How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help if I’m Charged with a Sex Crime?

While not all sex crimes in Lebanon, PA, lead to the same penalties, they all carry a certain social stigma that can be extremely damaging. Even if you avoid incarceration, the presence of a sex crime conviction on your record can affect your reputation and your life in ways that you may not yet understand. The most obvious course of action is to avoid a conviction in the first place. But how do you accomplish this goal? Can a defense attorney help?

A Defense Attorney Can Help You Understand the Consequences of Sex Crimes

During your first meeting with a defense attorney in Lebanon, PA, you might learn more about your potential consequences. This is an important step in the educational process because you need to know what is at stake as you approach your case. Once you understand the potential consequences of your alleged crime, you might find it easier to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

One of your most important choices during these early phases is whether to plead guilty. Ultimately, this is your decision to make. However, a lawyer may be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action based on your unique circumstances. If the evidence against you seems overwhelming, it may make sense to pursue a plea deal.

You should know that if you plead guilty, you will almost certainly be convicted of a sex offense. This may present implications that go beyond fines and potential incarceration. As a convicted sex offender, you might need to inform your neighbors of your crimes. You might also face difficulty finding new housing arrangements if you ever move. Failure to register as a sex offender after a conviction can lead to additional penalties, including felony charges.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Push Back Against Sex Crime Allegations?

Various defense strategies could prove effective, depending on your unique circumstances. Prosecutors will need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and this can be challenging in many cases. Your lawyer can help you cast doubt on the validity or admissibility of the evidence against you.

You might also argue that you lacked the intent to carry out your alleged crimes. It is theoretically possible to accidentally commit certain sex crimes. For example, you might have accidentally touched a person’s private parts after stumbling on a crowded sidewalk or in an elevator. You may also attempt to claim that you did not know that an individual was under the age of consent.

Get Help From a Criminal Defense Attorney in Lebanon, PA

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Lebanon, PA, may be able to help you push back against your sex crime allegations. Various defense strategies could prove effective in this situation, although it is important to understand that each case is different. As a result, online research may not provide the kind of targeted guidance you need. Contact Feeman Law Offices today at (717) 273-1763 or visit us online to find out more.