Criminal defense against sexual charges

For the accused, a sex crime investigation will turn your life upside down. The investigation will cause tension in your relationships and you can be made to look guilty, even before all the facts are considered. You will often be put on the police or county detective's social media page and have the story covered on the evening news. The long term effects are even more severe. You could be placed on the sexual offender registry for life. You need an experienced sex crimes defense attorney to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.

The first step for a successful outcome is to remember that you are entitled to have an attorney with you during questioning by police. It takes legal knowlege and an understanding of the facts of your case before a decision to interview should be made. It is equally important that you hire a sex crimes attorney with great negotiating skills and the trial experience necessary to challege the prosecutor's version of events. 

Pennsylvania sexual offense statutes cover a broad array of conduct, from rape to the dissemination of sexual images. Similar to Pennsylvania DUI law, sexual offenses are classified in a three-tier system. Sexual offenses, such as rape, sexual assault, and involuntary sexual deviate intercourse are just a few of the Tier III offenses.

CONSEQUENCES OF A SEX CRIME CONVICTION

A sex crime conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Additionally, sex offenses carry mandatory registration period, pursuant to SORNA (commonly referred to as "Megans' Law). The registration period depends upon which tier the sexual offense falls into. For instance, a person convicted of indecent assault or invasion of privacy would be required to register for 15 years. Whereas, a person convicted of rape, a Tier III offense, would be required to register for life.

Another consideration for defendants considering a guilty plea to a sexual offense is the required evaluation by the Sexual Offender Assessment Board, or "SOAB." When a person pleads guilty or is convicted of a sexual offense, sentencing will be deferred for 90-days, for the SOAB evaluation to be completed.  The evaluation is conducted to determine whether the defendant is a Sexually Violent Predator, or "SVP." If the defendant is found to be a SVP, by clear and convincing evidence, then the defendant is required to report for life, regardless of which tier the offense fell into. In cases where the board finds the defendant to be an SVP, the defendant is entitled to hearing to challenge the board's finding.

While the consequences can be severe, it is important to remember that, in our criminal justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty. Sexual criminal offenses are serious offenses that have the potential for lifelong impact. If you're being investigated or have been charged with a sex crime, you need to call Dutko & Chwiecko and put our experience to work for you. Attorneys Dutko and Chwiecko are criminal lawyers with experience in sex crimes defense and have helped clients charged with sex crimes in Allentown, Easton, Reading and all of Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties. Call Dutko & Chweicko today and let us review your case for FREE!