A conviction for a sex offense in Virginia carries serious penalties. If you were convicted of a sex crime, you might be required to register as a sex offender. You may face jail time, fines, and a long-standing criminal record. Those convicted of less serious misdemeanor sex crimes, such as indecent exposure, may face employment, housing, and other challenges.
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Virginia, you will benefit from working with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC have successfully represented individuals accused of a wide range of sex crimes. Contact Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC to schedule a case evaluation and learn more about how we can protect your legal interest in obtaining the best possible outcome in your case.
Types of Sex Crime Cases We Handle
At Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC, we understand that innocent people can be charged with sex crimes in Virginia. When you work with us, you can rest assured that you will be treated fairly and that we will protect your legal rights at all stages of the process. The attorneys at Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC have successfully represented clients in a wide range of sex crime cases, including the following:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Internet sex crimes
- Rape
- Failure to register as a sex offender
- Sex crimes involving minors
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Solicitation
- Stalking
- Object sexual penetration
- Indecent exposure
- Forcible sodomy
- Prostitution
- Indecent liberties
The Benefits of Working with a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney
Virginia prosecutors are known to aggressively prosecute sex crimes, even if the sexual act was attempted but not completed. Most allegations of sexual misconduct come from family members or people the defendant knows. Many allegations come down to a he-said-she-said situation. Working with an attorney can help you begin investing in your case immediately and gathering and protecting evidence favorable to your case.
At Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and skills necessary to build the strongest legal defense possible. We understand that pursuing an acquittal or favorable plea will involve issues of consent and credibility. Our team has the knowledge and resources necessary to fully investigate the facts of your case to protect your freedom and do everything within our power to work toward a successful outcome.
Sexual Assault and Battery
Sexual assault and battery is a crime that involves sexually abusing another individual. In Virginia, sexual abuse is an act intended to molest, arouse, or gratify another person sexually. Sexual assault and battery is a class 1 misdemeanor. However, defendants can face more serious charges if they were knowingly infected with a sexually transmitted disease when the alleged battery occurred. They can also face more severe penalties if sexual abuse is inflicted on a person younger than 15 years of age. In this case, the defendant would be charged with a sexual crime involving a minor.
Rape
Rape is among the most serious type of sex crime in Virginia. A crime of rape means that the defendant allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with another person against that person’s will. The prosecution must prove that the defendant did not consent to the sexual intercourse. However, if the alleged victim was unable to say no to the defendant’s sexual advances due to drug or alcohol intoxication or a mental disability, the defendant can still be charged and convicted of rape. Depending on the severity of the rape, a defendant could receive a penalty of life in prison if convicted.
Failure to Register As a Sex Offender
In Virginia, defendants who have been convicted of specific types of sex crimes, including violent sex crimes, are required to register with the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. A defendant can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor for knowingly failing to register as a sex offender or knowingly providing the registry with false information.
Sex Crimes Involving Minors
Multiple types of sex crimes involve minors. Usually, these crimes involve the same types of sexual offenses that a person can conduct against adults. However, the penalties are much more severe when a child is involved. For example, if an adult defendant is convicted of the rape of a child, the court must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If the victim is a child under age 13, the Court must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.
Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
Sending text messages that include child pornography is a crime in Virginia, and the penalties are harsh. Knowingly possessing, creating, Distributing, soliciting, or facilitating child pornography is a serious crime in Virginia. Suppose you’ve been charged with this crime. In that case, you will be subject to the lawful seizure and forfeiture of any computer equipment, technology, or property allegedly used in conjunction with the possession or distribution of child pornography.
Stalking and Indecent Exposure
Stalking involves engaging in conduct with the intent to place reasonable fear in another person’s mind on more than one occasion. Stalking itself isn’t a sex crime, but in many situations, the alleged victim fears the stalker will commit sexual assault. Stalking can also involve electronic stalking. The fence is usually charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. Exposing yourself or making an obscene display in public is considered the crime of indecent exposure in Virginia.
Seek Skilled Legal Representation Today
Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC is a leading criminal defense law firm focused on Northern Virginia and beyond. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, no matter how serious, you will benefit from having a strong defense attorney early on. Even if you haven’t been formally charged yet, an attorney can help protect your rights and provide you with the best likelihood of successfully defending yourself. Contact the Virginia criminal defense attorneys at Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn how we can guide you through the legal process.