Few crimes carry more harsh punishments and social stigma than sex crimes. If you are under investigation or currently facing charges of a sex crime, you will likely have many questions. Accusations of any sex crime can significantly negatively impact someone’s life and livelihood. As with any other criminal offense, prosecutors must prove the elements of the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Wareham sex crime lawyers of Gerald J. Noonan’s law offices advise against you fighting the battle alone. The road is long and can be very complex without professional legal help on your side. Attorneys go to school and train for these types of cases. Between their knowledge and experience, if you team up with us, you put yourself in an excellent position for better results.
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Below are some questions our clients ask us about their sex crime cases.
What conduct is considered a sex offense?
The term sex offense under the law covers a wide range of crimes. Most involve sexual intercourse or sexual contact in some shape or form. While sexual intercourse has its meaning in criminal statutes, it can also include other forms of penetration, genitals, or foreign objects. Meanwhile, sexual contact refers to any other touching of a person’s sexual or intimate parts by someone else. The primary purpose of this person’s action is to cause sexual gratification. Neither gender is free from the threat of sex crimes.
What does “lack of consent” mean as it pertains to sex offenses?
A lack of consent plays a crucial role in sex crimes. It can refer to a victim’s stated lack of support through words or actions. It can also involve a victim who cannot legally consent from a mental or developmental disability, intoxication, or age. The use and threat of force or injury is a common denominator of a rape charge or sexual assault. It isn’t necessary to prove the actual use of force or injury. However, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant conducts without consent.
The age varies depending on the relative age of the defendant. A victim’s capacity is an issue whenever the defendant is in certain positions of authority that can affect the ability to give consent. Furthermore, the age of consent issue tends to arise in sex crime cases.
What defenses are available to me?
When our Wareham sex crime lawyers defend against a sex offense charge, it usually involves challenging the evidence from the prosecution. We can present proof with a preponderance of the evidence that the offense is only an allegation and the defendant’s reasonable belief at the time is that the victim is not impaired. We counteract by presenting evidence in support of our client, the defendant. In Massachusetts, there are cases where the victim’s lack of mental capacity or physical inability to resist is the element of the prosecution.
For instances where the victim’s age is a factor, it is not a defense that the defendant can rely on that they did not know the victim’s age.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
Registering as a sex offender is automatic for most offenses upon conviction. Defendants not guilty because of insanity must also register. The length of registration can last for a specific number of years or indefinitely. Defendants may have the opportunity to petition for relief from the duty to register under particular circumstances.
How can a Wareham sex crimes lawyer help me?
We are happy to answer any additional questions or address your concerns. Pick up the phone and dial us. Once we have a firm grasp of your situation, we can assign one of our high-quality attorneys to your case. A lawyer will stand by you with the utmost loyalty and dedication. Refer to our client testimonials for how we deliver on our promise to serve, guide, and assist you during this trying time for you.
We don’t disappoint and can guarantee that we meet or exceed any of your expectations. Don’t hurt your chances of coming out on top of your claim. Act now for a better outcome because the longer you wait, the less likely you will win your case. With that comes significant adverse impacts.
Call a Wareham Sex Crimes Lawyer Today
If you face allegations or charges of sex crimes, an experienced Wareham sex crime lawyer will have your back. We protect defendants’ rights in sex crime cases and obtain substantially reduced sentences, acquittals, and dismissals. Call our office today at 1-508-588-0422 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.
