Greater Philadelphia Sex Crimes Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Offering Legal Guidance in The Greater Philadelphia Area

Eagleville Pennsylvania sex crimes attorney

Being accused of a sex crime can change everything, but an experienced Greater Philadelphia sex crimes attorney will protect your rights from the very beginning. At Conway Schadler, we handle serious sex crime cases throughout the Philadelphia metro area, including accusations of sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, and more. If you are facing charges, you need a dedicated criminal defense lawyer who can challenge the prosecution’s case, examine the evidence, and fight for your future.

A Pennsylvania sex crime conviction can carry lengthy prison sentences, strict probation terms, and mandatory sex offender registration. That’s why it’s important to act quickly. Our defense attorneys work closely with each client to fight false allegations, defend their rights in court, and help avoid the lasting consequences of a criminal conviction.

Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an Eagleville sex crimes defense attorney today.

Types of Sex Crimes Our Greater Philadelphia Attorneys Handle

At Conway Schadler, our Eagleville criminal defense attorneys use their trusted legal experience to fight every criminal case we take on. We understand how deeply sex crime allegations can affect your life, and we’re dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you move forward. Below are some of the sex crimes we most often defend against.

In Pennsylvania, sexual assault means having sexual contact with someone without their consent, even if there was no force or threat involved. It is a second-degree felony and is treated as a serious sex crime. A criminal defense attorney can question the prosecution’s case, highlight weaknesses in the evidence, and present the circumstances that may lead to charges being dismissed or reduced.

Rape involves sexual intercourse that happens through force, threats, or when the other person is unable to resist, such as being unconscious or mentally impaired. This includes date rape, where someone uses drugs or alcohol to prevent the other person from giving legal consent. Rape is a first-degree felony and one of the most serious sex crimes in the state, which is why it’s important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who can challenge the claims and work to raise reasonable doubt before a judge or jury.

Indecent exposure happens when someone exposes their genitals in a public place or where others are present, with the intent to offend or alarm. It is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, but if the act involves a child under 16, it can be upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries harsher penalties. If you’ve been accused of indecent exposure in Montgomery County, a criminal defense attorney from our team can review the facts and challenge the allegations against you.

In Pennsylvania, indecent assault means touching someone inappropriately without consent for sexual reasons. It’s a misdemeanor, but the penalties increase if the victim is underage, unconscious, or unable to give consent. Aggravated indecent assault involves any kind of penetration without consent. Aggravated assault is a felony charge that can carry severe penalties if convicted.

Both charges are serious, and prosecutors often push for the maximum penalties, which is why it’s important to have an experienced sex crimes attorney to defend your case.

Unlawful contact with a minor refers to the online solicitation of a child to commit a sex crime. This charge applies when someone uses the phone, internet, text messages, or social media to attempt to arrange a meeting with a minor for illegal sexual activity. A person can still face charges even if a meeting never occurs. Simply talking about illegal sexual acts with a minor is enough under the law.

Unlawful contact with a minor is charged as a felony and can result in severe penalties, including prison time, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration. These charges are severe and require a strong legal defense.

In Pennsylvania, sexual abuse of children usually involves crimes related to child pornography. It is illegal to create, share, possess, or view any images or videos that show a child involved in sexual acts or sexually explicit behavior. It’s also against the law to involve a minor in making this type of content.

This is a felony crime that may also be prosecuted at the federal level if the material crosses state lines. If you are facing criminal charges under this law, speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) is a serious first-degree felony in Pennsylvania and is very similar to rape, but it covers additional acts, such as oral or anal sex, penetration with an object, or sexual acts involving an animal. It’s essential to speak with a defense attorney right away if you’ve been accused of IDSI or any other sex crime. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of protecting your rights and fighting the charges.

Criminal Penalties for Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sex crime lawyer

Under Pennsylvania law, the penalties for sex crimes depend on the specific charge, the age of the victim, the presence of force or threats, and whether the person accused has any prior convictions. Below is a list of potential criminal penalties for common sex crimes in the state:

Sexual Assault (second-degree felony)

  • Up to ten years in prison
  • Fines up to $25,000
  • 25-year registration as a Tier II sex offender

Rape (first-degree felony)

  • Up to twenty years in prison
  • Fines up to $25,000
  • Lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender

Indecent Exposure (first or second-degree misdemeanor)

  • Up to five years in prison
  • Possible sex offender registration

Indecent Assault (misdemeanor or third-degree felony)

  • Up to five years in prison
  • Possible 10-year registration as a Tier I sex offender

Aggravated Indecent Assault (first or second-degree felony)

  • Up to twenty years in prison
  • 25-year registration as a Tier II sex offender or lifetime registration as a Tier III offender, depending on the circumstances of the crime

Unlawful Contact with a Minor (first or second-degree felony)

  • Up to twenty years in prison
  • Mandatory sex offender registration

Sexual Abuse of Children (first, second, or third-degree felony)

  • Up to twenty years in prison
  • Fines up to $25,000
  • 25-year registration as a Tier II sex offender or lifetime registration as a Tier III offender

Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (first-degree felony)

  • Up to forty years in prison, or, in some cases, life imprisonment
  • Fines up to $25,000
  • Lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender

Megan’s Law PA

Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania requires people convicted of certain sex crimes to register as sex offenders, and some of their information is made public. Offenders are placed into three tiers based on the seriousness of the offense:

  • Tier I: 15-year registration
  • Tier II: 25-year registration
  • Tier III: Lifetime registration

Registered sex offenders must provide their name, home address, photograph, and details about the criminal offense. Failing to register is also a serious felony offense that can result in additional jail time.

Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in PA

Eagleville PA sex crime defense attorney

A sex crime conviction doesn’t just mean jail time or probation; it can affect nearly every part of your life. You may have to register as a sex offender, which can make it hard to find housing, employment, or go back to school. If you’re a parent, it could also impact your custody rights. Many people also lose professional licenses and can no longer work in specific fields. On top of that, the damage to your reputation and relationships can last long after your criminal case ends.

Possible Defenses to Sex Crime Charges in Pennsylvania

There are several legal defenses that a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney may use to help you avoid a sex crime conviction, such as:

  • Consent: Proving that both adults agreed to the sexual activity
  • False accusations: Pointing out lies or motives for making a false claim
  • Lack of evidence: Arguing that there is not enough proof to support the prosecution’s case
  • Mistaken identity: Proving that the accused person was not the one who committed the act
  • Alibi: Proving that the accused was somewhere else when the crime happened
  • Improper police conduct: Challenging how evidence was collected or whether rights were violated

These defense strategies can help raise reasonable doubt and may lead to the charges being reduced or dismissed. Every case is different, so it’s essential to speak with a trusted defense attorney right away to protect your future.

What to Expect During a Criminal Case in The Greater Philadelphia Region

When you’re facing criminal charges for a sex crime in Montgomery County, it helps to know what to expect during the legal process.

After an arrest, the police file formal charges, and you’ll appear before a judge who explains the accusations. The prosecution’s case may include reports, witness statements, or other forms of evidence, but your criminal defense attorney will work to challenge those details and raise reasonable doubt.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, your attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. If the case moves to trial, both sides will present their arguments, and the judge or jury will decide the outcome.

Why You Need a Greater Philadelphia Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, the stakes are high, and you could face penalties that follow you for life. A conviction can mean jail time, mandatory sex offender registration, and damage to your reputation, job, and family.

At Conway Schadler, our criminal defense attorneys understand the stress that this situation can cause, and we’re here to help. We’ll review every detail of your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to have the charges reduced or dismissed when possible. Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing more serious accusations, we work hard to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Accused of a Sex Crime? Schedule a Free Consultation with a Trusted Greater Philadelphia Lawyer Today

Criminal defense law firm Eagleville PA

Facing a sex crime accusation can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. The Eagleville, Pennsylvania sex crimes attorneys at Conway Schadler are ready to help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights. We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss how we can build the strongest possible defense. Our team is dedicated to protecting your future and working to achieve the best possible outcome in your situation.

Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today.