Herndon, Virginia Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

While there are many types of criminal charges that can lead to serious penalties, few will have the same impact on a person's life as accusations of a sex crime. Because of the ways these offenses can affect victims, offenders are likely to face harsh penalties. However, some people may struggle to be treated fairly as they address sex crime accusations, and their lives, careers, reputations, and personal relationships may be destroyed by allegations or arrests. Because of the consequences that a person may face, legal representation is crucial when defending against sex crime charges.

Sex crime charges may address a wide range of conduct, from accusations of sexual conduct without consent to the possession of illegal pornographic materials. At Noorishad Law, P.C., our lawyer can provide representation for people who are under investigation for sex crimes or those who have been arrested. With his 15+ years of experience representing clients in criminal cases, he knows how to examine the evidence in a case, challenge unreliable testimony, and build effective defense strategies to help clients prevent sex crime convictions.

Harsh Penalties for People Convicted of Sex Crimes

A conviction for a sex crime can lead to multiple types of consequences that may affect a person's freedom, their future opportunities, their financial resources, and their future. The penalties may include:

• Lengthy Prison Sentences: Many sex offenses in Virginia are classified as felonies with mandatory minimum prison terms. Some offenses may be punishable by life in prison.
• High Fines: Courts may impose fines as high as tens of thousands of dollars, and a person may also be required to pay restitution.
• Permanent Criminal Record: Sex crime convictions generally cannot be expunged, and they will appear on background checks performed by employers, landlords, licensing boards, or other parties for the rest of a person's life.
• Sex Offender Registration: Convictions for many sex crimes will require offenders to register with law enforcement for the rest of their lives. A status as a convicted sex offender may lead to restrictions on where a person is allowed to live or work. They may face restrictions on their children, including their own family members.

Sexual Assault Charges

Allegations that a person engaged in sexual conduct without receiving consent from the other party can result in an arrest for sexual assault. The specific charges that may apply in these cases include:

• Rape: Sexual intercourse in which a person is accused of using force, threatening to injure the alleged victim, or using coercion or intimidation can lead to charges of rape. A person may also be charged with rape if the alleged victim was mentally incapacitated or physically helpless due to intoxication or for other reasons. Sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 13 is also considered to be rape.
• Forcible Sodomy: Oral or anal sex may be considered sexual assault if sex acts were performed against a person's will. As with rape, these charges may involve the use of force, threats, intimidation, or coercion.
• Object Sexual Penetration: A sexual assault charge may involve accusations that a person used an object or body part to commit sexual penetration without the consent of the other party. This offense generally carries the same penalties as rape.

Sexual assault charges will often be based on witness testimony from the alleged victim or other parties. Forensic evidence may need to be considered, such as DNA gathered through a rape kit or other evidence showing where a person was and their communications with the alleged victim or other people. Our attorney can examine the evidence in a case, review the procedures followed during an investigation, and develop defense strategies to help a person avoid a conviction for sexual assault.