Harrisburg Sex Crime Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in Pennsylvania

Few charges are as harmful to a person’s reputation as a sex crime. An allegation alone can almost instantly tarnish a person’s good name, and a conviction can make it virtually impossible to carry out a healthy, successful life. If you were arrested for a sex crime, it is crucial that you immediately begin building a strong case to protect your future. At the Dorward Law Firm, our Harrisburg sex crime lawyer is here to help you.

Schedule a free consultation about your sex crime case. Dial (717) 429-0411 or contact our firm online to begin planning your defense.

Types of Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania

Any time a person is forced to engage in a sexual act, it can be charged as a sex crime, though the definition is loose. A conviction of indecent exposure, for example, could result in that person having to register as a sex offender. No matter how mild the charge you face may be, it is crucial that you have help from an experienced Harrisburg lawyer who can assist you.

The Dorward Law Firm can work with you to defend against crimes such as:

• Sexual assault - Any physical contact of a sexual nature that happens without the consent of the victim
• Prostitution - Having sex in exchange for monetary compensation
• Solicitation - Hiring someone to engage in a sexual activity
• Rape - Engaging in sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, by threatening force, or with someone who is unable to consent

Legal Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Pennsylvania

Sex crime convictions in Pennsylvania can lead to some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system. These may include:

• Imprisonment: Sentences vary depending on the crime, ranging from several years to life in prison, particularly for violent offenses like rape or child sexual assault.
• Sex Offender Registration: A conviction for certain sex crimes requires individuals to register as sex offenders under the Megan’s Law program, which requires public disclosure of their name and address, and monitoring for several years to life.
• Probation and Parole: In some cases, individuals may receive probation or parole instead of prison time, though these options are highly restrictive and require compliance with strict rules.
• Fines: Large financial penalties can accompany sex crime convictions.
• Civil Consequences: Beyond criminal penalties, convicted individuals can face civil lawsuits, loss of employment, and severe damage to their personal and professional reputation.

Understanding the potential outcomes of a sex crime case emphasizes the need for a strong defense led by an experienced Harrisburg sex crime lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of Pennsylvania's criminal justice system.

Sex Offender Registry in Pennsylvania

A sex offender registry is an online database that contains your name, age, distinguishing characteristics, and crime that you have been convicted of, ensuring compliance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and commonly referred to as "Megan's Law." Users can search the registry by county, city, zip code, distance from an address, and name of offender. The Pennsylvania State Police even now offer email notifications to the public that make address change, employment, and educational information instantly available. 

Being placed on the sex offender registry can profoundly affect your privacy and freedom, impacting daily life in numerous ways. It is vital to understand the compliance requirements under SORNA, as each violation can have severe penalties. At The Dorward Law Firm, we navigate these complexities with you, explaining your obligations and exploring options to mitigate the impacts, such as potential removal from the registry. Our proactive approach aims to restore as much normalcy as possible and support your transition to life beyond these legal challenges.

Strategic Defense for Sex Crime Charges

In the United States, each person is considered innocent until proven guilty. While your prosecutors may use many different reasons to emphasize why you should be put away, the Dorward Law Firm can help tell your side of the story and maximize your chances at a favorable outcome.

We may be able to help prove that:

• The accuser gave their consent: In cases of assault or rape, people sometimes feel differently about a situation after it passes. We can work to demonstrate that you did not force them into anything.
• You were not present at the scene of the crime: With DNA testing and other evidence, we may be able to help you prove that you could not have been the person to commit this crime.
• Your accuser is not credible: Oftentimes, our clients have retaliation scenarios that result in unlawful arrest because of dishonesty and lying on behalf of the accuser. We will make sure any and all credibility issues are brought to the surface.

Utilizing strategic legal defenses, The Dorward Law Firm is committed to dissecting every element of the charges against you. We can probe inconsistencies in witness testimonies, investigate potential breaches in legal protocols, and harness expert opinions to strengthen your defense. This diligent approach, combined with our deep understanding of the Harrisburg legal landscape, ensures that every possible avenue is explored to defend your rights robustly and fairly.

In all legal cases, time is key. Call the Dorward Law Firm now and schedule your free consultation. With the right planning, we may be able to negotiate a plea deal to help you avoid harsh sentencing.

Facing charges for sexual assault? Call (717) 429-0411 now to start your defense.