Being charged with or convicted of a sex crime can disrupt and ruin every aspect of your personal and professional life. Given the public’s extremely negative perception of sex offenders and child molesters, you will likely be fighting an uphill battle if you decide to “go it alone.” Moreover, the odds of finding sympathy from a judge or jury in a sex crimes case are slim to none.
A knowledgeable Tuscaloosa sex crimes lawyer on your side can provide invaluable guidance during this time. Contact a distinguished criminal defense attorney that can help you obtain a favorable result in your criminal case.
What Constitutes a Sex CrimeSex crimes is a very general term under Alabama law. It essentially refers to any charge involving sexual activity which is brought against a criminal defendant. Alabama sex crimes include the following:
Alabama sex crimes may also include attempted sexual misconduct arising out of police internet “stings” that do not even involve real people. Some examples of charges commonly associated with these internet stings include soliciting a child to engage in sexual activity and traveling to meet a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
Rights to Legal RepresentationIn an Alabama sex crimes case, as with all Alabama criminal cases, defendants have a right to legal representation under both state and federal law. A criminal defense attorney can help to safeguard a defendant’s constitutional rights and can help them with formulating good legal defenses to their charges.
A Tuscaloosa sex crimes attorney can also help the defendant decide whether or not to accept a plea deal offered by the prosecution. Finally, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help the defendant obtain a lighter penalty upon conviction.
Criminal defendants should always consult with a lawyer before speaking with police officers or investigators about their case or answering any questions. Anything that a criminal defendant says to a police officer or detective may potentially be used against them in a negative way at trial or elsewhere during the proceedings.
Lifelong Impacts of a Sex Crime ConvictionBeing charged with or convicted of a sex crime in Alabama can severely limit a person’s reputation, liberty, associations, and living arrangements. These charges and convictions appear on a person’s criminal record and are available for viewing by the general public at any time.
Moreover, in this age of frequent criminal background checks and easy access to online information, a sex crime conviction can make it difficult – if not impossible – to find a decent place to live, obtain and keep a good job, or attend school at a college or university
National and State Sex Offender RegistriesThe State of Alabama imposes very harsh penalties on felony sex crime convictions. Penalties can range in severity, depending upon the nature of the charge, and can extend up to a life prison sentence. A convicted sex offender will usually have to register for the national and/or state sex offender registries. This also requires that the defendant’s picture is posted online. Since these are lifetime registries, the criminal defendant’s sex offender profile will remain online forever.
Consult a Tuscaloosa Sex Crimes AttorneyA knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can be an invaluable help to you in an Alabama sex crimes case. You should feel free to contact a Tuscaloosa sex crimes lawyer at any time, for a free initial consultation. Work with a compassionate and capable legal advocate that will listen to your side of the story and can defend you. Call today.