Beckley Sex Crime Lawyer

Beckley Sex Crime Attorney

It is completely understandable to feel hopeless when facing sex crime charges in Beckley, West Virginia. However, with the help of the right Beckley, WV sex crime lawyer, your rights and freedoms can be protected. The penalties for these crimes can be harsh, and you may be forced to register as a sex offender. Whether these charges occur due to a mistake or a mistaken identity in Grandview, you need a lawyer who is ready to defend you no matter what.

At Meadows Law PLLC, our criminal defense lawyers have been fighting for clients just like you for years. We understand the unique legal landscape of the Raleigh County court system and are ready to do whatever it takes to protect your reputation and future. We understand that these are frightening times and are here to offer compassionate and understanding legal counsel. Trust us to tailor your defense strategy to correctly fit the needs of your sex crime case.

Types of Beckley Sex Crimes We Defend

West Virginia is no stranger to crimes of a sexual nature. In fact, across the country, one in six adult women will face some form of sexual crime or violence in their lifetime. If you are charged with a sexual crime, you need to get a lawyer on your side as soon as possible. These crimes can arise from simple mistakes or misunderstandings, and to ensure you don’t just become another statistic, you need a lawyer who is ready to fight for you.

There are several common kinds of sex crimes that our Beckley criminal defense attorneys can help you with. If you have been charged with any of these crimes, you need to hire a sex crime lawyer:

• Sexual assault. There are three degrees of sexual assault in West Virginia. If you are charged with a crime of sexual assault, it means you have allegedly participated in an act of sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another individual and have caused that individual to suffer harm or personal injury. The degrees of sexual assault in West Virginia are as follows:
  • First-degree. This is typically a felony charge in West Virginia and can occur when an individual who is aged 14 or older takes part in a sexual activity with a person aged 12 or younger. If charged, you can face 15-35 years in prison and fines totaling up to $10,000.
  • Second-degree. This charge is also considered to be a felony and happens when one person has sexual intercourse or penetration with another individual without their consent or by use of force. This crime can also occur when sexual intercourse takes place with an individual who is physically disabled or unable to resist. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and 10-25 years in prison.
  • Third-degree. This charge of sexual assault occurs when one individual engages in the act of sexual intercourse or intrusion with another individual who is mentally unable or incapable of consenting to the sexual act.
    You can also be charged with third-degree sexual assault if the victim is under 16 years old and at least four years younger than the offender. You can spend 1-5 years in prison for this crime.
• Sexual abuse. In West Virginia, sexual abuse typically involves one individual forcing any kind of sexual conduct upon another who is not capable of fighting back or offering their consent. Any individual can be charged with sexual abuse in the first degree if they are 14 years or older and force themself on a person 12 or younger. Sexual abuse can also happen in cases where the offender is 18 or older and the victim is 12 or younger.
• Rape. This is the most serious of sexual cases, and an offender, if convicted, can face life in prison. In most cases, rape occurs when an offender violently forces themselves on the victim in a sexual nature. However, other actions can lead to rape charges include forcing sexual intercourse in a non-violent manner, having sex with someone younger than 16, or having sex with someone who is unable to offer their consent.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Sex Crimes Lawyer?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a sex crimes lawyer might charge for their services in Beckley, West Virginia. This is because there are several factors that go into these cases that can affect the final cost analysis. These factors include the severity of the charge, the complexity of the case, and the experience of your Beckley sex crime attorney.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a Sex Crime in West Virginia?

A: There are several penalties one can face for a sex crime conviction in West Virginia. These penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, which can cause you to suffer heavy financial burdens, having to register as a sex offender, being issued with a protective or restraining order, or serving a term under extreme conditions.

Q: How Do You Defend Against a Sex Crime?

A: There are several ways to defend yourself against a sex crime in West Virginia. The most common defenses used in these cases include having the consent of the alleged victim, suffering a false accusation, a lack of evidence to support the prosecution’s case against you, or the fact that your rights were violated by the police during your arrest.

Q: Are Sex Crimes Common in West Virginia?

A: Sex crimes do commonly occur in West Virginia. In recent years, the state has seen a rate of sexual assault of 52.1 per 100,000 residents. Thankfully, a lawyer is here to ensure your case does not just turn into another statistic, and rather, you are protected from a conviction that would lump you into these numbers.

Protect Your Rights Today by Contacting Meadows Law PLLC: Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

One of the most serious criminal charges you can face in your lifetime is one of a sexual nature. These charges, when successfully convicted, can carry some of the harshest and most life-altering penalties. At Meadows Law PLLC, we want to protect you from these penalties and do everything in our power to ensure you continue enjoying your freedoms. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Beckley, WV, call us today to schedule your free consultation.