Top Wilsonville, AL Sex Crime Lawyers Near You

Visit our free Sex Crime Resource Center.

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.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.