Montgomery County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex crimes include rape, sexual assault, anything with a sexual motive, and child pornography. Sex crimes are viewed in society as the most heinous crimes and individuals often face penalties are serious as violent crimes. While society might make you feel isolated, our Montgomery County sex crimes attorneys will ensure that you do not face your case alone. 

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a sex crime in Montgomery County, contact a sex crime or child pornography attorney to advocate for you throughout the legal process. Ciccarelli Law Offices Montgomery County criminal defense attorneys defend those accused and facing false accusations of sex crimes throughout Montgomery County PA including Collegeville, King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Ardmore, Villanova, Lansdale, and Hatfield.

Why Choose Ciccarelli Law Offices?

• Our lawyers have adequate experience to handle delicate sex crime cases in Montgomery County
• Our local sex crimes attorneys thoroughly understand the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law and will craft a successful legal strategy for your defense
• We are committed to minimizing the impact of charges on your future.

Why You Need a Sex Crimes Lawyer In Montgomery County 

Even in the case of an acquittal, sex crimes and child pornography can have permanent social consequences. Hiring a Montgomery County sex crimes attorney who is knowledgeable of Pennsylvania’s statutes will help you design a successful legal strategy. 

A sex crime is delicate. Especially for those who have never been accused of a crime, mistakes will be made, such as speaking with law enforcement. A seasoned defense attorney can overcome this obstacle. They will also encourage the individual not to contact the alleged victim under any circumstances.

Pennsylvania Sex Crime Laws

Pennsylvania Criminal Law Title18, Section 3124.1 criminalize internet sex crimes, child pornography, child sexual assault, date rape, statutory rape, spousal rape, child molestation, and failure to register as a sex offender. 

Common Penalties Associated With Sex Offenses 

Penalties are determined by the number of aggravating factors such as malicious intent, guilt, and punishment. Penalties are also decided on the premises of using force or violence, displaying weapons, or being young or elderly. The penalties for sexual crimes are relative to the degree: 

• Second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by 2 years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine
• First-degree misdemeanor is punishable by 5 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine
• Third-degree felony is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine as large as $15,000
• Second-degree felony is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine as large as $25,000
• First-degree felony is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine as large as $25,000

Collateral Consequences May Be Devastating

The criminal penalties of jail or prison time are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the consequences of a conviction. Collateral consequences describe the ways your life will continue to be affected once you have completed your criminal sentence. To start, if you are found guilty of a sex offense, you should expect to be required to register as a sex offender in accordance with Megan’s Law.

Depending on your criminal history and the circumstances surrounding your conviction, you will be designated a “Tier” status. Tier 1 is considered the lowest-level offender with the lowest risk of recidivism. You will be required to register as a sex offender for at least 15 years at this status level. If you are designated a Tier 3 sex offender, the criminal justice system may consider you a high risk for recidivism and require you to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

Once you register as a sex offender, the type of crime you were convicted of and your personal information will be available to your community. This could destroy what is left of your reputation not to mention the fact that your relationships with friends and family members could be in ruins. Other collateral consequences that come with sex crime convictions include:

• Termination
• Loss of student aid eligibility
• Loss of firearm rights
• Housing restrictions
• Probation or parole requirements
• Difficulty finding gainful employment
• Your professional license being suspended or revoked

Collateral consequences ensure you are constantly reminded of your past even after you have paid your debt to society. For this reason, it is essential that you take steps to clear your name of the allegations against you. It is not only the criminal penalties on the line but your reputation and future as well.

Certain Sex Crimes Require Registration as a Sex Offender in Montgomery

Not every sex crime conviction will require registration as a sex offender. However, if you are found guilty of any of the following types of offenses, sex offender registration may be mandatory:

• False imprisonment under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2903(b)
• Interference with custody of a child under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2904
• Luring a child under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2910
• Sex trafficking under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3011(a)(1) and (2)
• Patronizing a victim of sexual servitude under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3013
• Institutional sexual assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.2(a)
• Indecent assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126(a)(1)
• Corruption of minors under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6301(a)(1)(ii)
• Sexual abuse of a child under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6312(d)
• Invasion of Privacy under 18 Pa.C.S. § 7507.1
• Statutory sexual assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1(a)(2)
• Prostitution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(b.1)
• Unlawful contact with a minor under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6318
• Sexual exploitation of children under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6320
• Kidnapping under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2901(a.1)
• Rape under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121
• Statutory sexual assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1(b)
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123
• Sexual assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1
• Incest under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4302(b) 
• Kidnapping of a minor under 18 Pa. C.S. § 2901

Strategies for the Defense Of Sex Crimes In Montgomery County 

Sex crimes and child pornography are unique and delicate cases. Although they are criminal defenses, there are unique defenses that a Montgomery County Criminal Defense Attorney will understand. For example, sex crimes require sufficient evidence, of which there is often little. The verdict relies on the statements of the opposing parties. A defense attorney can argue insufficient evidence and deny proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Other defenses are embarrassment or shame, revenge or contempt, financial incentive, and divorce and child custody disputes.

Montgomery Sex Crimes FAQ

Sex crime charges carry severe penalties. The thought of your impending trial may be overwhelming and leave you worried about what your future may hold. Getting answers to some of your most pressing questions could help alleviate some of your concerns. 

For this reason, our sex crime attorneys with Ciccarelli Law Offices have crafted this quick FAQ below. Additional questions regarding the charges against you and potential penalties can be discussed during your confidential consultation.

Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?

It is difficult to say whether you should accept a plea agreement. Your sex crimes lawyer in Montgomery County with Ciccarelli Law Offices will need to carefully review the evidence to determine whether a plea bargain is in your best interests. Generally, if you are a first-time offender of a non-violent sex crime, the prosecutor may be willing to allow you to enter a pre-trial diversion program or accept a pre-agreement under 234 Pa. Code Rule 590. Pleas and Plea Agreements. Your plea agreement may allow the charges against you to be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed altogether once you meet specific requirements.

However, agreements are not always available in sex crime cases, particularly if the alleged victim in your case was seriously harmed or traumatized. If the prosecutor’s case against you is strong, and the penalties are high, accepting a plea could be the right call for your case. Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide whether you would accept a plea agreement and begin to put this behind you or take your chances at trial.

Does Pennsylvania Have a Romeo and Juliet Law?

Yes, Pennsylvania has a Romeo and Juliet law under 18 Pa. § 3122.1. Here, if a minor defendant is less than four years older than the alleged victim and the sexual activity was consensual, criminal charges may not apply. For example, if a 17-year-old engages in consensual sexual activity with a 14-year-old, the 17-year-old may not face criminal charges.

Are Sex Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies?

Sex crimes can be charged as both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the circumstances of your case. Certain sex crimes in Pennsylvania may be considered wobbler offenses. This means they could be tried as either misdemeanors or felonies. For example, someone accused of prostitution, online solicitation of prostitutes, or indecent exposure may be charged at the misdemeanor level. 

However, if aggravating factors are present, it is much more likely that the charges will be elevated to a felony-level sex crime. This often occurs in situations where the alleged victim suffers severe bodily injury or death. Charges could also be elevated to the felony level if a deadly weapon was used, the incident involved a child, or it occurred within the proximity of a playground, school, or another area where children frequent.

Contact Our Montgomery Sex Crimes Attorneys | (610) 692-8700

Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices work delicately on behalf of every client. Regardless of the nature of your case, contact us to evaluate your case and help you take the next step. We will be able to advocate for you throughout the entire legal process and mitigate the impact of charges on your future. Call or fill out our secured contact form to request your free, no-obligation consultation.