Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney

Sexual Assault on a Child

Being criminally charged with the sexual assault of a child is one of the most serious criminal charges a defendant can face. It is a crime for which the social consequences can be nearly as severe as the criminal penalties. Job loss, divorce and estrangement from family and friends can occur even without a conviction. It's imperative that you contact an experienced attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators. Do not confide in family members or friends. Do not try to talk your way out of arrest. Exercise your right to remain silent and find a law firm experienced in dealing with criminal sexual assault cases involving children in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer, Blaine Jones, has seen too many cases involving unfair charges. In the wake of the Penn State scandal, authorities are even more on edge. Few defendants are given the benefit of the doubt.

Sex Charges Involving Children

Mistake as to age is no defense in cases where a defendant is under the age of 14. Nor is consent. In fact, statutory sexual assault charges may apply in cases where consensual sex occurs between a victim who is under the age of 16 and a defendant who is four or more years older. These cases must always be reviewed by an experienced defense lawyer. A defendant can be charged many different ways, and the possible penalties upon conviction can be drastically different depending on how the state files charges.

Pittsburgh Sexual Assault Lawyer

The consequences of sex-offender registration must also be taken into consideration. Many offenses against children can require lifetime sex offender notification. And those who are labeled a sexual predator by the court face sex-offender notification of neighbors and coworkers. Each case is unique. An experienced Pittsburgh sexual assault defense attorney must prepare an aggressive defense. Only by proving to the state that you are ready to defend yourself in the courtroom can you expect prevail.