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Few offenses can compare with the severity of sex crime charges in Fairfax VA. Judges and prosecutors pursue sex crimes vigorously. It’s therefore not surprising that these offenses carry some of the harshest consequences in Virginia.
If you are charged with a sex offense in Virginia, you face the possibility of spending a substantial time in jail, besides paying stiff fines. If the news leak in your community, you’ll need to brace yourself for the court of public opinion.
Even after serving your jail sentence and paying the fines, you cannot escape the almost life-altering realities that come with sex crime convictions.
You may be required to register with the Virginia sex offender registry, which can be accessed online by a party interested in your criminal history. The registration can significantly limit your ability to land jobs, rent a house, and enjoy some civil rights.
Sometimes the police arrest individuals based on innocent misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and even false accusations. But it’s easy to dismiss unproven allegations. Right? However, when it comes to sex crimes, unproven accusations are enough to affect your standing in your community, family life, and career.
Bearing in mind the above consequences, working with a competent Fairfax VA sex crimes lawyer is critical to the outcome of your case. Remember, laws continually evolve, so it’s best to consult with an attorney who understands every nook and cranny of Virginia sex crimes laws.
For strong defense against Fairfax VA sex crime charges, contact attorney Jad Sarsour.
Mr. Jad is a highly-sought and reputed Virginia criminal attorney dedicated to helping people reclaim their freedom. With 13-year experience in Virginia law, he’s sure to develop a vigorous defense against your sex crime charge, negotiate for lesser penalties, or even have your case dismissed.
Fairfax courts charge sex offenders under the Virginia criminal codes. Before we delve into the types of Fairfax VA sex crimes, let’s first define the term “sex crime” legally.
A sex crime in Fairfax is any sexual act perpetrated against someone without their consent or against someone unable to give their consent. The inability to give consent may be attributed to physical/mental weakness, drug impairment, and age.
Some commonly prosecuted sex offenses in Fairfax include the following:
Virginia code 18.2-61 defines rape as engaging in sexual intercourse with someone against their will through forces, threats, or intimidation, having carnal knowledge of a minor aged below 13 years, or compelling someone to engage in sexual acts by taking advantage of their physical helplessness or diminished mental capacity.
Rape is a felony in Fairfax and attracts severe punishment, including compulsory life imprisonment.
Sexual battery is abusing someone sexually by intimidation, threat, force, or trick without their consent. VA code 18.2-67.4 classifies sexual battery as a class 1 misdemeanor punishable with up to one-year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2500.
VA code section 18.2-67.4:1 defines infected sexual battery as having sexual or anal intercourse with a person when the offender is aware that they are infected with Hepatitis B, syphilis, or HIV. It’s a felony if the accused intended to infect the victim with any of the pre-mentioned diseases. Unintentional infection is regarded as a class 1 misdemeanor.
Possessing, producing, distributing, financing, or publishing sexually explicit images or videos featuring a minor is a sexual offense under VA code 18.2-374.1.
Taking indecent liberties with a child include the following criminal acts:
VA code section 18.2-63 covers carnal knowledge of a minor, which can include sodomy, oral sex, sexual intercourse, or object penetration.
When a minor aged between 13 and 15 years consents to a sexual act with an adult, it’s classified as a class 4 felony. It becomes a class 6 felony if the offender is a minor and the victim is three years or younger than the accused.
However, if the consenting child is less than three years younger than the accused minor, the offender is charged with class 4 misdemeanor.
The laws covering sexual crimes against children can be pretty confusing. If you suspect the law enforcers are investigating you for this offense, it’s wise to contact a competent Fairfax sex crimes attorney, like Jad Sarsour, immediately. Only then can you be sure of what to expect from the charges, and subsequently build a formidable defense with the help of your attorney.
Sex crimes in Fairfax come with a range of punishments, including monetary fines and imprisonment. Violent sexual crimes such as rape and forcible sodomy carry more severe penalties than non-violent sex offenses. This includes the possibility of life imprisonment.
The sentence severity depends on a number of factors, including the offender’s criminal history, the age difference between the victim and perpetrator, and the severity of the crime.
For instance, rape is a class 4 felony and often comes with a mandatory life sentence if the offender is an adult. In comparison, sexual battery is a class 4 misdemeanor punished with one-year imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $2500.
The penalties are harsher if the victim is a minor or belongs to a vulnerable group protected under the Virginia law.
Conviction with a sex crime in Fairfax can also limit your access to specific educational and career opportunities. The county can also ban you from living in certain housing types and neighborhoods.
You don’t have to face these penalties when all you need is a trusted, experienced, and wise sex crimes attorney by your side. Trust Mr. Jad to guide you through every step of your case and reclaim your freedom on your behalf.
Most sex offenses in Fairfax, including violent sex crimes, sex trafficking, and second or subsequent convictions, require that the accused register with the Virginia sex offender registry.
The registry is accessible publicly and shows the offender’s photo, name, physical address, city, committed offense and corresponding punishment. Failure to register or update your information in the record is a criminal offense punishable by Virginia laws.
Lawyers for sex crimes can help offenders petition for their removal from the registry, usually five years after conviction. The removal process starts with a psychological evaluation, after which the court holds a hearing to determine whether to grant or reject the petition.
Being accused of a sex crime in Fairfax is stressful. It’s hard to determine the best options on your own, let alone formulate a plan of attack. For assistance, contact Jad Sarsour, an award-winning sex crimes attorney trusted by thousands of clients.
Mr. Jad will review your case, embark on intensive investigation, review the prosecution’s evidence, evaluate witnesses, and establish robust defense tailored to your situation.
To learn more about Jad’s legal services or discuss your sex offense case with him, fill this online form or call 703-385-6868.