Sex Crimes Attorney in Roanoke Virginia. Protecting Your Rights After An Arrest

Many people believe that sex crimes are among the most serious criminal offenses that one can commit in Virginia. These crimes are aggressively prosecuted, and defendants who are convicted will face many consequences that can severely affect their lives.

For these reasons, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney in VA if you are being charged with a crime. Discuss your legal options with sex crimes attorney Seth C. Weston by calling

Our defense lawyer has successfully represented clients accused of sexual-related offenses in the past. Here are some of the most common questions we have answered in the past:

What Are the Different Types of Sex Charges in Virginia?

There are many types of sexual crimes that are prohibited by law in Virginia. The act of committing or attempting to commit rape, sexual battery, aggravated battery, forcible sodomy, and object penetration are all classified as sex offenses. Engaging in sexual acts with a minor and sexually abusing a minor are also illegal sex violations in Virginia.

You can also face criminal offenses for negligently or intentionally infecting someone with HIV, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted diseases. It is against the law to engage in intimate activity with someone without telling that person that you are infected with one of these diseases. Having intercourse with someone with the intent to transmit one of these diseases to them is also prohibited by law.

These are just a few of the many sex offenses that are recognized in Virginia. Each of these offenses is unique, but they all carry serious legal penalties that can negatively impact the rest of your life. Take the first step towards protecting your future by calling Seth C. Weston now to discuss your offense.

Are Sexual Offenses Felonies or Misdemeanors?

A number of sex crimes are misdemeanors, but many of them are felonies. Sexual crimes that are very violent in nature are typically felonies. For example, sexual battery is a class 1 misdemeanor, whereas sexual battery is a felony that is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The attempt to commit a violent crime such as rape, forcible sodomy, or aggravated battery are also felonies, just with lesser maximum sentences. Let Seth C. Weston explain the charges that have been filed against you so you understand what potential consequences you face.

What Charges Require Sex Offender Registration?

Some people who are convicted of sex offenses are required to register as sex offenders in Virginia. Some of these violations include:

Carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of thirteen and fifteen
Forcible sodomy
Object penetration
Aggravated battery
Multiple Convictions
Attempted rape
Rape
Taking indecent liberties with children
Other sexually violent offenses

Sex offenders must remain on the registry until the court issues an order approving the removal of their name from the list. But, certain sex offenders are required to remain on the registry for the rest of their lives.

While on the list, offenders must re-register with local authorities on an annual or more frequent basis.

This ensures that the registry contains accurate and up-to-date information. If a sex offender fails to register or re-register on time, he can face additional legal penalties.

What Are Federal Sex Crimes?

Most sex crime cases are violations of state laws, which means they are tried in state courts. However, there are a number of federal laws regarding charges that are sexual in nature as well. If a sex crime violates federal law, it may be tried in federal court instead.

Many offenses that involve children are charged at the federal level and handled in federal court. If a crime crosses state boundaries, it is also considered a federal crime. For example, if child pornography is sent from a person in Virginia to a person in Maryland, this would be a federal crime since it crosses over state lines.

All sex offenses carry legal penalties, but federal charges typically carry enhanced sentences, which is why federal charges are seen as more serious than state charges.

Do Sex Violations Have A Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is the length of time that the state has to bring charges against someone who is accused of committing a crime. The statute of limitations varies by crime in Virginia.

For example, the crime of sexual battery has a statute of limitations of one year. This means authorities have one year from the date the crime allegedly occurred to file charges against the suspect.

After this one-year period is over, authorities can no longer file a charge even if new evidence emerges. However, if the victim was a minor at the time the charge occurred, the statute of limitations extends to one year from the date the victim becomes a legal adult.

Some offenses have no statute of limitations in Virginia, which means authorities can file charges against suspects at any time. Some of the offenses that have no statute of limitations in Virginia include rape, forcible sodomy, and aggravated battery.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Award-Winning Sex Crimes Law Firm In Roanoke, VA

If you have been accused of committing any violation that is sex-related in nature, it’s imperative to seek legal representation at once. Attorney Seth C. Weston and the rest of his team at the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC aggressively fight to defend clients. Our office will provide you with an experienced defense lawyer who can help you understand your situation in full detail during the free consultation. We have a reputation for going the extra mile to help our clients secure their freedom.