Tacoma Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers
Mounting a successful defense to allegations of sex offenses requires an experienced attorney.
For more than twenty years, Vindicate Criminal Law Group has provided stellar defense in cases requiring criminal defense legal services. We are dedicated Tacoma, Washington, sex crimes lawyers who defend individuals’ rights.
Don’t hesitate to call our 24-hour hotline at 855-898-2542 for a confidential consultation.
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 individual to perform sexual acts, including intercourse, against their will.
- Statutory rape: The act of an adult engaging in sexual intercourse, regardless of the circumstances, with a person under the age of 18.
- Voyeurism: Conspicuously recording an unknowing person for sexual gratification.
- Child molestation: Engaging in inappropriate behavior or any sexual contact with a child.
- Indecent liberties: Performing sexual acts on a person who is disabled, under the perpetrator’s authority, or through force.
- Child pornography: Possessing, distributing or manufacturing explicit content of minors.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor: This category includes the act of photographing or allowing the live performance of a minor engaging in sexual behavior.
- Solicitation and prostitution: Offering compensation to another individual for intercourse or accepting payment to perform sexual acts on another person.
- Sexual misconduct/lewd acts: Exposing one’s genitals or inappropriately making contact with someone without their consent in a public area.
- Aggravated sexual assault: Forcing an individual to engage in sexual behaviors by using threats of violence.
- Custodial sexual misconduct: This crime occurs when a law enforcement or correctional facility worker or officer performs sexual acts on a person in their custody.
- Registered sex offenders: We can help registered offenders ensure they follow every requirement necessary and have knowledge of their rights.
Tacoma, Washington residents accused of any of these offenses need representation from experienced attorneys. Please do not hesitate to contact our firm for additional information and support.
Sex Crimes Under Tacoma, 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.
Convictions Have Devastating Consequences
Sex crime allegations are not taken lightly throughout Washington state. In fact, anyone convicted of a sex-related crime is required by law to register as a sex offender. Beyond that, depending on the crime a person was convicted of, they will likely face felony charges and be fined thousands of dollars. In addition to the criminal and economic consequences of a sex crime conviction, offenders will also face social ramifications that could follow them for life.
A Tacoma Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Offering Free Consultations
If you have been charged with a sex crime, an experienced Tacoma sex crime defense attorney can help. For more than 20 years, we have protected the rights of people accused of committing sexual offenses in the Tacoma area. We can skillfully reveal flaws in DNA and forensic evidence, exposing mistakes made by law enforcement at the scene of the crime. We excel at swaying even the most reluctant juries.
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 855-898-2542 today for a consultation, or contact us online.