Birmingham Sex Crimes

There are numerous acts that are classified as sex crimes in Alabama. Sex crimes refer to sexual acts that are illegal, in part, because they have committed against someone that did not give consent and/or against someone that is unable to give consent.

In general, if the motive for a criminal act was sexual, it can be deemed a sex crime, regardless of whether both parties engaged in sexual acts.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in Birmingham or the surrounding areas, it is important that you contact an experienced Birmingham sex crimes lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected as you navigate the notorious criminal justice system.

In Birmingham, sex crimes include, but are not limited to, statutory rape, rape, and indecendent exposure. If you are facing any of these charges and the subsequent investigation, contact a sex crimes attorney in Birmingham right away.

The minor is under the age of consent and thus, cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse. The penalties for statutory rape can include imprisonment and fines. There is an exception to statutory rape in a situation which protects teenagers from consensual sexual intercourse when the accused is less than two years older than the minor.

• First-degree statutory rape requires the parties to engage in sexual intercourse; the minor in this case is under the age of 12 and the accused must be at least 16. The parties must be of the opposite sex
• Second-degree statutory rape requires sexual intercourse with a minor between the ages of 12 and 15 and a defendant that is, at least, 16 years old, but must be two years older than the minor. The parties must be of the opposite sex
• First and second-degree sexual abuse – This crime does not require penetration but does require sexual touching of a minor that is, at least, 12 and another party that is, at least, 16

Rape is the act of engaging in forcible sexual intercourse with a member of the opposite sex without consent. Lack of consent is not limited to the victim saying no to the sexual act. It can also include a victim that does not have the capacity to consent because of age or mental capacity and a victim that is physically helpless.

• First-degree rape is punishable with, at least, 10 years’ incarceration, but not more than 99 years’ imprisonment
• Second-degree rape may be punished with up to 20 years in prison, but no fewer than two years’ imprisonment

Indecent exposure includes exposing lewd body parts and/or engaging in sexual acts for sexual gratification is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable with a fine that will not exceed $6,000 and up to one year in jail.

People that have been convicted of sex crimes in Alabama have seven days following release from jail or prison for a sex crime conviction to register as a sex offender. Failing to do so is a separate criminal charge that may be punished with up to 10 years in prison and fines exceeding $10,000.

Being charged with any sex crime in Birmingham may have long-term damage to a person’s reputation. In addition to the immediate penalties issued at sentencing, a conviction for some sex crimes can impact where you can live, work, and worship.

When the penalties are so serious, it is imperative that you seek the services of an experienced Birmingham sex crimes lawyer if you are charged with a sex crime.