Sexual Assault Attorney in Harrisburg

Protecting Your Rights & Defending Your Future in Harrisburg

If you or someone you care about needs a sexual assault defense lawyer in Harrisburg, you deserve an advocate who will listen, advise, and stand by you. At The Dorward Law Firm, we know how stressful and confusing the days after an allegation can feel. Our criminal defense team provides honest guidance and support, walking with you through every step of the legal process so you can move forward with clarity.

Each sexual assault case carries unique challenges and serious consequences under Pennsylvania law. From our first meeting, we explain your rights, help you understand the local investigative process, and address your most urgent questions. We aim to help you avoid missteps and take productive actions from the start, making sure you stay informed and protected.

Contact a sexual assault attorney in Harrisburg immediately. Because we are available 24/7 and offer free consultations, your defense can start now. Call (717) 429-0411 or reach out online now.

Understanding Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Laws

In Pennsylvania, sexual assault is a felony of the second degree. It involves engaging in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or indecent contact with a victim without the person's consent. Consent is absent when the victim is unable to consent, or when the submission is procured by force, duress, or deception.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for sexual assault, the Commonwealth must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Lack of Consent: The State must prove the sexual contact occurred without consent. We investigate all communications, witness statements, and prior relationship history to demonstrate that consent was given, implied, or that the accused reasonably believed consent existed.
• Specific Intent (Malicious Touching): Proving the accused acted with the requisite criminal intent. We argue the touching was accidental, misunderstood, or lacked the specific malicious intent necessary to constitute a criminal act.
• Procedural Integrity: Challenging the methods used by the police to collect physical evidence (DNA, clothing) and questioning the protocol used by law enforcement during the initial interview/interrogation phases.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Sexual Assault Convictions in Harrisburg

A conviction for sexual assault in Pennsylvania results in consequences that are mandatory, permanent, and often include decades of state supervision.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Imprisonment: Up to 10 years in state prison.
• Fines: Up to $25,000.
• Mandatory Sentencing: Sentencing is guided by the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, often leading to substantial minimum terms due to the nature of the crime.

Mandatory Lifetime SORNA Registration

The most devastating consequence of a sex crime conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) (Pennsylvania's version of Megan's Law).

• Registration Period: Most felony sexual offenses require lifetime registration. This means constant public visibility on a website, regular in-person reporting, and severe restrictions on where the individual can live and work in Harrisburg.
• Employment and Housing: Loss of professional licenses (teaching, medical, legal) and denial of housing near schools, parks, or childcare facilities.
• Civil Rights: Loss of the right to own firearms.

The Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Process for Sexual Assault

Defending a sexual assault charge in Dauphin County requires immediate legal action, detailed investigation, and aggressive use of procedural and forensic challenges.

• Immediate Intervention: We are available 24/7 to ensure the client asserts their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination before speaking to police, which is vital as any statement can be used against them.
• Forensic and Digital Investigation: We retain independent forensic experts (pathologists, DNA analysts) to challenge the State's physical evidence. We also secure and analyze cell phone data, texts, and social media history to challenge the accuser's narrative of consent and fear.
• Alibi and Mistaken Identity: We conduct a thorough investigation to establish an alibi or to challenge the identification of the perpetrator.
• Challenging Prior Sexual Conduct (Rape Shield Law): We argue for the limited admissibility of evidence regarding the accuser's prior sexual conduct if it is relevant to the source of forensic evidence or consent (in a non-age-related case).
• Trial Strategy: We meticulously prepare for trial, focusing on cross-examining the accuser to expose inconsistencies in their testimony and challenging the State's ability to prove lack of consent or the necessary criminal intent.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Sexual Assault Defense

At The Dorward Law Firm, we provide a defense strategy that is both technically sound and unyielding. We understand the unique challenges of defending a case where the emotional stakes are incredibly high.

Defense strategies we utilize as a leading Harrisburg sexual assault lawyer:

• Consent Defense: Proving the act was consensual or that the accused held a reasonable, good-faith belief that consent was given.
• Attacking Forensic Evidence: Challenging the source, chain of custody, or State's interpretation of DNA evidence, often arguing that physical evidence is circumstantial and does not prove lack of consent.
• Motive to Fabricate: Investigating and presenting evidence of the accuser's motive to lie (e.g., revenge, custody advantage, or fear of exposure).
• Constitutional Challenges: Filing motions to suppress physical evidence or statements obtained in violation of the client's Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights.

Why Choose Our Harrisburg Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers

When your freedom and reputation are at stake, you need a sexual assault attorney in Harrisburg who brings real criminal defense experience and a track record of client-focused results. With more than a decade of defending clients across Central Pennsylvania, our firm stands out for key reasons:

• Long-term experience: Over ten years focused on criminal defense in Pennsylvania courts.
• Tailored strategies: We build every defense around the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
• Exclusive attention: Our firm focuses only on criminal defense, so you receive direct support at every stage.
• Certified knowledge: Shawn Dorward holds respected credentials, reflecting ongoing commitment to legal excellence and continuing education.
• Community relationships: We are deeply familiar with Harrisburg court procedures, local prosecutors, and legal practices. This knowledge allows us to advocate for you with credibility and respect in local settings.
• Free consultations and open communication: We offer no-cost case reviews and keep you involved with every step, so you never feel left in the dark.

Our clients benefit from our understanding of how sensitive cases impact both individuals and families in smaller Pennsylvania communities. By maintaining strict confidentiality and treating each case with care, we protect your privacy and your peace of mind. 

Many people appreciate our transparent, honest discussions and our commitment to keeping them informed—not just about what is happening now, but also what to expect in the future. Our goal is to provide a supportive legal shield as we work together to pursue the best result for your situation.

How We Guide You Through Harrisburg’s Legal System

Facing an accusation of sexual assault can feel isolating and overwhelming. We never leave you to figure things out alone. From your first consultation through each stage of the process, our Harrisburg sexual assault attorneys walk with you, answering questions and clarifying your options.

• Personal attention: Every case receives individualized review and guidance.
• Clear explanations: We break down each step so you know what to expect, reducing surprises and uncertainty.
• Strong advocacy: Our knowledge of Harrisburg courts, relevant Pennsylvania laws, and relationships within the local legal community strengthens your defense.
• Connection to resources: When cases require it, we can draw on reputable expert witnesses and legal resources to help strengthen your case.
• Consistent communication: We keep you involved and informed, so you never feel left out of critical decisions.

We start each defense by listening closely to you and reviewing your case in depth. Our team explains how to respond to police, important paperwork, and any restrictions the court may order. Because the Harrisburg criminal justice system uses its own set of protocols from first hearing to trial, we clarify what to expect at every turn. 

Take the Next Step & Protect Your Rights in Harrisburg

If you face sexual assault allegations in Harrisburg or nearby, reaching out early safeguards your rights and allows our criminal defense attorneys to offer thorough, informed advice. Contact The Dorward Law Firm to schedule your confidential consultation with a sexual assault attorney in Harrisburg. You’ll get real answers, support at each step, and a team devoted to your peace of mind in difficult moments.

Call (717) 429-0411 or reach out online now to speak directly with a Harrisburg sexual assault defense lawyer. We are ready to stand with you and guide you forward.