If you are thinking about hiring a sex crime defense attorney, chances are high that you face some serious charges. Sex crimes can come with a lengthy jail sentence, not to mention a lifelong stigma. Nevertheless, you still have rights, including a legal representative. An attorney will examine your case and develop a strategy to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Missouri law is clear in the designation of different sex crimes and their penalties. Sex crimes can vary in levels of seriousness, but rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse are the most serious. These crimes come with a first-degree felony or second-degree felony charges. The charge will depend on the age of the victim or victims involved. It also depends on whether the perpetrator used a weapon and whether the offender had prior charges.
A Class A felony comes with 10–30 years or life imprisonment. A Class B felony carries five to 15 years in prison. A Class C felony has less prison time — up to seven years — but also carries a fine of up to $5,000. Similarly, a Class D felony has a fine of up to $5,000 years but has no more than a four-year prison sentence. Finally, for Class misdemeanor charges, the individual will have up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
When a client hires an attorney following a sex crime charge, the lawyer will begin to look closely at the evidence that led to the arrest. This may involve visiting crime scenes. The lawyer may be able to determine that law enforcement acquired the evidence illegally. Or, it may be possible that there is insufficient evidence to charge the person with the crime.
Even with the most serious charges, a sex crime defense attorney will look for ways for the court to drop or reduce the charges. There are some effective strategies that the attorney will explore. One of the most obvious is that the defendant had an alibi, meaning the person was in a different place when the alleged act occurred. Another possibility is that evidence shows that the victim consented to the accused. There may have been a case of mistaken identity, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges. Or, the lawyer may be able to show that the arrest or gathering of evidence was unconstitutional.
An experienced lawyer has the knowledge and training to represent sex crimes defendants. When a person hires a sex crime defense attorney, the lawyer will have the defendant’s interests at heart. A good attorney will understand the law and determine whether the case has merit. A lawyer also has experience negotiating plea bargains and getting reductions in charges or sentences.
If you have been accused of a sex crime, you face serious consequences. However, you still have rights, whether you acknowledge your guilt or believe the charges are false. This is when you need a sex crime defense attorney to represent you. An attorney will review the evidence carefully and build an effective defense.
Call us at (417) 865-2181 for more information from Dean Price Law or to schedule a consultation in our office in Springfield. NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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