Seattle Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys
Seattle is the fastest-growing major city in the United States, and that fast growth has led to an increased demand for attorneys of all kinds, including sex crime attorneys. Seattle, like many other cities, takes sex crimes and domestic violence very seriously, and if you’ve been charged, it’s essential to have quality representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
The charges of sex crimes carry a stigma that can change your life, whether you remain in Seattle or move elsewhere. If you are facing prosecution, seek advice from the Vindicate Criminal Law Group in protecting your rights.
Sex Crimes In Seattle
Sex offenses cover a broad range of illegal conduct involving sexual contact, sexual assault or sexual intercourse, including and extending well beyond rape.
Those convicted of a serious sex crime will face not only jail time and fines but also forced registration in the state’s sex offender database. The database is publicly accessible to neighbors, potential employers, and any other interested parties.
Registered sex offenders have restrictions on where they can live and work, and they must maintain the registration and alert the state of Washington to any changes in address. If you leave the state, you must re-register as a sex offender in the new state based on that state’s laws for sex offenders.
Sex Crimes Involving Children In Seattle
Most states have a single statutory rape law dealing with sex with minors. In Washington, there are three degrees of rape of a child and three degrees of child molestation. Consent is not a defense, in contrast to rape involving adults.
First-degree rape of a child occurs when the victim is a minor who is 11 years old or younger, and the perpetrator of sexual intercourse is at least two years older than the victim. As with other types of rape, sexual intercourse is defined as penetration, even to a slight degree, with a body part or object. The punishment for first-degree rape of a child is up to life in prison, a fine of $50,000, or both.
First-degree child molestation happens when there is any sort of sexual contact between a victim who is 11 years old or younger and a perpetrator who is at least three years older. Sexual contact is defined as the touching of another person’s intimate parts in order to cause sexual gratification. Like first-degree rape of a child, the punishment is up to life in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
As is the case with other sex crimes, anyone with a conviction for a sex crime involving a minor will also need to register as a sex offender.
What Do The Different Sex Offender Levels Mean In Seattle, Washington?
Following a conviction for a sex crime, individuals will be assigned a category ranging from one to three. These sex offender levels are categorized based on the following:
- Level 1: Typically, first-time offenders land in this category. This category includes individuals who are not deemed high-risk and those who are unlikely to re-offend.
- Level 2: People in this category often has a criminal past involving sex crimes are likely to re-offend in the future.
- Level 3: The highest risk perpetrators fall into this category. These offenders are high-risk individuals who are the most likely to commit a sex crime again.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to stay on the registry list for up to 15 years or potentially for life. For further information, contact one of our esteemed attorneys today.
Convictions Have Devastating Consequences
Being convicted of sexual assault or another sex-related crime can impact you for life potentially. Beyond the obvious consequences of jail time and fines, convicted individuals will be required to register as a sex offender. This obligation can affect your daily life by restricting where you are allowed to live and work. Furthermore, a sex crime conviction will have a drastic impact on your social life as many people will likely try to distance themselves, leaving you isolated potentially.
Discuss Your Sex Crime Charges With A Seattle Defense Lawyer
Seattle prosecutors may continue to pursue domestic violence or sex crime charges even after a victim drops the complaint. These cases can severely impact your reputation, limit your freedom of movement, and exclude you from certain professions.
If you are facing prosecution in Seattle, you should retain an experienced sex crime defense attorney. At Vindicate Criminal Law Group, we are aware that these cases often turn on the credibility of witnesses and the ability to raise reasonable doubt and tell your side of the story in a compelling way. Contact us today for your confidential case evaluation, or call 855-898-2542.
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