Sex crimes are among some of the most serious offenses that individuals could face. Convictions for sex offenses could result in significant prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration for many years or even life. If you are facing allegations related to sex crimes, you should strongly weigh the benefits of consulting a Pelham sex crimes lawyer for advice.
Other collateral consequences of a sex offense conviction could include restrictions on where you work and live. Sex offender registry information is widely available to the public and the sheriff may be obligated to notify the community when convicted individuals move there.
A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to help reduce the charges against you and minimize or even avoid some of the repercussions that you might face if convicted.
Pelham Sex Offenses Involving IntercourseAlabama law establishes a wide variety of sexually-based offenses. Some of these offenses are misdemeanors while others are far more serious felony offenses. The potential penalties for sex offenses depend largely on whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether individuals have a prior history of convictions.
A commonly-known type of sexual offense under Alabama law is rape, which exists in varying degrees. Under Alabama Code § 13A-6-61, first-degree rape involves forced sexual intercourse, intercourse between one individual who is 16 or older and another individual who is 12 or younger, or intercourse with persons who cannot consent due to their physical helplessness or mental incapacity.
Ala. Code § 13A-6-62 sets forth the offense of second-degree rape. This offense involves intercourse with individuals who unable to consent due to mental defects or when an individual who is over the age of 16 has sexual intercourse with another between the ages of 12 and 16 if there is more than a two-year age difference. Both of these offenses are felonies. Since a conviction for either could result in a lengthy prison sentence, seeking the advice of a sex crimes lawyer in Pelham may be highly beneficial.
Another sex offense under Alabama law is sexual misconduct, which Ala. Code § 13A-6-65 defines as non-consensual sexual intercourse, intercourse in which parties obtained consent through fraud or artifice, or deviate sexual intercourse not covered by other statutes. Sexual misconduct is a Class A misdemeanor.
Offenses Involving Unlawful Sexual ContactWhile some sex offenses that are prohibited under Alabama law involve sexual contact, intercourse is not. These offenses typically are less serious yet still may carry harsh penalties upon conviction.
A common sex offense that involves unlawful sexual contact with no penetration is sexual abuse. The offense of sexual abuse in the first degree could occur under Ala. Code § 13A-6-66 when individuals use physical force or threats of immediate death or serious injury to engage in sexual contact with another. This offense also may occur when persons have sexual contact with those who are unable to consent due to mental or physical incapacitation.
Sexual abuse in the second degree pursuant to Ala. Code § 13A-6-67 may occur when individuals have sexual contact with others who are incapable of consent because of some factor other than being under 16. Second-degree sexual abuse also may occur when the alleged actors are 19 years of age or older and the other parties are between the ages of 12 and 16.
First-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, and mandatory sex offender registration in some cases. Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class A misdemeanor. A Pelham attorney could help defendants understand the potential penalties for sex crimes. A Pelham sex crimes lawyer could also help build a defense case for the accused.
Speaking With a Pelham Sex Crimes AttorneyGiven the potential severity of sex crimes charges, getting legal advice could be crucial to your defense. A Pelham sex crimes lawyer may be able to help you determine the defense strategy for your case is that is most reasonably calculated to avoid these negative consequences.
Enlisting the assistance of strong legal counsel from the outset of your case could help ensure that your rights are protected. Work toward a strong defense in your case by contacting an experienced legal advocate today. Call today.