sex Offenses?

While sex offenses range in severity, a conviction on any sex crime can have severe consequences. Specific factors that may enhance the potential charges and penalties for sex offenses, including the involvement of minors and the level of force or violence used to carry out a sex offense. The degree and extent of the sexual activity that occurred can also impact potential penalties, as can any physical injuries that result from the crime.

A variety of crimes constitute criminal sexual conduct, which can carry penalties up to 30 years in prison, depending on the level of the charge. For instance, criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree carries the potential for a prison sentence ranging from ten to 30 years.

Collateral Consequences of Summerville Sex Crime Convictions

As a sex crimes attorney in Summerville may explain, convictions for sex crimes also result in collateral consequences that can stretch far beyond prison sentences. In many cases, these repercussions can affect individuals for the remainder of their lives, which can hinder employment, living arrangements, and family relationships. Individuals could also be subject to lifetime GPS monitoring via an ankle bracelet.

Sex Offender Registry

Most sex crimes result in individuals being placed on the state sex offender registry for life. The state of South Carolina has one of the most stringent sex offender registries in the country, meaning that individuals may remain as part of the registry forever.

Sexually Violent Predator Program

Civil commitment of individuals convicted of sex offenses may also occur as part of the Sexually Violent Predator program. This civil commitment can occur following any prisons sentences and results in detention in a prison-like treatment facility for an indefinite period.

Consult a Summerville Sex Crimes Attorney

While facing sex crime charges can be intimidating and frightening, charges do not automatically mean that you will be found guilty. A Summerville sex crimes lawyer can investigate your case and help develop the most vigorous defense strategy possible based on the facts involved in your situation. Together, you can work to overcome or reduce the charges against you and potentially minimize the penalties that you may be facing.

With aggressive, yet compassionate, legal assistance on your side, you may place yourself in a better position to obtain the outcome that you desire for the charges against you. Reach out to a criminal defense attorney today.