Lackawanna Sexual Crime Lawyer

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON SEX CRIMES IN PA?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for rape is 12 years after a person commits the crime. This law only applies to victims 18 years or older. Victims of rape, sex trafficking, and sexual assault who are under the age of 18 do not have a time limit. 

Overview of Sexual Assault Laws in PA

Sex crimes are defined and established under Title 18 Chapter 31 of Pennsylvania law. 

These crimes include but are not limited to such offenses as: 

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Statutory sexual assault
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
• Indecent assault
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Indecent exposure

These criminal offenses involve sexually-related activity that is committed without the consent of the alleged victim. Rape can be charged if the offense involved using physical force, threatening the alleged victim, taking advantage of the victim after she/he has been impaired by alcohol or drugs, or committing the offense while the alleged victim was unconscious or mentally incapable of consent. 

Rape is charged as a first-degree felony.

Sexual assault also involves various forms of sexual acts committed without the consent of the alleged victim. It is typically charged as a second-degree felony. 

Pennsylvania provides special laws to those who commit sexual assault and who are in positions of authority over the victim, such as teachers, principals, school counselors, coaches, volunteer workers, caretakers, social service workers, and others.  

Indecent assault can be committed in various ways, such as through force, the threat of force, using drugs or alcohol, when the victim is unconscious, when the victim is mentally disabled, when the victim is under 13, or when the victim is under 16 and the alleged offender is more than four years older. 

Depending on the circumstances, sexual assault can be charged in varying degrees of felonies. In addition to potential prison time and fines, those convicted must maintain sex offender registration under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.

Megan’s Law in PA: A Comprehensive Guide

Megan's Law in Pennsylvania is a set of regulations requiring the state police to maintain a public registry of convicted sex offenders and sexually violent predators (SVPs). This publicly accessible online database aims to protect the public, especially children, from potential re-offenses by these individuals.

Ending Megan's Law Registration Requirements in PA

Megan's Law in Pennsylvania allows adult offenders to petition the court to end their registration requirements early in some instances. The process depends on which tier applies to the specific sexual offense. 

In all sex crime charges, it is essential to secure legal representation from a qualified Pennsylvania sex crimes attorney. If you are someone who has been accused of a sex crime, it is best to know your rights. There are various levels of sexual abuse, so you want to learn what you are accused of and the degree of the accusation. You want a reliable defense lawyer to defend you and your rights. 

Anyone charged with a sex crime, regardless of severity, should seek the counsel of a criminal defense lawyer in Lackawanna, PA.

Choose a Lackawanna Defense Attorney with Proven Results

When facing sex crime allegations, your freedom and future may be on the line for years to come. At Bernard J. Brown, Esq., LLC, you can turn to a Lackawanna criminal defense lawyer who can help you in countless ways. 

From providing advice about how best to respond to police questions or court proceedings to prevent incriminating yourself to a full review of existing evidence, challenging the prosecution’s case at trial, and more, your choice of attorney can have a significant impact on the legal process. Our defense attorney is a proven trial lawyer who understands the nuances, tactics, and potential strategies of defense work. His goal is to help you secure optimum results.