sexual abuse

Being labeled a sex offender is a devastating experience that can destroy your life. In addition to the stigma associated with sex offenses, you may face jail time, fines, loss of employment, and the possibility of having to register as a sex offender for years to come. In addition, a sex offense charge may damage your personal relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Therefore, if you are charged with a sex offense, it is imperative to seek the advice of a qualified Criminal Law attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can work to provide you with the best legal defense available.

Federal law divides sexual offenses into three broad categories: aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual contact. A sexual act—which may constitute either sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse—involves penetration or contact with the victim with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify sexual desire. Aggravated sexual abuse involves committing a sexual act with another by use of force or threat or by rendering the other unconscious or impairing the ability of the other to resist by unknowingly administering drugs or other intoxicants to the victim.

Sexual abuse is the commission of a sexual act by threatening or using force which places the victim in fear (other than fear of death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping) or by engaging in a sexual act with a person who is mentally incapable of appraising the nature of the act or is physically incapable of refusing to participate in the act. Abusive sexual contact occurs when a person intentionally touches another, either directly or through clothing, with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify sexual desire.

Sex offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felony charges, depending on the severity of the crime, the degree of violence involved, and the age of the alleged victim. A conviction for any sex offense, however minor, can have a lasting negative impact on your life. You need a criminal defense lawyer who can handle your case discreetly and quickly in order to minimize the damaging repercussions of a sex offense charge.