Charged with a Sex Crime in Chester County, Pennsylvania: Understanding Your Legal Options

If you find yourself facing charges for a sex crime in Chester County, Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to know the steps and strategies to navigate the legal system properly. Here’s a guide to help you understand what lies ahead and how you can potentially defend yourself against the charges.

Overview of the Legal Process

The legal process following a sex crime charge can be complex and intimidating. Here’s what you typically can expect:

1. Immediate Legal Representation:

Secure the assistance of a defense attorney with expertise in sex crime cases as soon as possible.

2. Arraignment and Bail:

During the arraignment, charges against you will be formally read. Bail discussions will follow, determining if you are eligible for release and under what conditions.

3. Preliminary Hearing:

This is a preliminary examination of the validity of the charges against you and a chance to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

4. Discovery:

The stage where the prosecution is required to share all evidence gathered against you. Your defense will have the opportunity to review this evidence thoroughly.

5. Plea Deals:

Exploring the possibility of a plea deal with your attorney is an option if it’s in your best interest. This could involve pleading guilty to lesser charges for a reduced sentence.

6. Trial Preparations:

If your case goes to trial, both sides prepare by strategizing arguments, organizing evidence, and lining up witnesses.

7. Trial Proceedings:

The trial itself involves the prosecution and defense presenting their respective cases to a judge or jury.

8. Sentencing:

If found guilty, you may face varying penalties from probation to incarceration, depending on the crime’s nature and severity.

9. Post-Conviction:

Post-conviction, you might have options such as filing an appeal or seeking sentence modification.

Defense Strategies

Several strategies can be employed in your defense, depending on the specifics of your case:

1. Alibi:

If it can be proven that you were elsewhere when the alleged crime occurred, an alibi can be a potent exoneration.

2. Consent:

The argument that any sexual activity was consensual may be a valid defense based on the circumstances of the case.

3. Lack of Evidence:

A defense can focus on highlighting the insufficiency of the prosecution’s proof against you.

4. Witness Credibility:

Cross-examining the credibility of the accuser or other prosecution witnesses can raise doubts about the accusation’s validity.

5. Violation of Rights:

Any evidence obtained unlawfully or any rights violations during the investigation can result in the evidence being inadmissible in court.

6. Expert Witnesses:

Expert testimony from psychologists or other professionals can provide critical insights in your favor.

7. Mistaken Identity:

The defense might argue that the complainant misidentified the accused.

8. Coercion or False Accusation:

If there is evidence that the accusation resulted from coercion or is a false accusation, it can form the crux of the defense strategy.

Facing a sex crime charge is undeniably serious and can have profound personal and legal implications. The information provided here is just a general guide – it’s imperative to talk to a local defense attorney who understands the intricacies of Pennsylvania law to advise you on the best course of action.

West Chester Pennsylvania Sex Crimes Lawyer  

It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania Sex Crimes charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge.

We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.

We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with serious Sex Crime charges including but not limited to Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Statutory Sexual Assault, IDSI, Involuntary Deviant Sexual Intercourse, Indecent Assault, Indecent Exposure, Child Pornography, Rape, Statutory Rape, Corruption of Minors, Child Molestation and Illegal Contact with a Minor throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to

Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford, Exton, Phoenixville, Parkesburg, Malvern, Coatesville, Lionville, Chesterbrook, Devon, Newtown Square, Berwyn, Wynnewood, Villanova, Glen Mills, Concordville, Pottstown, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Chadds Ford, King of Prussia and beyond.

You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania Sex Crimes Lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously.  For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Sex Crime Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.