NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEDERAL LAWYERS
Answering FAQs About Sex Crime Charges in Philadelphia
|Last Updated on: 10th October 2023, 05:58 pm
Answering FAQs About Sex Crime Charges in Philadelphia
Dealing with sex crime charges in Philadelphia can be really scary and confusing. Believe me, I get it — I’m a defense lawyer here in Philly and I’ve worked on tons of these cases. The legal system can seem like a total mess when you’re going through it. But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it and answer some frequently asked questions.
What are the different types of sex crimes in Pennsylvania?
There are a bunch of different sex crimes you can be charged with in PA. Some of the main ones are:
- Rape – This is when you have sexual intercourse with someone without their consent. There are a few different types like statutory rape (when the victim is underage) or rape by force.
- Sexual assault – This is unwanted sexual touching of someone without their consent. It covers stuff like groping.
- Indecent exposure – This is when you expose your private parts in public in a way that offends people.
- Possession of child pornography – It’s illegal to possess sexually explicit images of anyone under 18.
There are other sex crimes too like incest, indecent assault, promoting prostitution, etc. The details get pretty technical so I’d have to look at your specific charges to give you the full rundown. But in general, any unwanted sexual activity can potentially be charged as a sex crime.
How do police investigate sex crimes in Philly?
When someone reports a sex crime, the Philly cops will start gathering evidence. They’ll interview the victim, witnesses, and suspect. They’ll collect physical evidence like DNA samples, surveillance footage, text messages, etc. Sex crimes often come down to “he said, she said” so the more evidence the better.
If they think they have a solid case against you, the cops will get a warrant for your arrest. Then you’ll be booked and have to post bail to get released until your trial. The DA’s office will also decide what charges to file against you after reviewing the police investigation.
What are the punishments for sex crimes in Pennsylvania?
This varies a lot based on the specific charges against you. But in general:
- Misdemeanors – up to 5 years in jail
- Felonies – up to 10+ years in state prison
You’ll also likely have to register as a sex offender if convicted. This can really restrict things like where you can live and work. It’s a huge deal. Plus you may have to serve probation and pay fines after your release.
What are some common defenses against sex crime charges?
There are a few go-to defenses that I use in these cases:
- Consent – For rape and assault charges, we’ll argue the victim consented to the sexual activity. This can get into complicated back-and-forth about who said what, so testimony and evidence is crucial.
- False accusations – Sometimes people lie about being sexually assaulted for revenge, money, or other motives. We dig into the accuser’s background and version of events to expose lies.
- Mistaken identity – Eyewitnesses can be wrong. So we make sure the prosecution can place you at the scene and prove you’re the perpetrator beyond a reasonable doubt.
Every case is different, but these are good starting points for building your defense. An experienced lawyer knows how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.
Should I take a plea bargain or go to trial?
This is a key decision to make. The prosecutors will often offer a plea deal where you plead guilty in return for reduced charges and/or a lighter sentence. You avoid the risk of trial but get a criminal record. Going to trial means fighting the charges and hoping for an acquittal. But you risk getting the book thrown at you if convicted.
It comes down to the strength of your case versus the plea offer. An attorney can advise if it’s worth rolling the dice or better to take the deal. There are pros and cons to each option.
How can I get my sex offender registration reduced or terminated?
If you end up having to register as a sex offender, there may be ways to get off the registry eventually. You can file a petition after 10-15 years to have a judge review your case. If you can show you’ve been rehabilitated and aren’t a threat, the judge can terminate your registration. There are also sometimes exceptions for consensual activity or juvenile cases.
The laws on this are really specific and complex. You need an experienced lawyer to navigate the process and put together the strongest argument. Make sure to understand all your options.
What impact will a conviction have on child custody or my career?
Being convicted of a sex crime can unfortunately affect your life in all sorts of ways beyond just jail time. If you have kids, it’ll almost certainly complicate custody arrangements – judges don’t like giving custody to sex offenders. Your career could also take a big hit, especially if you work with kids. And you may have trouble finding housing or be excluded from certain neighborhoods.
This is why fighting the charges is so important. An undeserved conviction will follow you forever. Don’t just accept a bad plea deal or get railroaded at trial. Make sure you have a lawyer who will bat for you.
I know I just dumped a ton of info on you here. Dealing with sex crime charges in Philadelphia can be super overwhelming. But now you’ve got a basic roadmap of how these cases work. The key thing is getting an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately. They’ll handle the legal complexities while you focus on moving forward. Feel free to reach out if you need help finding the right attorney. Stay strong and keep your head up!
References
Here are some references I used to write this article:
- Sex Crime FAQs – Bellwoar Kelly, LLP
- Resources – Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
- What Needs to be Proven in a Philadelphia Sex Crimes Case
- Pennsylvania Criminal Defense FAQs – Marni Jo Snyder
- What Do I Do If I Am Investigated For A Sex Crime In Pennsylvania? – Super Lawyers
- Philadelphia Sex Crimes Lawyers – Shuttleworth Law P.C.