Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer In Scranton
If you are being investigated or have been charged with a sexual offense of any type in Lackawanna County or throughout Pennsylvania, it is important that you reach out to a Scranton criminal defense attorney right away to discuss how to proceed with your case. Attorney William D. Thompson, founder of Thompson Law, knows that sexual crimes are serious offenses and often carry serious penalties.
Being investigated or charged with a sexual offense also carries very negative social stigma that can result in loss of friends, family and even possibly cost you your career. This is why it is so important to retain the legal counsel of a competent attorney who will protect your future.
Sex Crimes And Serious Penalties
Crimes that involve a person engaging in sexual intercourse with another who suffers from a mental disability and cannot consent, is unconscious, is unaware or when intercourse was committed by forcible compulsion or threat or when drugs or intoxicants are involved, are taken very seriously. Offenses of this nature are prosecuted heavily, and you could face very serious consequences if you are convicted, including fines, court costs, restitution, prison sentences and mandatory registration in the national sex offender database.
A few of the most common sex crimes charges the firm defends include those related to:
- Rape
- Statutory rape
- Statutory sexual assault
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated indecent assault
- Indecent assault
- Incest
- Endangering the welfare of children
- Corruption of minors
- Sexual abuse of children
- Unlawful contact with a minor
- Sexual exploitation of children
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Sex Crimes
When criminal accusations carry not just the risk of penalties but also social stigma, it is natural to have many questions. Thompson Law can help you understand your rights and can answer your questions, including the five common inquiries below.
What should I do if I am being investigated for a sex crime but haven’t been charged?
You can best protect yourself by consulting with a Pennsylvania sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can teach you about your rights.
Your right to remain silent is your best defense, so use it. Avoid speaking with law enforcement without your attorney present and do not post about the situation on social media. Do not contact the accuser. Finally, preserve any evidence, such as text messages with the other party.
What is Megan’s Law, and how could it affect my future?
Megan’s Law is a federal statute establishing the need to register as a sex offender post-conviction. After a conviction, you may be subject to registration requirements that mandate providing state authorities with up-to-date information about your address, employment and educational efforts. A conviction that triggers Megan’s Law may affect your employment and housing options indefinitely, as well as your ability to travel in some cases.
Is it possible to have sex crime charges reduced or dismissed in Pennsylvania?
Yes, your sex crimes defense lawyer may be able to secure the dismissal or reduction of your pending charges. Dismissal may be an option in cases involving inadequate evidence or evidence secured through violations of the law or your civil rights.
Charge reductions can be part of a plea bargain. The state may also reduce the sex crime charges pursued in cases involving weak evidence.
What are the potential penalties for a sexual assault conviction in Pennsylvania?
A conviction for sexual assault is a second-degree felony that carries up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. The convicted party likely also needs to register as a sex offender after their release. Factors, including the age of the other party and the use of intoxicants, can increase the penalties imposed.
How does Thompson Law handle cases involving Statutory Sexual Assault or Corruption of Minors?
Our focus is on the prevention of life-altering convictions and criminal sentences. We can assist with evidence analysis, a review of credibility issues and support during both pretrial negotiations and criminal proceedings in court, if necessary.
Understanding Megan’s Law
Megan’s Law is the informal name of the law that requires law enforcement to make information available to the public in regard to registered sex offenders. There are a few crimes under specific circumstances that require 10-year registration under Megan’s Law. Meanwhile, other crimes of a sexual nature require mandatory lifetime registration, which means that if you are convicted, you will be on the national registry forever.
If you were recently arrested for a sexual offense, contact Thompson Law at 570-846-2819. You can also reach out online. Mr. Thompson is here for you 24/7. Se habla español.