Sex Crimes

Philadelphia Sex Crimes Overview

Sex crimes in Pennsylvania include:

• Rape
• Statutory sexual assault
• Involuntary deviate sexual
• intercourse
• Sexual assault
• Institutional sexual assault
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Indecent assault

Rape occurs when intercourse is forced or threatened to be forced upon another. Like other sex crimes between two parties, even if there is proof that sexual intercourse occurred, in order to prove guilt, the prosecution must prove that the victim did not give consent.

DNA evidence may not work to the victim’s benefit if there is inadequate evidence to support the other factors in the case. As is commonly stated, DNA does not prove rape – it only proves the presence of sexual contact. And even that is refutable. It is always a possibility that the alleged victim set up the accused rapist by introducing his semen into her vagina and claiming rape.

A medical examination may prove the presence of said semen. This is actually not a great technological challenge for a determined “victim.” All she needs to do is save a semen sample from a prior sexual exchange - this may exist on sheets, blankets, towels or elsewhere – and create the fraudulent rape. Males can also get creative in falsifying evidence. This is why it is essential for an accused rapist to obtain the legal representation of an expert sex crimes attorney.

Testimony and evidence will be investigated and challenged for truthfulness and veracity. The case is likely to have flaws; almost all cases have flaws. Your attorney will fight for your rights and for your freedom. Call our office now for a free consultation to discuss your options and to see where you stand in this case.

Sex Crimes Involving Minors in Pennsylvania

Sex crimes are harshly judged by the courts and the public. Of all crimes, sex crimes involving children are considered the most despicable. The future is tough for a sex crimes felon.  The mere accusation of a sex crime can wreak havoc in a person’s life. If you were charged with a sex crime, it is in your best interest to obtain aggressive, knowledgeable and experienced legal representation from a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney who specializes in sex crimes. Some of the most serious sex crimes include:

• Child molestation
• Child abuse
• Child pornography production or possession

Penalties for Sex Crimes Involving Minors Include:

• Lifelong registration as a sexual predator
• Imprisonment for long periods of time  
• Lifetime parole or extremely long terms of parole or supervised release, if release occurs
• Large fines
• Physical and/or mental abuse by others
• Isolation by family and friends
• Inability or extreme difficulty obtaining employment
• Inability or extreme difficulty in obtaining a residence

Date Rape in Pennsylvania

• 28% of date rapes are committed by husbands and boyfriends
• 35% of date rapes are committed by known acquaintances

Date rape is the most common form of rape. Date rape implies a social or dating relationship between the parties and that a forced rape occurred during an interaction together. Despite the name, a formal date is not required. According to The Dept. of Justice, about 35% of date rapes involve an acquaintance, and 28% are committed by husbands and boyfriends. The testimony of the two parties involved in a date rape case almost always differ significantly; the victim alleging that she did not give her consent for a sexual encounter and the perpetrator insisting that consent was absolutely and unquestionably given. All that needs to be proved is that consent was not given.  Whereas date rape allegations are relatively easy to make – and are often sufficient to severely damage the life, reputation and future of the alleged rapist – they are not necessarily easy to prove.

Many date rape victims are intimidated and embarrassed by the investigation conducted by the police, by defendant’s counsel and by the prosecution; a large number of victims refuse to testify; others recant their allegations because of fear or pressure by family members and friends of the alleged perpetrator. If you have been accused of date rape or sex crime, you are advised to seek the expert legal advise and representation of a Philadelphia date rape defense attorney. Call our office for a free consultation to review your options.