Sex crimes are among the most serious charges that exist. In addition to carrying harsh penalties including up to life in prison, they can also carry the stigma and hardship of having to register as a sex offender.
Because of the nature of these allegations, many criminal defense attorneys will not accept them. However, there are lawyers who not only accept them, but excel and are highly sought after for cases such as rape, sexual assault, child molestation, child pornography, solicitation of a minor, and other similar offenses.
Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Virginia
Sex crime convictions in Virginia can result in severe penalties depending on the charge, including:
- Fines: Misdemeanor fines may reach $2,500. Felony convictions can result in fines of up to $100,000.
- Jail or Prison Sentences: Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to 1 year in jail while felonies carry sentences ranging from 5 years to life in prison with mandatory minimums for certain offenses.
- Sex Offender Registration: Many convictions require registration as a sex offender, which can have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and personal reputation.
- Probation: Some cases may include probation terms with strict conditions alongside other penalties.
William W. Stanton VII believes that all persons are entitled to a defense, regardless of the accusation made against them, and has received accolades for his work on such cases.
Even the mere accusation of a sex crime can be devastating, so it is important to hire an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. With these cases, a lawyer can help gather evidence, typically by utilizing a digital forensic expert to extract data from computers and mobile devices (smartphones and smart watches). It is important to move quickly to preserve the evidence before the data is overwritten or deleted.
They can also represent you in court and take the case to trial or negotiate an outcome for you.
Sex Crimes FAQs
Can Stanton Law help avoid registration as a sex offender?
We fight to reduce charges or achieve case dismissals to prevent long-term consequences like sex offender registration.
What experience does Stanton Law have with false accusations?
We’ve successfully defended clients against false allegations by exposing inconsistencies and presenting strong evidence.