Top Laceys Spring, AL Sex Crime Lawyers Near You

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What Is a Sex Crime in Alabama?

Sex crimes include a wide variety of criminal offenses. Sex crimes include sexual conduct or a sexual act motivated by sexual arousal or sexual gratification. Sex crimes may also include unlawful sexual contact or sexual activity through force or without consent. Some victims of sex crimes cannot give consent because they are impaired or under the age of consent. Possession of illegal sexual material may also be considered a sex crime, including child pornography.

What Are Examples of Common Sex Crimes?

There are many types of sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, prostitution, solicitation of a minor, lewdness, indecent exposure, statutory rape, child molestation, sexual battery, and internet sex crimes. Sex crimes can be charged as federal offenses or as state crimes. Sex crimes involving children, child pornography, or sex trafficking are often prosecuted in federal court.

Is a Sex Crime a Misdemeanor or Felony?

Some sex crimes are considered misdemeanors and others are felony offenses. Some sex crimes could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of offense. Sex crimes can also vary by degree (such as 1st-degree sexual assault or 2nd-degree sexual assault.) The penalties for a felony conviction are generally more severe than for a misdemeanor. Sex crime charges like public lewdness, indecent exposure, and solicitation of prostitution are often classified as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors generally have a maximum prison time of one year. More severe sex crime cases are generally tried by the district attorney as a felony. Sex crimes that are generally felony offenses include rape or aggravated sexual assault, distribution of child pornography, or child sexual abuse. Felony convictions often result in longer prison sentences and additional consequences after release.

What Are Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Alabama?

The penalties for a sex crime conviction depend on several factors, including the type of crime, violence involved, age of the victim, relationship between the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator, criminal history, and other factors. The penalties for a felony sex crime could include a term of years of jail time, including up to 10 years or more. Other consequences of a sex crime could include paying restitution, mandatory counseling, and registering as a sex offender.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Alabama?

After serving the prison sentence, the person convicted may be designated as a sex offender. A sex offender has to register with law enforcement when they are released from prison, and re-register every year or if they decide to move. Failure to register as a sex offender can be a criminal offense. The sex offender registry is generally searchable by the public. Neighbors, employers, or family members could search the Alabama sex offender registration, which may include the offender’s name, photograph, address, and sexual offenses.

What Should I Do After a Sex Crime Arrest?

You have rights after you are arrested and accused of sex crime allegations. Many people who are arrested for a sex crime want to cooperate with the police to explain that it is all a misunderstanding. They may even try and contact the alleged victim to talk to them about the false accusations. However, this can be a bad idea and it can hurt your criminal defense case. If you are accused of a sex crime, make sure you understand your rights and talk to a sex crimes lawyer about handling the criminal charges. A sex crimes defense lawyer can help you with legal advice and defense strategies in your criminal case.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney’s hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For “routine” legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.