Philadelphia Sex Crimes Lawyer

Very few crimes carry the stigma that comes with being accused of committing a sex offense. Simply facing sex crime allegations can destroy your reputation, get you kicked out of school, result in termination from your place of employment, and inhibit your ability to maintain close relationships with friends or family. There will likely be far worse consequences if you are ultimately found guilty in criminal court. 

With your reputation and freedom on the line, clearing your name of these abhorrent allegations is crucial if you hope to put these accusations to rest and move forward with your life. With the legal experience and advice of a top-rated Philadelphia sex crimes lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices, you have an opportunity to present a powerful defense and avoid the harsh penalties that come with a guilty verdict. Connect with a highly skilled Philadelphia criminal defense attorney at our firm today to figure out what your next step should be.

Common Sex Offenses We Challenge

Ciccarelli Law Offices has extensive experience defending against most types of sex offenses. Some of the most common types of sex crimes our clients have needed to defend against include: 

• 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)
• Revenge porn under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3131
• 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
• Child pornography under 18 Pa. C.S.§ 6312(d)
• Indecent exposure under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3127
• Solicitation under 18 Pa. C.S. § 5902(e)

Sex Crime Convictions Carry Harsh Criminal Penalties

The penalties that follow a sex crime conviction are some of the harshest consequences you could face. Your Philadelphia sex crimes attorney will ensure you understand exactly what you are facing so you can prepare accordingly. It is not only time in jail or prison you need to worry about. Most sex crime convictions will not result in a life sentence. However, once you are released from prison, the collateral fallout may make it impossible for you to get back to your life.

Sex Offender Registration

Under Megan’s Law, when you are adjudicated delinquent, found guilty, or plead guilty to certain types of sex crimes, you may be required to register as a sex offender. The Pennsylvania State Police are responsible for managing the Pennsylvania sex offender registry. There are three “tiers” of sex offenders. The tier you are designated will determine how long you need to register on the PA sex offender list as follows:

• Tier I offenders need to register for 15 years
• Tier II offenders need to register for 25 years
• Tier III offenders need to register for the rest of their life

As a registered sex offender, you may also have housing restrictions, limited employment options, and have your use of the Internet restricted. Additionally, if you are declared a “sexually violent delinquent” or a “sexually violent predator” under 42 Pa. Chapter 9799.56, the community will be notified of your registration status. The community notification will inform your neighbors of the crime you have committed, your name, your address, and include a photo ID.

Philadelphia Sex Crimes FAQ

Does PA have a Romeo and Juliet law?

Yes, the Romeo and Juliet law can be found under 18 Pa. § 3122.1. Here, if a 16-year-old engages in consensual sexual activity with a 14-year-old, neither party should be charged with a sex crime. However, under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3126, minors between the ages of 13 and 15 are unable to give consent to engage in sexual conduct with anyone who is four or more years older than them.

What are some common sex crime defenses?

Your sex crimes attorney in Philadelphia will need to review the circumstances of your case to determine which defense is most likely to result in a favorable outcome. Some of the most common defenses used to challenge sex crime allegations include:

• Innocence
• Mistake of fact
• Consent
• False accusations
• Misidentification
• Mental capacity

Can I avoid trial by taking a plea agreement?

Yes, if you accept a plea agreement, you may be able to avoid a trial. However, the prosecutor may not be willing to offer a plea bargain depending on the nature of the charges against you. It will be our goal to convince the district attorney to drop the charges against you altogether, get you enrolled in an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program, or reduce your charges in exchange for pleading guilty to a lesser offense.

Get Help From a Reputable Sex Crimes Lawyer in Philadelphia Today

When you have been accused of committing a crime as serious as a sex offense, it is important to take the allegations against you seriously. Although certain types of sex crimes may be considered misdemeanors or reduced down to the misdemeanor level, the stigma that will follow you if you have a sex crime conviction on your record could destroy your reputation and make it impossible for you to live your life normally. 

Do not trust your defense to a public defender who is overworked, underpaid, and lacks the resources needed to build the strongest defense strategy possible. Turn to a trial-proven Philadelphia sex crimes lawyer with Ciccarelli Law Offices to help you clear your name. When you are ready to discuss potential defenses but are unsure of where to begin, do not hesitate. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.