Washington D.C. Sex Crime Lawyers

Call (202) 759-7929 to Let Us Protect Your Rights, Reputation & Freedom

A sex crime is one of the most serious criminal offenses in Washington D.C. and the rest of the United States. Not only can a conviction lead to imprisonment and fines, but you may also have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. Furthermore, simply being accused of a sex crime can make you appear guilty in the eyes of the media and public, which can ruin your personal life and professional reputation.

What Types of Sex Crimes Do We Handle?

Our firm handles the following sex crime cases:

• Sexual assault
• Rape, date rape, or statutory rape
• Child pornography
• Prostitution and solicitation
• Child sex abuse
• Lewd, indecent, or obscene acts to a minor victim

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer On Your Side

When sex crime allegations arise, many people make the mistake of ignoring the accusations and letting the criminal justice process play out. Unfortunately, failure to take action can leave you vulnerable to legal pitfalls that could land you in further trouble.

Sex crimes are divided into the following five degrees:

• First-degree sexual abuse – This occurs when a person forces, threatens or coerces a victim into engaging in a sexual act (e.g. sexual intercourse, anal sex, or oral sex) with the intention to abuse, arouse, harass, humiliate, degree, or gratify the sexual desire of the perpetrator. A conviction is punishable by a maximum 30-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000.
• Second-degree sexual abuse – Just like first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse occurs when a victim receives threats or is placed in reasonable fear. In addition, if the perpetrator knows the victim doesn’t comprehend what’s happening, is incapable of declining consent, or incapable of voicing unwillingness to participate in sexual activity. A conviction leads to a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine not exceeding $200,000.
• Third-degree sexual abuse – This involves “non-penetration” sexual contact with a victim, accomplished by using force or threats. A conviction results in a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a fine no more than $100,000.
• Fourth-degree sexual abuse – Also involving “non-penetration” sexual contact with a victim, but the perpetrator knows the victim doesn’t understand the nature of the sexual act, cannot voice refusal, or unable to say “no” to the perpetrator’s actions. A conviction is punishable by a prison term of up to five years and a fine not exceeding $50,000.
• Misdemeanor sexual abuse – When sexual contact occurs, but the perpetrator knew he/she didn’t have permission to do so. A conviction results in a maximum six-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.

Our Washington D.C. criminal defense attorneys can take preventative legal measures to protect your rights and future from such damaging allegations. We can investigate your case, collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and find weaknesses in the accuser’s case.

Does Washington DC Have the Romeo and Juliet Law?

Washington D.C, does have a Romeo and Juliet law as it relates to child sex abuse statutes. Under the definition of both second-degree child sex abuse and first-degree child sex abuse, there is a requirement that the defendant is at least four years older than the child. So under the Romeo and Juliet laws, the victim and the perpetrator can only be 4 years apart to have the Romeo and Juliet laws be in effect. Even though there are Romeo and Juliet laws, these laws can not be used as an excuse for the sex abuse of a minor. The situation in which Romeo and Juliet Laws are meant to prevent situations in which a 17 year old accused of statuatory rape with a younger significant other. Under the Romeo and Juliet Laws, these situations would prevent it to be considered a sex crime because parties are consenting.

What is the Age of Consent in Washington?

The legal age of consent in Washington is generally 16 years old. There are still some rules that will still not allow someone to have sexual intercourse with someone that is 16 such as:

• Foster parent and a foster child
• School Employee and a student
• You are 5 years or older than the victim
• Abusing supervisory position

Ready to Fight for You Today

Due to the severity of the penalties you face, hiring an experienced attorney can make a huge difference between conviction and freedom. We have the resources and skill required to help you avoid a guilty verdict or mitigate the penalties your face.

How We Can Help

• Our Washington D.C. criminal defense lawyers at Hunter & Johnson, PLLC is ready to fight for you and obtain the best possible results on your behalf.
• With a track record of success helping our clients, we have the extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process.
• We will provide you with aggressive and personalized legal solutions to help you either get your case dismissed or your charges/penalties reduced.

Contact us and schedule a consultation for more information today.