A sexual assault charge is an extremely serious offense that can lead to jail time and your name placed on the sex offender registry. It also can cause you to lose your job, impact your future employment, as well as your relationships. This is not a charge that you should take lightly.
Unfortunately, even though you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, the court of public opinion is often quick to pass a guilty verdict. A Norristown sexual assault lawyer can help stand up for your rights and provide you with an aggressive and committed defense representation.
Attorney David McKenzie is a former prosecutor who can work for you. He knows how the prosecutors’ minds work and relies on his knowledge and strong negotiation skills to fight for his clients’ rights. For a free review of your Norristown sexual assault case, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today at (610) 680-7842.
Types of Sexual Assault Cases
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual assault includes any type of nonconsensual sexual behavior. Some types of sexual assault include:
- Attempted rape
- Rape
- Forcible sodomy
- Sexual contact with minors
- Sexual contact between family members (incest)
- Unwanted or forced sexual contact
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
This type of sexual assault typically occurs when the victim is at a social event, and someone drugs their drink. The victim experiences slurred speech, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Alcohol is also commonly used to facilitate sexual assault. Alcohol can typically lower the victim’s judgment or inhibitions. In the eyes of the law, the victim cannot give valid consent.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Norristown, call (610) 680-7842
Examples of Penalties for Sexual Assaults
The potential penalty for a sexual assault varies depending on the type of charge that the defendant is facing and the circumstances surrounding that event. For example, rape is a first-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PA C.S.) Title 18 §3121(b). However, if you are charged with deviant sexual intercourse with a child younger than 13, the charge carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. If the child suffers serious bodily injury, the charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
If the defendant is being charged with statutory sexual assault where they engaged in sexual activity with a victim under the age of 16, and who is between four and eight years older than the victim, then they are likely facing a second-degree felony charge. A second-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of no more than $25,000, as set aside in PA C.S. Title 101 §15.66.
As you can see, the ramifications of a sexual assault conviction are substantial. A conviction can lead to jail time, enormous fines, and have a devastating impact on your employment and family. A Norristown sexual assault lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case defending you against these charges. Our team has worked on many cases like these before, and we are proud of our results. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C today at (610) 680-7842.
Norristown Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Restrictions That You May Face if You Are Convicted
While many sexual assault cases do carry prison time and hefty fines, regardless of whether you are incarcerated in prison for the crime, the state may require you to comply with the restrictions as a registered sex offender, which include:
- Community notification: if the state determines that you are a sexually violent predator or a sexually violent delinquent child, you must send a notice to the people who live or work within 250 feet of your new residence or the 25 most immediate places of employment or residences in the proximity of your new residence. The notification will include your name, photo, address, and the crime you were convicted of.
- Location of residence: Depending on your conviction and the terms of your release, you may not be allowed to reside near a daycare center, school, or park. These restrictions may likely occur based on your previous victims or if there is a court-ordered restriction that designates where you can live or who you may have contact with.
- Employment: you may face restrictions on where you can find employment. Typically, the restrictions are to prevent you from being around schools, daycare centers, and other places where you would interact with children or other vulnerable communities.
- No-contact orders: you may face court-ordered restrictions that prohibit you from contacting certain people, your victims, their families, or people like your victim, such as children.
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What To Do if Arrested for Sexual Assault
Most people who are arrested on charges like these feel overwhelmed and often do not know who to turn to. They often do not know what their rights are or where they should begin to defend themselves. Because of the seriousness of these charges, most defendants are afraid of what comes next. Too often, they make a mistake and say something that prosecutors can use against them later.
If you have been arrested on sexual assault charges, you have the right to:
- Hire a Norristown sexual assault lawyer to stand up for your rights
- Refuse to make statements that prosecutors could later hold against you
- Know the charges for your arrest
- Enter a guilty or not guilty plea in front of a judge
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The Team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. is Here for You
Regardless of the charges you are facing, the team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. is here to stand up for your rights. After getting the details of your case and gathering relevant facts, we can gather evidence and eyewitness statements and build a strong defense case.
We also understand how stressful these cases are, which is why, once our clients have retained our services, we are very accessible via text, email, phone, or even social media.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today at (610) 680-7842.
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