Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Last updated on April 24, 2025

Mounting a successful defense to allegations of sex offenses requires an experienced attorney. For more than 20 years, Vindicate Criminal Law Group have provided stellar defense in cases requiring any criminal defense legal service. We are dedicated Washington sex crimes lawyers who defend the rights of individuals throughout western Washington.

What Is A Sex Crime?

Sex crimes refer to a variety of illegal conduct, from exhibitionism and sexually explicit threats, to child pornography, and rape. These types of crimes require an intentional act, such as the use of threat or force, to engage another in unwanted sexual conduct. In addition to rape, these crimes include other types of sexual misconduct, even if they do not involve violence or intercourse. Sexual assault, for example, is a common charge covering anything from violent attacks and attempted rape to unwanted contact and threats. Sexual assault generally requires physical touching or contact with a body part without the victim’s consent. Examples of other sex crimes include:

• Rape: Forcing another person to engage in sexual intercourse without their consent.
• Statutory rape: Having sexual intercourse with an individual who is under the age of consent.
• Voyeurism: Watching, recording or photographing an individual for sexual purposes without their knowledge.
• Child molestation: The act of engaging in inappropriate contact with a child.
• Indecent liberties: Performing sexual behaviors with a person whom you have an advantage or authority over.
• Child pornography: Creating, distributing or being in possession of sexual materials involving children.
• Sexual exploitation of a minor: Taking photographs or conducting live performances of children performing sexual acts.
• Solicitation and prostitution: Agreeing to have intercourse with another individual for compensation or paying someone for sexual gratification.
• Sexual misconduct/lewd acts: Inappropriately making contact with someone or exposing oneself in public.
• Aggravated sexual assault: Forcing someone into performing sexual behavior with the use of violence or threats.
• Custodial sexual misconduct: Any sexual activity between a law enforcement officer or employee and a person in their custody.
• Registered sex offenders: Sex offenders are required to register as such in Washington after a sex crime conviction. We can assist convicted clients and help them understand their rights.

Facing any of these charges can be overwhelming. Our Washington sex crimes attorneys understand this and can offer the representation you need to minimize your charges or prove you are not guilty.

Sex Crimes Under Washington Law

All related offenses are set forth in the Revised Code of Washington. Child molestation requires the perpetrator to “knowingly cause” sexual contact with a person under 18. Sexual misconduct with a minor includes conduct involving abuse of a significant relationship or supervisory position with respect to the victim, contact between enrolled students and school employees, and abuse by foster parents. Indecent liberties refer to forced sexual contact with victims who, because of their age, disability, or incapacity, are unable to provide consent. These types of offenses are easy to charge but hard to defend. Washington law does not require corroboration of the alleged victim’s testimony: it is one person’s word against another. Thus, a winning defense often requires the exclusion of hearsay evidence and undermining the victim’s credibility.

Is There A Criminal Statute Of Limitations For Sex Crimes In Washington?

In Washington state, different sex crime charges carry different time limits for prosecution.

Sex crimes against minors, including rape of a child (all degrees), child molestation (all degrees), sexual misconduct with a minor (1st degree), distribution of child pornography and any sexual offense where the victim was under 18, have no time limit for prosecution.

For sex crimes against adults, Washington law establishes a 10-year limit for rape (1st and 2nd degree) and indecent liberties with forcible compulsion, while most other sex offenses carry a three-year limit.

Important exceptions exist in the law. If a perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence, charges may be filed within one year of identification, regardless of when the crime occurred. Additionally, for some offenses, the statute of limitations clock starts only after the crime is reported to law enforcement.

A Washington Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Is Essential. Call Today!

If you have been charged with a sex crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. For more than 20 years, we have protected the rights of people accused of committing sexual offenses throughout Washington. We have successfully defended numerous clients charged with rape and sexual misconduct, resulting in acquittals, the dismissal of criminal charges, and drastically minimized sentences. We can help you clear your name and move on with your life. Call 253-300-4762 today for a consultation or contact us online.

Suggested Reading

• Romeo And Juliet Law In Washington
• What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Rape In Washington?
• Age Of Consent Laws In Washington
• What Are The Penalties For Voyeurism In Washington State?
• Understanding Washington’s Prostitution Laws