Federal, state, and local prosecutors expend significant resources investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of sex crimes. In addition, the Pennsylvania criminal statutes covering sexual offenses address various forms of behavior, from indecent exposure to rape. Depending on the charge, you may face years in prison if convicted. If you are in this situation, it is crucial to hire a skilled sex crimes defense lawyer.
Falsely Accused of Sex Crime?
Police and prosecutors often file sex offense charges based solely on the accuser’s word and without thoroughly investigating the allegations. Unfortunately, a person can be charged with a sex crime based entirely on a false accusation.
In some cases, the false allegations are made out of revenge, a desire for financial gain, or to create leverage in a child custody matter. Preparing the strongest legal defense is often the only way to avoid losing your family and your freedom.
Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
A sex crime conviction can result in devastating life-long consequences, both personally and professionally. An individual convicted of a sex crime often faces a lengthy prison sentence, loss of employment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, an individual convicted of an enumerated sex offense in Pennsylvania will be subject to a 15-year, 25-year, or lifetime sex offender registration. In addition, any individual determined by the court to be a “sexually violent predator” shall be subject to a lifetime sex offender registration even if a conviction for the offense carries a lower registration requirement.
Therefore, having a criminal defense attorney with experience trying sex crimes cases is vital if the police charge you with a sex offense.
Sex Crime Defense Attorney
Are you trying to locate a sex crimes attorney near me? I have over a decade of experience providing skilled and aggressive representation to individuals facing charges for sexual offenses in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County and the surrounding Pennsylvania Counties.
Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation, or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.
Evidence used in a Sex Crime Case
The quantity and quality of evidence in a sex offense case vary greatly. Forensic evidence – such as blood, DNA, semen, fingerprints, hair, and fibers – may be recovered from the crime scene. In addition, certain sex offense cases are called “testimonial” cases.
In a testimonial sex offense case, the primary evidence comes from the accuser’s statements and testimony regarding the alleged crime. I am highly experienced in evaluating the strength or weaknesses of the various types of evidence used in a sex crime prosecution.
Categories of PA Sex Offenses
I have extensive trial experience defending individuals charged with a wide range of sex offenses, including:
- Rape
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- Statutory sexual assault
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated indecent assault
- Sexting
- Indecent assault
- Indecent exposure
- Open lewdness
- Prostitution
- Failure to register (SORNA, Megan’s Law)
Pennsylvania Sex Crime Defense
At the outset of the case, I will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances of the allegation to develop the most effective defense strategy.
In their attempt to establish the accused’s guilt, most sex crime prosecutors rely on the testimony of police officers, medical personnel, sex assault nurse examiners (SANE nurses), DNA specialists, and other forensic experts. Unfortunately, the accuracy and credibility of the opinions and conclusions of the prosecutor’s experts can often be successfully challenged in court.
Sex Offense Defense Investigation
The majority of sex offense cases will require the use of an independent defense investigator. An impartial defense investigator often uncovers evidence that the police overlooked.
My professional network includes several highly skilled defense investigators who have assisted me in successfully defending sex offense cases. Therefore, it is essential to begin conducting the independent defense investigation of the accusations as soon as the police place you under investigation for a sex offense.
The Role of a Defense Investigator in a Sex Offense Case
Depending on the facts of the case, a defense investigator may be used to locate, interview, and subpoena witnesses who can provide testimony and other evidence favorable to the defense.
A private defense investigator may also be used to obtain phone records, medical records, surveillance videos, social media postings, and other evidence demonstrating that the accused has been falsely accused of a crime.
Defense Experts in a Sex Offense Case
In many cases, I have used highly experienced forensic experts in police practices and procedures, toxicology, DNA, digital forensics, medical treatment, and sexual assault nurse examination (SANE) protocols to refute the evidence presented by the prosecutor at trial.
In addition, the defense forensic experts can often directly refute the opinions and conclusions offered by the prosecution experts during the trial.
Common Defenses in a Sex Offense Case
Some of the most common defenses used in sex offense cases include:
- Consent
- Involuntary intoxication
- Mistake of age
- Mistaken identity (misidentification)
- Alibi
- Exoneration of the accused through DNA evidence
- An incompetent and unreliable investigation by the police
Start with a Strong Defense
Have the police charged you with indecent assault, sexual assault. indecent exposure or other sexual offense? Are you searching for an experienced sex crimes lawyer near me?
I fight for people falsely accused of sex crimes in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Chester County, Delaware County, and the neighboring Pennsylvania Counties.
Phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Contact me for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
