Sex Crime Charges Are High-Stakes Situations In Rapid City
There are two major concerns for people accused of sex crimes: their freedom and their reputation. Without aggressive and skilled advocacy, anyone facing charges of sexual crimes is in grave legal jeopardy.
At Andrews Law Office, attorney Paul Andrews has built a reputation for providing zealous, strong representation to people in their darkest moments. He can give you insight into the charges you face, which can fall into two categories: internet sex crimes and physical sex crimes.
Understanding Internet Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes are crimes where there often was no physical contact between the accused and the victim. These charges often include:
- Pornography: Including possession and distribution of illicit pictures of minor children or people without their consent.
- Grooming: The cultivation of inappropriate relationships with minor children.
- Prostitution: The promotion or procuring of paid sexual services.
While physical contact may not have necessarily happened in these cases, they still represent a serious offense. Authorities pursue these matters vigorously.
Understanding Physical Sex Crimes
Physical sex crimes involve actions where a person has received unwanted sexual contact or advances from another. This can include such crimes as:
- Rape
- Incest
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
- Indecent exposure
Depending on the charge, you may face significant time in prison and fines. If convicted, your name can end up on a sex offender registry.
The Age Of Consent In South Dakota
Each state is allowed to set its own age of consent. This is the age at which it is legally permissible for an adult to be involved in a consensual sexual relationship with an individual. The age of consent in South Dakota has been set at 16 years old. This means that anyone who has an intimate relationship with someone who is under 16 could face very severe criminal charges. They could be accused of things like sexual assault or statutory rape. Everyone must understand the age of consent, especially if they previously lived in another state with a different age limit.
Are There Any Exceptions To Age Of Consent Crimes?
There are some exceptions. For instance, the state does have some “Romeo and Juliet” laws on the books. They apply when people are relatively close in age. As long as the relationship is consensual and the people are at least 13 years old, then it is not illegal for them to have that relationship as long as they are under three years apart. These laws can be helpful in protecting young couples, such as high school couples who are in different grades but are in a legitimate relationship.
Misconceptions About Sex Crimes
There are some important misconceptions about sex crimes that need to be addressed. For one thing, actual sexual contact isn’t always needed. For instance, stalking could be considered part of a sex crime case, as could indecent exposure. These events occur much differently than something like direct sexual assault, but could also lead to serious charges.
Additionally, some people believe that they can share explicit images as long as they receive those images consensually. And it may be legal to possess these images if they were given as a gift, perhaps during an intimate relationship, but sharing them is still illegal – especially if the person is a minor, in which case even possession is highly illegal. People often don’t realize the seriousness of showing someone else an image of an ex, and then find themselves facing arrest.
If you are facing charges of stalking, sexual assault, indecent exposure, dating a minor or something else, it is essential to seek out an experienced sex crimes attorney in South Dakota.
An Experienced Sex Crime Attorney At Your Side
Few crimes come with as negative a stigma attached as sex crimes. Anyone accused of a sex crime faces the possibility of extremely negative public attention. This can impact their relationships with spouses and employers. Something as small as an accusation can destroy a person’s life.
The stress and fear you feel are natural, but you do not have to face these serious charges alone. Attorney Paul Andrews has the experience and reputation you can trust to provide a skilled, comprehensive defense. Contact the firm today by phone at 605-638-9728 or email us here.