Sex Crimes Lawyers in Chester County, PA

When you are a victim of sexual assault, the experience can have a devastating impact on all aspects of your life. Having an experienced sex crimes attorney by your side is critical to achieving justice and protecting your rights. Our sexual assault lawyers at Perna & Abracht, LLC listen to your story, investigate the facts of your case and provide the compassionate support you need to get through challenging times.

We fight aggressively to get you justice and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Being accused of a sex crime can also have detrimental effects on all aspects of a person’s life. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to defend the charges and protect your rights.

Our Sex Crimes Lawyers Fight for Victims’ Rights

Criminal charges can only be brought by prosecutors on behalf of the people of a state or commonwealth. However, if you’re a victim of sexual assault you may also be entitled to file a civil lawsuit against your attacker or an institution that facilitated or failed to prevent sexual abuse.

We provide legal services to victims of all ages, in all types of sex offense cases. We also defend clients against sex crime charges.

Types of Sex crimes in PA

Rape – Under PA law, rape is defined as performing sexual intercourse on a victim through force or the threat of force, while they are unconscious or under the influence of an intoxicant administered by the accused, or if the victim has a mental disability that makes him or her unable to consent. Rape is one of the most serious sex crimes a person can face.

Other types of sex crime charges in Pennsylvania include:

• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
• Sexual assault
• Indecent assault
• Indecent exposure
• Unlawful contact with a minor
• Incest
• Child pornography
• Unlawful dissemination of an intimate image
• Sexual extortion
• Prostitution or solicitation

Although some of these charges are misdemeanor offenses, they can still have very serious consequences, such as jail time, fines, and a sex offender registration requirement; not to mention the devastating impact being convicted of a sex crime can have on someone’s personal and professional life. Being convicted of multiple felonies can come with harsh sentences, including 20 or more years of prison time and lifetime offender registration if aggravating factors such as the rape of a child are involved.

Defense for Sex Crime Accusations

It is critical to protect victims’ rights and hold those who commit sex crimes fully responsible for their actions. However, our justice system gives every person accused of a crime the right to legal counsel and competent defense. Our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers have years of experience investigating sex crime cases and creating strategies that protect all of our clients’ rights.

Our Sexual Assault Lawyers Provide Top-Notch Legal Representation

At Perna & Abracht, LLC, our sexual abuse lawyers believe everyone deserves fair and zealous legal representation regardless of the reasons why they may need an attorney. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to both victims of crimes and those accused of sexual assault.

Sex Crimes FAQ

Why Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am a Victim of Sexual Assault?

 Dealing with the aftermath of a sex crime can be overwhelming. Although prosecutors may pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator on behalf of the state, your own lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and provide support.  A sexual assault lawyer can also help you pursue compensatory damages in a civil case if appropriate.  These types of cases take extensive investigation. Our experienced sex crime attorneys know how to gather evidence and put it all together to build strong civil cases.

Unsure of what to do after a sexual assault? This checklist can help.

What If An Organization or Institution Failed to Prevent or Report Sexual Abuse or Assault?

 There are many situations in which another entity or individual besides the perpetrator may be liable for damages in a sex crime case. If you were sexually assaulted at work, school, a place of worship, or a business, the organization may be held legally responsible for failing to protect you. These cases are complex. Our sexual assault lawyers understand the nuances of civil and criminal law. We can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a viable claim for damages.  

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of a Sex Crime?

 If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, it is critical to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak to police, any other law enforcement, or prosecutors without an attorney present. Even if you are innocent, anything you say could be twisted and used against you. In fact, it is best not to talk about your case or the alleged assault with anyone except your attorney.

How Can A Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Help with My Case?

 Our Pennsylvania sex crimes attorneys provide a vigorous defense and fight to protect your rights. Our team analyzes evidence, and the circumstances of your arrest, and works to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Each situation is unique, and the approach we take depends on the specifics of your case. Whether it involves concerns with the credibility of witnesses or chain of evidence issues, we use our experience, knowledge, and all of the resources at our disposal to build a strong defense. In some cases, we may be able to have charges dismissed or reduced without even going to trial. Our sex crimes defense attorneys provide compassionate legal representation without judgment and ensure your legal rights are preserved.

Learn how a sexual assault case can affect your professional life.

What is the Sexual Offender Registry?

 Megan’s Law requires those convicted of certain sex crimes to register with the Pennsylvania State Police. Sex offenders are categorized under three tiers, depending on the type and severity of the crime for which they were convicted. Information like your address, place of employment, and other details must be updated periodically. Registration requirements range from 15 years to lifetime registration.

Find out what happens if you fail to register as a sex offender in Pennsylvania.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am a Victim of Sexual Assault?

Penalties for teen sexting can be harsh in Pennsylvania. If your child is being investigated for receiving or sending a sexually explicit message, our criminal defense attorneys can assess his or her case, help you understand the law, and provide legal representation.

Here is what you need to know about teen sexting laws in Pennsylvania.

If you have a specific legal question that you would like answered without any obligation to retain our firm, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our attorneys below.

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Contact Our Sex Crimes Lawyer in in Chester County, PA for Free Consultation

If you’ve been a victim of, or you are facing sex crime charges in Pennsylvania, our experienced legal team can help.  Contact us online or call 610-708-1970 to schedule a free consultation with a sex crimes lawyer today.