If you have been charged with a sex crime, or if you are currently under investigation, there is much at risk. Your job, your family, your friends, and even your freedom are all in jeopardy when facing this type of criminal charge. In such a critical time such as this, many people are scared and wonder if their life will ever be the same again. Our lawyers are here to tell you that with the right attorney on your side, you will have a very good chance at overcoming your charges so that you can move on with your life.
Thanks to the Community Protection Act of 1990, law enforcement officers now know where sex offenders are living throughout Seattle. Although the Seattle Police Department has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may or may not live, they now have access to the addresses of registered sex offenders. In 2009, the governor of Washington announced a new statewide sex offender database that lists all information in one centralized location. This database is easily accessible to the public.
Sex offender registration is just one of many long-lasting consequences that come as a result of a sex crime conviction. You must do everything in your power to fight charges or allegations of this nature, and our team of Seattle criminal defense attorneys is prepared to defend your rights today.
TYPES OF SEX CRIMES IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Below, we have listed some of the most common types of sex crimes in and around Seattle. It is wise to contact a skilled criminal attorney as soon as you know that you are under investigation because involving an attorney early on in your case is one of the best ways to avoid a conviction. Please take a minute to read through the charges below, and call our firm for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Rape / Sexual Assault.
This crime is defined as the unlawful compelling of a person through physical force or duress to have sexual intercourse.
Molestation
The act of making indecent sexual advances to, or to assault sexually.
Child Pornography
This crime is defined as illegal use of children in pornographic films or pictures, such as depicting sexually explicit activities involving a child.
Sex with a Minor
The term used to describe criminal sexual acts between an adult and a person under the age of 18.
Inappropriate Communication with a Minor
The criminal act of intentionally communicating with a minor under the age of 18 in a lewd or sexual manner.
Indecent Exposure
The crime of showing one's sexual organs in public intentionally.
Voyeurism
The act of receiving sexual gratification from seeing the genitalia of others or witnessing others' sexual behavior.
Internet Luring
The act of using false pretexts to deceive another individual into meeting in person with the intent of committing a crime. May be done through chatrooms, instant messaging, or email.
Sexual Abuse
Unwanted sexual activity forced on another person through coercion or threats.
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Recording, filming, photographing, developing or duplicating any visual depiction in which a minor is engaged in exploitive exhibition or other sexual conduct.
Prostitution / Solicitation
This crime is defined as the practice or occupation of engaging in sex with another person, or asking someone to engage in sex, in exchange for payment or some type of financial gain.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
After a defendant is convicted of a sex crime, he or she is required to register in the national sex offender registry, and a failure to do so will result in additional penalties.
CONSEQUENCES OF A CONVICTION
Any criminal accusation involving a sex crime is exceptionally dangerous and should be taken very seriously. Any time sexual activity is alleged to have been forced upon another, whether a child or an adult, the consequences of a conviction are extensive, both with regard to your freedom and to your future opportunities. A sex crime conviction will mean, in addition to other serious penalties, that you must register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. After a prison sentence is served, sex offender registration with law enforcement enables them to monitor the activities of the offender.
Over our years of legal experience, we have noticed that individuals charged with sex crimes experience serious disruptions to their lifestyle. If you are accused, you must keep in mind that you are facing potential prison time and heavy fines, not to mention embarrassment and humiliation. The societal attitudes towards individuals charged with sex crimes, whether convicted or not, are harsh and unforgiving.
Our firm understands the uphill battle you are facing and we have helped people achieve positive outcomes at trial. In addition to indecent exposure, prostitution, sexual assault and rape cases, we can also help individuals charged with child molestation and child porn. Most sex crimes are classified as felonies, and a conviction will bring years in prison or possibly a life sentence and fines in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN SEATTLE, WA
The investigation period is the time in which police and investigators will try to find evidence against you so that they can take you and prove your guilt. Investigators will do almost anything to obtain evidence against you, even if it means violating your constitutional rights. Unwarranted searches and seizures are illegal and if evidence is obtained this way your defense attorney will know it and can take the necessary measures to ensure this evidence won't be used at court. If you are under investigation for a sexual offense, now is the best time to contact our talented legal team. Unfortunately, many individuals wait until formal charges have been filed to seek representation, and this is a costly mistake. Having an attorney to protect your rights and look out for your best interests early in your case will be very beneficial to the overall outcome of your situation.
Contact a Seattle sex crime attorney at 206-209-0608 to discuss your case.
Take the right step after being charged! Call 206.209.0608
