Sex Crimes
Reviewed by Tim Kelly, J.D.
Last updated May 29, 2023
This content contains sensitive subject matter related to legal defense for crimes of a sexual nature.
Sex crimes are acts committed by an individual involving coerced or illegal sexual conduct with another person. There are both federal and state statutes defining these crimes and their punishments. State and federal statutes also specify sex crime statutes of limitations, which limit the time allowed for criminal prosecution or civil suit against an offender.
If you have been accused of a sex crime, consider speaking with a local attorney as soon as possible. It is never too early to begin mounting a capable legal defense.
Sex Crime Issues and Information
- An overview of sex crimes in the United States: “Sex crimes are a serious matter and some of the most harshly punished crimes in the United States. Sex offense crimes involve acts committed by an individual involving coerced or illegal sexual conduct with another person.”
- An introduction to modern sex offender rules and regulations: “Being labeled a sex offender or sexual predator can permanently hurt your reputation and you could even lose your job. If you are accused of a sex crime by your local law enforcement agency, talk to a sex crime defense attorney about your legal rights.”
- Differences between state and federal law: “State and federal laws for sex offenses can be different, even for the same activity. If you are facing an investigation for possible sex crime charges, find out about your legal rights and defense options by talking to an experienced sex crime defense attorney.”
- Common defenses in court: “Being accused of a sex crime can do permanent damage to your reputation. Friends and co-workers may think the worst of you even before you have your day in court. Sex offenses also have serious criminal penalties, including prison time and possible sex offender registration.”
- When sexting is a crime: “The criminal laws for sexting and sharing sexual images online differ in every state. Before you think of sending nude photos from your cell phone, make sure you understand the laws in your state.”
- When and when not to take a polygraph: “Sometimes called a lie detector test, it does not necessarily show whether someone is lying. The device is hooked up to a person to measure pulse, blood pressure, breathing, and skin conductivity.”
- Looking at sex crimes on-campus: “Sex assault on-campus involves rape or sexual assault while attending a college or university. Sexual assault can happen on or off campus, including in dorm rooms, bars, or someone’s car.”
Sex Offender Registry in the U.S.
- A look at the national registry: “The National Sex Offender Registry includes information about sex offenders in the U.S. States have individual sex offender registries that allow the public to search for sex offenders by name or location. This can include the name, photo, address, and sex crime convictions.”
- Frequently asked questions about the registry: “All states maintain databases of information about individuals convicted of sex offenses. The sex offender registry is maintained by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The public sex offender registry is designed to protect the public by monitoring and tracking the movements of convicted sex offenders.”
- Removing your name from the registry: “When someone is convicted of certain sex offenses, they must register as a sex offender. Depending on the type of crime, sex offender registration may be required for the rest of their lives. Failure to follow sex offender registration requirements can have additional penalties.”
- Restrictions imposed on sex offenders: “Depending on the criminal charge, convicted sex offenders may be limited in where they can live and work. Sex offender registries are public. “
- Understanding the tiers that exist for sex offenders and their crimes: “Anyone convicted of a sexual offense must understand their state’s registration requirements. If you don’t follow the sex offender registry rules, you could be charged with a crime.”
- Restrictions on internet use: ” States may also have certain restrictions on sex offender activity, including online contact. However, states can’t have a social media ban for convicted sexual offenders because it is considered an improper and unconstitutional ban on an offender’s free speech rights.”
Charging Offenses and Sentencing
- A summary of rape law: “Rape, a form of sexual assault, is a serious criminal sexual conduct crime that comes with severe penalties if you are convicted. Even just an allegation of rape can be life-altering, regardless of the criminal case outcome.”
- Differing between rape and sexual assault: “Some people talk about sexual assault and rape as the same thing. However, depending on state laws, they may be separate sex offenses. Different charges may have different consequences. In other states, they are treated as the same thing.”
- A summary of statutory rape law: “Sex between consenting partners can be against the law when one of the individuals is a minor. Even if the minor seemingly agrees to have sex, the law does not give them the legal ability to consent until they reach the age of majority. Sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent is statutory rape.”
- A summary of age of consent law: “Consent is not a defense to statutory rape charges. There is a difference between verbal consent and legal consent. Individuals under the age of consent cannot legally consent to sex because of their age.”
- A summary of child pornography law: “Each state has its own legal definition of child pornography offenses and its own criminal laws for penalties. However, because pornographic material often occurs online or across state lines, or in foreign commerce, there is federal jurisdiction over the sale, transmission, and possession of child pornography.”
- What to do if you’ve downloaded child pornography by accident: “Make sure you know what you are doing before downloading any image or movie files. Don’t run the risk of accidental possession of child porn.”
- A summary of indecent exposure law: “Indecent exposure is a criminal offense where someone exposes their private parts or body in the presence of another person. Exposure could have been intended as a joke, for sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or to offend another.”
- A summary of revenge porn law: “Revenge porn refers to posting a sexual image of another person to get revenge or embarrass them. Some states have passed new revenge porn laws, and other states have laws that make it illegal to take or distribute sexual images of another person without their consent.”
Additional Sex Crime Articles
- What Are the Differences Between Sexual Assault and Rape?
- Can I Get My Name Removed from the Sex Offender Registry?
- What Is a Sex Offender?
- Sex Offender Registry: Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are the Differences Between Rape and Statutory Rape?
- Sex Crimes Overview
- Types of Restrictions on Convicted Sex Offenders
- An Overview of Tiers for Convicted Sex Offenders
- Can Sexting Be Considered a Sex Crime?
- Should I Take a Polygraph Test if I Am Accused of a Sex Crime?
- Is Accidentally Downloading Child Pornography a Sex Crime?
- Can Convicted Sex Offenders Use Social Media?
- What Are the Differences Between State and Federal Sex Crimes?
- Sexual Assault On-Campus: What You Need To Know
- Common Legal Defenses for Sex Crimes
- An Overview of Revenge Porn Law
- How To Find an Attorney for Sex Crimes
- Sex Crimes: How an Attorney Can Help