Delaware County Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex-related crimes are extremely serious in the state of Pennsylvania. The penalties for a sex crime conviction can range from probation and hefty fines to years in prison. If someone has accused you of a sex crime, or if the prosecution has pressed charges against you, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible. Our Delaware County sex crimes lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience we can put toward securing a positive resolution on your behalf.

Why Choose Our Lawyers?

• We make criminal defense a team effort. You will not only have the experience of one attorney supporting your case, but that of an entire law office working together.
• We tailor our legal strategies for each client. No two sex crime cases are the same. We work hard to get to know each client so we can craft the best defense strategy possible.
• We are reasonable with our payment arrangements. Our DELCO sex crimes lawyers will work with you to come up with a payment plan or option that works for you.

When to Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex-related crimes are some of the most serious offenses under Pennsylvania law. They demand attention from criminal defense attorneys with plenty of experience in this practice area. Without help from an attorney, you could risk losing your case and facing life-changing penalties. Only with a lawyer by your side will you have the resources and capabilities to fight the charges against you. Hiring an attorney can give you as much peace of mind as possible for the duration of your criminal case.

Types of Sexual Crimes in the State of Pennsylvania

Dozens of specific sexual crimes exist under Pennsylvania state law. One is the crime of sexual assault. Sexual assault means to engage in sexual intercourse with someone else, without that person’s consent. Statutory sexual assault is committing this crime against someone under 16 years of age. Many other types of sex crimes also exist in Pennsylvania.

• Indecent exposure
• Solicitation
• Prostitution
• Child pornography
• Revenge porn

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we can represent defendants during all types of sexual crime cases in Delaware County. Our attorneys have hands-on experience in virtually all areas of criminal defense law. No matter what types of charges you are facing, come to us to speak about your rights and options moving forward. Initial consultations are always free.

Different Sex Crimes Carry Different Penalties

The potential consequences you will face if you are found guilty of a sex offense will vary based on the type of crime you are accused of. Your potential sentence will also be determined by the level of the offense. Generally, misdemeanor sex offenses will carry less severe penalties than felony-level convictions. Here are some of the possible penalties associated with sex crime convictions in Delaware County:

• Child pornography under 18 Pa. C.S.§ 6312(d) – If convicted of a child pornography offense, you could face up to 10 years in a Pennsylvania state prison.
• Indecent exposure under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3127 – If convicted of indecent exposure, you could spend up to five years in a Pennsylvania state prison and pay fines of up to $5,000.
• Prostitution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(b.1) – Under the law, you could spend up to three years in a Delaware County jail and pay fines of up to $5,000 for a prostitution conviction.
• Revenge porn under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3131 – Revenge porn convictions carry penalties that include fines not to exceed $10,000 and up to 5 years in a Pennsylvania state prison.
• Sexual assault (rape) under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 – Depending on the age of the alleged victim, penalties for rape or sexual assault can include up to 20 years in a Pennsylvania state prison and fines of as much as $25,000.
• Solicitation under 18 Pa. C.S. § 5902(e) – If convicted of solicitation, you could spend up to seven years in a Pennsylvania state prison and pay fines of up to $15,000 if convicted of a third-degree felony.
• Statutory sexual assault under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1(b) – Individuals convicted of statutory sexual assault could face up to $25,000 in fines and 10 years in a Pennsylvania state prison.

Registration As a Sex Offender 

According to the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB), after being convicted of a sex crime, certain individuals will be required to register on the Pennsylvania Sex Offender Registry as maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. 

Sex offender registrants will be classified into various Tier levels based on the type of sex crime they are accused of committing and their likelihood of recidivism. These registration Tiers determine how long a convict will be expected to register as a sex offender. The Tier levels include:

• Tier 1 – Tier 1 offenders are required to register for 15 years after they have completed their sentence.
• Tier 2 – Tier 2 sex offenders will be required to register on the sex offender registry for 25 years after completing their sentence.
• Tier 3 – Those designated a Tier 3 sex offender status will be required to register as such for the rest of their lives.

If you are required to register as a sex offender, certain personal information will be made available to the public. If you are considered a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP), the following information will be listed on the PSP Megan’s Law website:

• Your home address
• Your work address
• Where you go to school
• Your name
• Your aliases
• The year you were born
• Your photo, to be updated annually
• The day you were convicted
• The type of crime you were found guilty of

individuals classified as SVPs or Sexually Violent Delinquent Children (SVDC) will also need to worry about community notification flyers. The Pennsylvania State Police will put out flyers to local police departments where you reside that include:

• Your address
• Your name
• What you were convicted of
• A statement that designates you as an SVP or SVDC
• Your photo

Parties who may be notified as part of this process include the:

• The Delaware County Children and Youth Services director
• Neighbors
• School district superintendents
• Colleges, universities, and community college presidents located within 1000 feet of an SVP or SVDC
• Licensed or certified preschools and daycare centers

Other Collateral Consequences 

Collateral consequences can be just as devastating as criminal penalties. Collateral fallout ensures you continue to pay for your mistakes even after having completed your sentence. Some examples of collateral consequences that may be particularly impactful include:

• Termination or demotion
• Loss of child visitation or custody rights
• Inability to obtain federal student aid
• Loss of gun rights
• Suspension or revocation of your professional license
• Temporary loss of voting rights
• Deportation or other immigration issues

Potential Defenses to Sex Crimes

Even the mere speculation or accusation of committing a sex offense could be devastating for you personally and professionally. For this reason, it is crucial to assert a compelling defense.

Plea Agreements Are Scarce in Sex Crime Cases

Although you may have hoped to enter an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program, it is important to note that these may not be an option in many types of sex crimes. If the offense was violent in any way or you have a criminal history of any kind, it is unlikely the prosecutor will be willing to allow you to enter ARD.

However, it is possible to secure a plea agreement depending on a variety of factors, including:

• Whether a weapon was involved
• Whether anyone was injured or killed
• Whether you have a history of criminal offenses, including sex crime convictions
• The strength of the Commonwealth’s case against you

If you do not meet the requirements for a plea bargain or ARD program, defending your freedoms at trial is going to be your best option. Fortunately, when you have a trial-proven sex crimes lawyer in Delaware County from Ciccarelli Law Offices handling your defense, you can feel confident that you will have the strongest defense strategy possible based on the circumstances of your case.

Defenses At Trial

Consent and false allegations are the most common defenses in sexual crime cases. Consent is a tricky subject, with a great deal of debate over its exact definition. It may be possible to prove that the alleged victim gave his or her consent to the sexual act in question. Otherwise, your lawyer may be able to prove the falsity of the sex crime allegation. False allegations may happen as a misunderstanding or intentionally as a form of revenge.

Other potential defenses can include mistaken identity, or defenses against how the police went about your arrest and detention. Your attorney may be able to get certain evidence thrown out due to police misconduct or violations of your civil rights. Work with a lawyer for details about your specific defense strategy. Your attorney should tailor your legal strategy specifically for your situation, charges, and background.

Delaware County Sex Crime FAQ

What If I Found Out There Is a Warrant Out for My Arrest?

If you discover there is a warrant out for your arrest, contact a sex crimes attorney in Delaware County from Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible. It is better to turn yourself in with the support of your criminal defender as opposed to being picked up unexpectedly out in public.

How Far Does a Sex Offender Have to Live From a School in PA?

The law currently does not have a blanket requirement for how far away a sex offender must live from a school. However, recent legislation introduced in September 2023 by the House Judiciary Committee, known as House Bill 77, would prohibit sexually violent predators from living within 2,500 feet of a daycare center or school.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania?

Generally, sex crimes have a two-year statute of limitations that expires exactly 2 years from the date of the alleged offense under 18 PA. C.S. § 5552. However, depending on the type of sex offense you are accused of committing, the edge of limitations could be much longer. For example, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of children, statutory sexual assault, and incest all have a 12-year statute of limitations.

Contact a Delaware Sex Crimes Attorney Today

Do not live in fear of what your future holds. If someone is accusing you of a sexual crime, hire an attorney to help you combat the charges against you. A lawyer can breakdown the related laws and legal options you may have. An attorney may be able to convince the courts to dismiss the charges or file a lesser charge than the one you are currently facing. A lawyer may also be able to represent you in court, fighting for a plea deal or total acquittal. Your individual options will depend on the circumstances. Speak to a Delaware County criminal defense attorney today from Ciccarelli Law Offices to learn about your specific case. Call (610) 692-8700 for a free consultation.