Sex Offense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Offering Legal Services for Sex Crime Defense in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Being accused of a sex crime is all it takes to permanently damage your reputation, your relationships, and your career. A conviction can require you to register as a sex offender in addition to suffering extensive prison time, public shame, and other social consequences. Whether you have only been accused or have already been arrested, you need the decisive and aggressive legal action of a dedicated Philadelphia sex crime lawyer to defend yourself.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand just what is at stake in a sex crime case. We have more than a dozen criminal defense attorneys who are prepared to fight to protect your future and your rights through every stage of your defense. Our law firm is respected by judges and prosecutors for our comprehensive approach to these high-stakes cases. As your legal representation, we are prepared to immediately start developing your defense, questioning the case the prosecution has been building, and keeping in constant communication throughout your case.
If you are facing allegations of sexual misconduct, reach out to a Philadelphia sex crime lawyer today. Our team of committed and experienced attorneys will treat your case with the urgency, discretion, and respect you need.
If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, call us at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation
What You Should Know About Sex Crime Charges
Pennsylvania police officers can charge someone with a sex crime after a wide range of offenses. These types of charges can range from misdemeanors like indecent exposure to felony rape offenses. No matter what type of sex crime you have been charged with, the prosecution will likely aggressively pursue a conviction with devastating penalties, even if this is your first offense.
Many people facing these crimes do not know how serious their situation is. Some people aren't even aware they are under investigation until they have been arrested or served a search warrant.
Types of Charges a Philadelphia Sex Crime Lawyer Can Defend You Against
We have decades of combined experience representing individuals in cases ranging from minor allegations to complex federal charges. Some of the types of cases we have taken on include:
Sexual Assault or Aggravated Sexual Assault
These charges are mostly filed in cases of non-consensual sexual contact or intercourse and can be elevated to aggravated sexual assault if the use of force was present, someone was injured, or the victim was below a certain age.
- Statutory Sexual Assault: These charges involve one person becoming sexually active with someone under the age of consent. In Pennsylvania, the age of consent is 16 years old. These charges are taken seriously, even if both participants consented to the intercourse.
- Rape Charges: Pennsylvania law considers rape to be a first-degree offense for anyone who has been accused of using force or threats to have sex, or if the alleged victim was unconscious or unable to consent.
- Indecent Assault and Indecent Exposure: You may be facing these charges if you were accused of inappropriately touching someone or exposing yourself in public. While these cases can constitute misdemeanor crimes, a conviction can still require registration as a sex offender.
- Child Pornography or Exploitation: Possessing, distributing, or producing any sexual content of a minor is a serious federal and state offense. These charges also have some of the most extreme consequences, which is why you need to have a skilled Philadelphia sex crime lawyer helping you.
- Internet-Based Sex Crimes: Soliciting a minor in an online chat room, enticing someone online, and offenses related to “sexting” are all common examples of this type of crime. Prosecutors often build a strong case against defendants, but we are prepared to fight back against their strategy.
- Sex Offender Registry Violations: If you fail to register as a sex offender after being ordered to do so, update your information on the list, or comply with Pennsylvania's Megan's Law, you can face additional felony charges.
Penalties of a Sex Crime Conviction
As your Philadelphia sex crime lawyer, we want you to understand what consequences can come with a conviction. Depending on your charges, you could be facing:
- Long prison sentences
- Temporary or permanent registration as a sex offender
- Parole requirements
- Mandatory treatment or counseling
- Loss of child custody or visitation privileges
In addition to legal consequences, there are also collateral consequences. Being convicted of a sex crime can permanently damage relationships you have with friends and family, jeopardize your career or ability to earn a job, and permanently ruin any social standing you may have within your community. With so much at stake in these cases, you need to be sure you have strong and experienced legal representation at your side.
Possible Defenses a Sex Offense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, May Employ
Our lawyers understand that every case we take requires a unique defense. We will take the time to develop a criminal defense strategy that reflects the unique elements of your case to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Some defense strategies that may work for you include:
Proving the Intercourse Was Consensual
Text messages, social media conversations, and other communications may prove that any sexual activity took place without any force, threat, or coercion.
Disputing the Credibility of a Witness
The entire case against you may hinge on the word of a single person. We will analyze the accuser's statements and find inconsistencies to improve your chances of beating your charges.
Conducting Digital Investigations
When your charges are related to online crimes, we will consult with experts to confirm how the data against you was obtained and whether or not it was planted or accessed unknowingly. We will also assess whether your constitutional rights have been violated in any way in your case.
Establishing Mistaken Identity or False Allegations
There are cases where someone lies about being raped or accuses someone mistakenly. We can explore all avenues to confirm the possibility of these situations in an effort to protect you.
Questioning Police Actions
There are many police errors that could take place in your case. We will review all of the details available to look for any instances of entrapment, coercive interrogation, illegal searches, or even a lack of probable cause.
Whether your case needs to go to trial or not, you can rest easy knowing we are crafting the strongest defense we can on your behalf.
Early Guidance From a Sex Offense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA
If you believe you are a primary subject in a sex crime investigation or you have already been charged with a crime, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Do not speak to anyone about your case without having a Philadelphia sex crime lawyer with you.
- Do not touch any digital files, texts, or online content.
- Do not attempt to contact your accuser or any witness against you in your case.
Law enforcement may try to convince you not to contact an attorney. Reaching out to a sex offense attorney in Philadelphia, PA, can be one of the best decisions you can make in your defense.
Call us at 215-486-0123 or Contact us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
What a Philadelphia Sex Crime Lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Offer You
When other law firms appear to offer the same level of representation, you need to be sure the legal team you choose is capable of standing up to the task of defending you. Our team of seasoned trial attorneys does not back away from a challenge or high-profile case.
We are nationally recognized for our wide range of experience and legal skills as well as our ability to earn favorable outcomes for our clients. As we represent you, we will provide you with confidential, non-judgmental, and comprehensive client support.
We will keep in constant communication with you through every step of your defense so you understand what exactly is happening, what will come next, and how we are protecting you through it all.
Contact Our Team of Philadelphia Sex Crime Defense Attorneys Today
The biggest mistake you can make in these situations is choosing to forgo dedicated legal representation. We are here to aggressively defend you from investigation to litigation. Contact our Philadelphia law office by calling us at 215-486-0123 or reaching out online, and schedule your free and confidential consultation today.
