Indecent Assault

Facing accusations of Indecent Assault or Aggravated Indecent Assault can create a ripple effect that devastates nearly every part of your existence. These charges have the power to ruin your standing in the local community, place immense stress on your marriage or relationships, and can even destroy your career. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to these kinds of allegations often means that neighbors and community members may judge you as guilty long before a court verdict is ever delivered. In such a difficult and high-stakes situation, it is absolutely essential to seek immediate help from a legal professional in Pennsylvania who understands the gravity of what you are up against.

Facts About Indecent Assault

In the legal system, Indecent Assault cases generally revolve around accusations of contact that was not consensual. Specifically, this often involves the offender touching a victim with bodily substances—such as urine, semen, or feces—specifically for the purpose of arousing sexual desire or gratification. To better understand these charges, it helps to look at the specific behaviors that authorities look for. An offender in these situations typically:

• Did not get permission or consent from the other person involved.
• Utilized force or threats of force to complete the act.
• Initiated the contact with clear sexual intent.
• Performed the act while the victim was unconscious or otherwise unaware of what was happening.
• Used drugs or alcohol to make the victim unable to resist or function.
• Engaged in contact with a teenager between the ages of 13 and 15 (if the offender is over 20 years old and not their spouse).
• Committed the offense against a child who is under the age of 13.
• Touched a victim who could not give consent due to a mental disability.

The severity of these charges can vary significantly. The court will look at how often the incidents occurred, the specific circumstances surrounding the event, and other contributing factors. Depending on these details, the crime could be classified as anything from a misdemeanor to a felony. If you are navigating this complex legal landscape in Berks County, securing a Morgantown criminal lawyer is a vital step to ensuring your side of the story is heard.

If you find yourself in this precarious position, you cannot afford to wait. Seeking professional legal guidance immediately is the best way to protect your rights. By consulting with a knowledgeable Morgantown DUI attorney, you can better navigate the confusing legal process and build a defense that protects your future.

Facts About Aggravated Indecent Assault Charges

Aggravated Indecent Assault is a more severe charge than standard indecent assault. The primary distinction often lies in the nature of the act, specifically involving the non-consensual penetration of the genitals or anus. Because of this, it is treated as a very serious offense in Pennsylvania. Key elements of this charge include:

• Severity of the Crime: It involves penetration without consent, elevating the seriousness of the charge.
• Use of Force: The accused is alleged to have used physical force or the threat of force.
• No Legitimate Purpose: The act cannot be justified by law enforcement duties, medical needs, or hygiene requirements.
• Lack of Awareness: The victim was unconscious or unaware that the penetration was occurring.
• Administration of Substances: The offender may have used intoxicants like alcohol or drugs to render the victim unconscious or unable to resist.
• Mental Disability: The victim had a mental disability that made them legally incapable of providing consent.
• Age Considerations: The victim is under 13, or under 16 while the offender is 20 or older (and not married to the victim).

The potential penalties for this crime are steep. If convicted, an offender could face up to 10 years in prison. If the assault involves a child, that sentence could double to 20 years. Because the stakes are so high, consulting a Morgantown DUI attorney who also has extensive experience in sex crimes and violent offenses is critical (many groups handle both complex criminal litigation and DUI defense).

For those charged with Indecent Assault, a common defense strategy involves establishing that the act was, in fact, consensual and involved an adult victim capable of giving that consent.

How to Deal with Indecent Assault Charges

If you have been charged, it is natural to feel panicked, but it is critical to remain composed. Reacting emotionally can sometimes harm your case. Here are steps you should consider taking immediately:

• Hire Representation: Retain the services of a highly skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer who specializes in sex crimes.
• Assert Your Rights: Clearly and verbally express your desire to have legal representation present.
• Remain Silent: Respectfully decline to answer police questions or provide any statements until your attorney is by your side.
• Keep Details Private: Do not discuss the events of the incident with anyone, and do not try to explain your innocence to law enforcement without counsel.
• Be Cooperative: While maintaining your silence, try to stay physically cooperative with the arresting officer to avoid additional charges.
• Prepare for Jail: Be mentally prepared for the possibility of an overnight stay in jail.

How Can We Help You?

Mountaineer Law Group is a premier criminal defense group serving Berks County, renowned for our vigorous advocacy and professional approach to every single case. Whether you need a defense against assault allegations or an experienced Morgantown DUI attorney, our team meticulously analyzes every shred of evidence against you. We vigorously challenge any false information or procedural errors presented in court. Even in the event of a conviction, we work tirelessly to secure the most lenient sentence possible on your behalf.

Charges of indecent assault or aggravated indecent assault can destroy your life if not handled properly. The Morgantown criminal lawyer team at Mountaineer Law Group is committed to providing you with zealous representation. We firmly believe that every client deserves a fair chance within the criminal justice system, and we exhaust every possible avenue to ensure this happens.

Contact us today at (304) 381-3656 for a complimentary initial consultation. Alternatively, you can reach out to us online using the provided form. While our number connects you to our central line, our Morgantown DUI attorney and criminal defense services are ready to assist you locally in Pennsylvania.