Montgomery County Sex Crime Lawyer

Being charged with a sex crime of any kind not only jeopardizes your future, but also carries a significant risk of permanently tarnishing your reputation. If you’re currently accused of any sex crime, whether indecent exposure, crimes committed on the internet, or rape, it is paramount that you retain the services of a competent Montgomery County sex crime lawyer who can come to your defense. Contact Mudrick & Zucker today.

Sex Crime Lawyer | Representing Individuals throughout Montgomery County

Nothing is worse than being accused of committing a crime of a sexual nature. The effects of such accusations are devastating and long-lasting, and courts have harshly punished those who have been convicted of committing such crimes. That said, a Blue Bell criminal defense lawyer from Mudrick & Zucker is here to fight for you.

Types of Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania

Mudrick & Zucker handles the gamut of sex charges on behalf of our clients, including the following:

• Sexual assault & rape
• Statutory rape
• Institutional sexual assault
• Involuntary deviant sexual intercourse
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Indecent exposure
• Incest
• Possession of child pornography
• Soliciting a prostitute
• Failure to register as a sex offender

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania

The penalties for a sex crime of any kind will depend on the specifics of the charges you’re facing, whether you have a prior conviction or are deemed to be a sexually violent predator (SVP). In general, however, sex crimes can be broken down into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Certain crimes, such as rape and involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, are considered felonies. Potential penalties for felony sex crimes are as follows:

• Third Degree: Up to seven years of incarceration and a potential $15,000 fine
• Second Degree: Up to ten years of incarceration and a potential $25,000 fine
• First Degree: Up to 20 years of incarceration and a potential $25,000 fine

Misdemeanor sex crimes, on the other hand, such as indecent exposure or prostitution, are lesser charges, but can still result in incarceration and high fines. The penalties for misdemeanor sex crimes in Pennsylvania are as follows:

• Second Degree: Up to two years of incarceration and a potential $5,000 fine.
• First Degree: Up to five years of incarceration and a potential $10,000 fine.

Sex Offender Registration

Most know of Megan’s Law which in Pennsylvania is called SORNA (Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. SORNA requires the Pennsylvania State Police to maintain a list of individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes. While not all sex crimes require SORNA registration those who are required to register must also report into the State Police several time a year. Those who are determined to be Sexually Violent Predators are required to register with the State Police, participate in treatment and notify the State Police of any changes in job, residence, and travel plans for the rest of their life. In addition, all those required to register will have their photograph and information listed on the Commonwealth Megan’s Law website. If someone is determined to be an SVP the police will also notify neighbors. Some of the requirements of SORNA are:

• Community notification if someone determined to be an SVP moves nearby.
• Restriction from living near certain locations,
• Registration requirement of 15 years, 25 years or Lifetime depending on the crime.
• Notify State Police of travel plans.
• Notify Police in location where you plan to travel to.
• Notification of change in residence
• Notification of enrollment or withdrawal as a student.
• Notification of change in employment or employment location.
• Notification of change in email address.
• Notification of change in phone number.
• Notification of change in use or ownership of motor vehicles including watercraft or aircraft.

Failure to register or notify the State Police is a crime for which a person can be prosecuted for independent of the underlying offense which required them to register.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges

As with any crime, the defense your lawyer will use will depend largely on the circumstances of your crime. However, some common defenses against sex crime charges are as follows:

• You had consent to partake in the sexual activity
• There has been a case of mistaken identity
• There is a lack of evidence to sufficiently prove the charges
• You are being falsely accused
• You have a valid alibi
• Witnesses to the alleged crime are not credible
• You are a victim of entrapment
• Law enforcement violated your rights at the time of your arrest

Contact a Sex Crime Lawyer Today

Anyone accused of committing a sex crime needs a competent lawyer in their corner. If you’re facing these charges, please don’t hesitate to contact Mudrick & Zucker today. We are here to fight for you, every step of the way.