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.
If you are facing allegations of a sex crime, 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, while providing you
with aggressive and personalized legal solutions to help you either get
your case dismissed or your charges/penalties reduced.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Contact us and schedule a consultation for more information today.