A child sexual assault is a horrible crime to be accused of. The charge alone can be emotionally devastating, including damaging your reputation, relationships, and career. If you are convicted, you could face severe fines, a lifetime on the sex offender registry, and even lengthy jail time.
If you are facing a child sexual assault charge in Norristown, PA, you are likely feeling scared and overwhelmed, unsure of what step you should take first to defend yourself against the allegations and stop your life from falling apart. A Norristown child sexual assault lawyer can help.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C, we have worked on cases like these before and are proud of our results. Attorney David C. McKenzie III is a former criminal prosecutor who understands how the minds of the prosecutors work. He and his team can put this knowledge to work for you and build a strong case defending you against these allegations.
For a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C today at (610) 680-7842.
Types of Child Sexual Assault
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), child sexual abuse involves any type of abuse that includes sexual behavior with a minor. In the eyes of the law, children can never consent to sexual activity, so when anyone engages in sexual behavior with a child, they are automatically committing a crime that can impact that child for the rest of their life.
Some types of child sexual abuse include:
- Sex of any kind with a child
- Fondling
- Indecent exposure
- Statutory rape
- Producing or sharing pornographic movies or videos of children
For a free legal consultation with a child sexual assault lawyer serving Norristown, call (610) 680-7842
Penalties for Child Sexual Assault
Sexual assault of children is almost always a first-degree felony. The exception to this is if you are photographing or videotaping sexual acts, that is a second-degree felony. Some specific charges and the accompanying penalties, according to RAINN, are:
Rape of a Child Who Suffers Serious Bodily Injury
The rape of a child under the age of 13 who suffers a serious injury in the course of the event is a first-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000. If the child is under the age of 16, there is a minimum prison sentence of 10 years.
Deviant Sexual Activity With a Child Who Suffers Serious Bodily Injury
When someone engages in involuntary deviant sexual intercourse with a child, and that child suffers serious bodily injury, it is a first-degree sexual offense with the same penalties as the rape of a child.
Statutory Sexual Assault
A person who engages in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 16 and that person is between four and eight years older than the victim commits a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
If the person has sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16 and that person is 11 or more years older than the victim, it is a first-degree felony with a prison sentence of up to 20 years. If the child was under the age of 13, there is a maximum prison sentence of 40 years, and if the child suffered serious bodily injury, the person could face a penalty of life in prison. If the child is under 16, a conviction carries a minimum prison sentence of ten years.
We understand how scary it can be possibly facing such severe penalties if there are child sexual assault allegations against you. However, a Norristown child sexual assault lawyer can help you build a strong defense. Our team understands the criminal justice system and can review your situation and determine the steps we need to take to fight the charges you are facing. For a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C today at (610) 680-7842.
Norristown Child Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Types of Restrictions You May Face After a Conviction
If convicted, you can expect to serve time in prison for a child sexual assault charge. Even after prison, though, you may continue to face restrictions that will impact your relationships, employment, and even where you can live. Some of the types of restrictions you should anticipate, according to the Pennsylvania State Police, are:
- Notifying the surrounding community: When you are added to the sex offender registry list and move to a new area, you will be required to notify all of the businesses and households within 250 feet of your residence or the 25 closest houses or businesses.
- Employment: You will be restricted from taking positions that put you in contact with children.
- Residence location: As a child sex offender, you will be prohibited from living within a certain distance of a school, daycare, park, or anywhere else that children congregate.
Sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or unlawful contact with a minor all are convictions that require 25 years on the sex offender registry list. A statutory sexual assault conviction, where the victim was under the age of 16 and the offender was 11 or more years older, or rape, requires lifetime registration on the sex offender registry.
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How a Norristown Child Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help
If you are facing a child sexual assault charge in Norristown, PA, a sexual assault lawyer who has experience with cases like these can help you build a strong defense. These crimes often attract public attention, and you may feel that you have already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. However, you have the right to defend yourself against these charges, and the team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C is here to help. Contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C today at (610) 680-7842.
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