Crenshaw County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex offenses, perhaps more than any other crime, could have repercussions that go far beyond a criminal sentence. Allegations that you have committed a sex crime can be highly damaging to your reputation, your relationships, and your career.

A conviction could have even more severe consequences, including incarceration and mandated sex offender registration. Even after you have served your time, you may be subject to restrictions on where you live and work.

Getting advice from a skilled criminal defense attorney from the outset of any investigation or allegations may be crucial to a positive outcome in your case. A Crenshaw County sex crimes lawyer may be able to help defend you against these accusations.

Alabama lawmakers have enacted a variety of laws that criminalize different types of sexual activities. The perceived harm to others that results from the offense determines whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Other factors that impact the level of the charges and the potential penalties include:

• Prior convictions for sex crimes
• Whether the offense resulted in bodily harm to others
• Whether the sexual activity involved minors
• The degree of severity of the actions

A conviction for a sex offense might result in decades in prison, fines, probation, counseling, and mandatory sex offender registration for an extended period, or even for life. A sex crimes attorney in Crenshaw County may be able to explain any potential charges and their accompanying punishment to those who are facing accusations of wrongdoing.

Under Alabama Code §13A-6-61, first-degree rape occurs when individuals engage in sexual intercourse by force or with others who are unable to consent as a result of mental or physical incapacitation. It is also considered first-degree rape when individuals who are age 16 or older engage in sex with others who are age 12 or younger.

Under Ala. Code §13A-6-62, second-degree rape occurs when individuals have sexual intercourse with others who are incapable of consent due to mental defect. This statute also applies when individuals who are over the age of 16 have sexual intercourse with others who are between the ages of 12 and 16 if there is more than a two-year age difference between the parties.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony, which may result in a prison sentence ranging from ten years to life. Second-degree rape is a Class B felony, which carries the potential for two to 20 years in prison upon conviction. A sex crimes lawyer in Crenshaw County could assist an accused person with disputing any accusations of rape.

Two other common sex crimes under Alabama law are sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. According to Ala. Code §13A-6-65, sexual misconduct consists of non-consensual sexual intercourse, intercourse in which one party obtained the consent of another through fraud, or deviate sexual intercourse, whether consensual or not.

Alternatively, sexual abuse involves only unlawful sexual contact rather than intercourse. First-degree sexual abuse under Ala. Code §13A-6-66 occurs when individuals forcibly compel others to engage in sexual contact or have sexual contact with persons who are incapable of consent due to physical or mental incapacitation.

Second-degree sexual abuse, as dictated by Ala. Code §13A-6-67, occurs when individuals have sexual contact with others who cannot consent due to some reason other than by being under the age of 16. It is also second-degree sexual abuse when individuals who are age 19 or older engage in sexual contact with others who are between the ages of 12 and 16. Individuals facing sexual misconduct or abuse charges should obtain a dedicated lawyer as soon as possible.

Sex crime allegations may easily ruin everything in your life that you have worked so hard to build. In many situations, a lack of communication, a desire for revenge, or other factors can lead to accusations of sexual misconduct.

A Crenshaw County sex crimes lawyer could work to build a defense case on your behalf to help deflect the charges against you. By enlisting the help of experienced legal counsel, you may place yourself in a better position to influence the outcome in your case.