Sex Offenses are among the most serious charges in Virginia Criminal law. Defendants convicted of Sex Offenses routinely face lengthy prison sentences, as well as decades of probation following their release. The terms of probation often include court-ordered sex offender treatment, no contact with minors, restrictions on permissible modes of communication, and other limitations. In addition, Sex Offenses often require defendants to register as convicted sex offenders. Beyond these formal punishments, accusations of sex offenses can result in the loss of employment, reputation, and the involvement of civil child-protection authorities.
It is incredibly important to have experienced defense counsel when you are charged with these kinds of crimes. If you are charged with a Sex Offense in Virginia, please call our office today at 703-934-8580 to discuss your case.
Types of Sex Offenses
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- Sexual Battery
- Aggravated Sexual Battery
- Carnal Knowledge
- Rape, Forcible Sodomy, and Object Sexual Penetration
Sexual Battery
Sexual Battery is a misdemeanor offense under Virginia law, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2500. Sexual Battery is defined as sexual abuse of another, against the will of that person, by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse. Sexual Battery therefore requires more than the unwanted touching of another’s genitalia, buttocks, or breasts – it also requires that touching to have been carried out through force, threat, intimidation, or ruse.
Aggravated Sexual Battery
Aggravated Sexual Battery is a felony punishable by a sentence of 1 to 20 years. Aggravated Sexual Battery includes a number of different types of sexual abuse, including sexual contact with a person less than 13 years old; sexual contact with a person who is incapacitated by mental or physical disabilities; sexual contact with a child by a parent, step-parent, or grandparent, or sexual contact with a child under 15 done by force, threat, or intimidation.
Aggravated Sexual Battery describes a number of very serious offenses, each of which is taken very seriously by police, prosecutors, and courts. The nature of these offenses, particularly child sexual abuse, makes it very hard for prosecutors and defendants to reach plea agreements. Many of these cases are therefore decided by juries. As a result, it is important that your attorney have experience handling these kinds of cases and experience handling serious felony jury trials. If you are charged with or being investigated in connection with Aggravated Sexual Battery, please call our office today at 703-934-8580 to set up an appointment to speak with one of our attorneys.
Carnal Knowledge
Having sex with a child between the ages of 13 and 15 is Carnal Knowledge, an offense punishable by a prison sentence between 2 and 10 years, or less in some cases where the Defendant is a minor. Carnal Knowledge applies regardless of the purported consent of the victim. Carnal knowledge includes intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and penetration by objects or fingers. Although some of these cases involve minors engaging in non-forcible contact, such contact is illegal under Virginia Criminal law. Even non-forcible Sex Offenses like these can result in permanent felony convictions and prison sentences.
Rape, Forcible Sodomy, and Object Sexual Penetration
Rape is penetration of a woman’s vagina against her will by force, threat, or intimidation, or of any person not capable of consenting (either because of age or mental or physical incapacity). Forcible Sodomy is penetration of a person’s anus or mouth, against the person’s will, achieved through force, threat, or intimidation, or of any person not capable of consenting. Object Sexual Penetration is penetration of a person’s anus or vagina by a finger or other inanimate object, against the person’s will, and achieved through force, threat, or intimidation, or of any person not capable of consenting.
Each of these offenses is punishable by a prison sentence of at least 5 years and up to a life sentence. Cases involving Rape and similar offenses are often highly fact-specific. In some cases, the defendant will deny involvement. In others, they assert that there was sexual contact, but that it was consensual. As with other Sex Offenses, plea agreements in these cases are difficult to reach because of the lengthy sentences often given to those convicted. Not all of these cases will end in a trial, but these cases require an attorney who is prepared to try your case and to do it well. If you are charged with or being investigated in connection with Rape, Forcible Sodomy, or Object Sexual Penetration, please call our office today at 703-934-8580 to set up an appointment to speak with one of our attorneys.