List of Federal Sex Crimes & Types of Charges

A federal sex crime is a crime related to sexual behavior or sexual acts prosecuted in court. Federal sex crimes are the most severe type of sex crime prosecuted in federal courts.

In the U.S., a federal sex crime is a serious offense. Extensive prison sentences and penalties are associated with sex crimes. if someone is convicted of a sex crime, they will be placed on the sex offender registration.

Adult and child sex crimes are prosecuted differently. A sex crime that includes a minor typically involves more fines and jail time.

When are sex crimes regulated on the federal level? Title 18 of the U.S. Code reveals the federal laws that govern sex offenses.

Federal Sex Crimes

The most common federal sex crimes are:

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Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

Your college-age son was arrested by federal agents after an undercover operation alleged he used the internet to solicit a minor across state lines. He insists he believed the person he was communicating with was an adult, and now faces charges under federal law with potential decades in prison.

What specific federal charges could my son be facing, and what are the possible penalties for internet-based federal sex crimes?

Attorney's Answer

Your son may be facing charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), which criminalizes using interstate communications to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. He could also face charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2251 for sexual exploitation or § 2252 for distribution offenses if any images were exchanged during the communications. A conviction would require lifetime registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). An experienced federal defense attorney can challenge the government's evidence, including whether proper entrapment defenses apply and whether the prosecution can prove your son had actual knowledge of the alleged minor's age.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

• Child/minor sex crimes
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse (rape)
• Human Trafficking
• Sexual Abuse Contact Crimes
• Repeat Sex Offenders
• Sexual Abuse Resulting in Death
• Pornography Violations
• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Child/Minor Sex Crimes

As mentioned, a sex crime involving a minor is the most punishable type of sex crime. The following are classified as a sex crime against a minor:

• Child pornography or nudity
• Transmission of child pornography or child nudity over the internet
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Soliciting minors for sexual activities
• Selling/buying minors for sexual prostitution

Aggravated Sexual Abuse