Sexual Assault

Being accused of statutory sexual assault can feel like one of the most overwhelming challenges in life. Beyond the courtroom proceedings, you might face harsh judgment from your community, putting your career and personal relationships at risk. The anxiety of being labeled and required to register as a sex offender can be profoundly distressing. In such a critical situation, it is essential to get help from a respected criminal lawyer.

Things You Should Know About Sexual Assault Charges

Recent changes to West Virginia’s laws on sex crimes have defined specific felony offenses. It is now a first-degree felony for someone to have sexual intercourse with a person under 16 who is not their spouse, if there’s an age gap of 11 years or more. A skilled Wheeling criminal lawyer can help you understand the nuances of these laws.

A second-degree felony charge can be applied if the accused has sexual intercourse with someone under 16, who is not their spouse, and the accused is at least 4 years older. This is known as statutory sexual assault and it is a strict liability crime. This means that claiming the minor consented or that you believed they were older is not a valid defense in court. If you are facing such charges, it is critical to speak with a Wheeling DUI attorney who understands the complexities of sex crime defense.

Important Points to Remember

• Mistaking a minor’s age is not a defense. Believing the child was older than they were will not protect you from charges.
• A child’s consent cannot be used as a defense. Legally, a minor cannot consent to sexual activity under these circumstances.
• Serious sexual assault charges under the Sexual Offender and Notification Act can lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender. A knowledgeable Wheeling DUI attorney can work to challenge the charges or reduce their severity to avoid long-term consequences.
• Being a registered sex offender means your personal details and information about the charges become public online, which can result in community backlash and other serious difficulties.

How to Handle Sexual Assault Allegations

If you are accused of sexual assault, it’s vital to act quickly by speaking with a knowledgeable sexual assault attorney in Wheeling. Here are the steps we recommend:

• Get Legal Help: The most important step is hiring a reputable Wheeling DUI attorney.
• Be Careful What You Say: Do not try to declare your innocence or make any accusations against others.
• Protect Your Rights: Do not give any statements or answer questions from law enforcement without your lawyer present.

Potential Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction

A conviction for sexual assault can lead to lifelong registration as a sex offender, in addition to potential prison time and significant fines.

How We Can Defend You

Logue Law Group is a highly-regarded legal group in Wheeling specializing in sexual crimes. We have successfully managed many sex-related cases, including statutory sexual assault. Our experienced criminal attorney, Sean Logue, carefully reviews all evidence gathered by police to ensure it is properly assessed. With a 10.0 Avvo rating, our record as sex crimes attorneys demonstrates our commitment and success.

We recognize that sexual assault allegations can have a catastrophic impact on your personal and public life. To minimize the legal, personal, and social consequences, it is essential to hire a reputable and assertive Wheeling criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group right away. We are committed to fiercely defending your rights and giving you the strongest possible defense in court.

During a no-cost initial consultation, our attorneys will listen to your side of the story, meticulously evaluate the evidence against you, and explain your defense options. They will guide you through every step of the criminal justice system, providing consistent support whenever you need it.

For a top-tier defense from a skilled sexual assault Wheeling criminal lawyer in Wheeling, contact us online or call us at 844.PITT.DUI. Take action now to secure your future.