Prostitution means taking part in, agreeing to take part in or offering to take part in sexual activities for money. It’s illegal in most states, including Washington. Here, state laws are specific, applying not just to those offering services but to everyone involved...
Allegations of indecent exposure can impact one’s personal and professional life. Understanding the law and possible defenses can make a difference if you or someone you know is facing these charges. What is indecent exposure? Washington law defines indecent exposure as intentionally revealing private parts in a way that likely causes offense or alarm. Typical examples can include masturbating, urinating…
Sex crime cases are undeniably some of the most delicate and complex legal matters to manage. One challenge is addressing false accusations. These baseless claims can have severe consequences on the accused’s life, relationships, reputation and future endeavors. False accusations in sex crime cases are not as rare as one might think. It is crucial to comprehend the reason behind…
Washington has a law called the Community Protection Act of 1990. Under this law, sex offenders must register where they live. Neighboring residents get notified when high-risk Level II or III offenders move nearby. This helps make the public aware of convicted offenders living in their community. For those on the sex offender registry, there may be a way to…
Understanding Second Degree Sexual Misconduct In Washington, there are two forms of sexual misconduct: first-degree and second-degree. First-degree is a class C felony involving sexual intercourse with a minor. Second-degree misconduct, a gross misdemeanor, involves sexual contact. In the case of second-degree, the adult, at least five years older, engages in or causes inappropriate contact with a teenager aged 16…
For people in Washington who work with children, like teachers, coaches and mentors, accusations of an inappropriate relationship with one of their wards can be devastating. Defending yourself as loudly and assertively as possible will be your first instinct, but a more measured approach might serve you better overall. Educator misconduct statistics A 2023 study of 6,632 recent high school…
Where to Get Assistance and Information No matter the circumstances, people accused of sex crimes will need support as they navigate the legal and social ramifications of their charges, both before and after their trial. Here are a few options to get started. Legal aid We’ll start with the obvious. People accused of sex crimes should find appropriate legal counsel…
A solicitation charge can be potentially embarrassing and result in a damaged reputation. On the other hand, a conviction can result in more tangible, long-term consequences. Here’s a quick primer. Defining “solicitation” Washington State law’s thorough description says: Pursuant to a prior understanding, he or she pays a fee to another person as compensation for such person or a third…
What is an Expert Witness in a Sex Crime Case? While it is not common for prosecuting attorneys to call in expert witnesses to testify in a sex crimes case, it’s common enough that defendants should know the implications. There are many reasons attorneys usually don’t bother with expert witnesses. They can be expensive, there’s no guarantee that their testimony…
Understanding the Legal Complexities of Juvenile Sex Crimes A juvenile defendant for any crime is always a difficult situation. Age, maturity and sometimes simply being able to discern right from wrong makes each case unique. What should juveniles accused of sex crimes and their families expect? Assault and rape While all sex crime charges are serious, a juvenile accused of…