Gulf Shores Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sexual offenses are taken seriously under Alabama state law. These charges are aggressively prosecuted in the Gulf Shores area. Facing a sexual offense charge can be completely overwhelming due to the serious nature of the crime. State law classifies most sex crimes as felonies.
Anyone charged with a sexual offense should contact a Gulf Shores sex crimes lawyer immediately. An experienced defense attorney can protect the defendant’s rights, and help them avoid conviction when possible.
Common Sex CrimesState law defines numerous sexual offenses, including those committed against both children and adults. Gulf Shores sex crime attorneys represent those accused of the following crimes:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Enticing a child for indecent purposes
- Domestic sex trafficking
- Indecent exposure
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Sexual abuse of a child
- Other sexual offenses
Any of these or related charges could lead to long prison sentences upon conviction. Anyone charged with a sex crime in Gulf Shores should contact a Gulf Shores sex crimes defense lawyer right away.
Sexual Misconduct DefinedOne of the most misunderstood sexual offense charged in Gulf Shores is sexual misconduct. Alabama Code Section 13A-6-65 defines sexual misconduct as:
- A male engaging in sexual intercourse with a female without her consent in a manner that does not constitute rape under state law
- A male engaging in sexual intercourse with a female with her consent where consent was obtained by the use of any fraud or artifice
- A female engaging in sexual intercourse with a male without his consent
- A male or female engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with another person
“Deviate sexual intercourse” is defined as “any act of sexual gratification between persons not married to each other involving the sex organs of one person.”
One of the reasons this offense is so confusing to most is because it covers a broad spectrum of sexual activity. Sexual misconduct is often confused with the more serious crime of rape in the first or second degree. Though sexual misconduct is a separate crime from rape, it is a Class A misdemeanor. Those convicted of this misdemeanor crime face up to one year in jail and fines up to $6,000.
Protecting a Defendant’s Legal RightsRegardless of the charge someone faces, they have constitutional rights protected by state and federal law. These rights protect a defendant throughout the entire criminal process, and dictate how police and prosecutors behave during a case. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system does not always treat every person with an unbiased approach.
Given the severity of sexual offenses in Gulf Shores, and the serious potential penalties involved, someone charged with a sex crime needs an experienced defense lawyer to protect their rights. Contacting aGulf Shores sex crimes lawyer is a defendant’s best chance at avoiding conviction.
Contacting a Gulf Shores Sex Crimes AttorneyExperienced sex crimes attorneys in Gulf Shores are prepared to fight for your freedom and reputation. They will work hard to protect your rights in and out of court. Contact a Gulf Shores sex crimes lawyer today to learn how they can help.