Sexual Assault Charges Carry Strong Stigma | I Can Defend Your Rights
We often hear that violent stranger-on-stranger rapes are less common that sex crimes involving people who know each other. This does not negate the seriousness of sexual abuse charges, regardless of identities of the people involved. A conviction will result in a criminal record. Even the fact of the charges can be very damaging to one’s reputation and personal life.
I am Joseph P. Vogel, Des Moines criminal defense attorney, and I am prepared to fight to protect your good name and your future if you have been charged with a sex crime.
Sex crimes involving forced physical contact carry various labels, both in laws and in common language, including:
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Gang rape
- “Date rape”
- Child molestation (indecent contact with a child)
- Sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee
Other sex-related crimes include:
- Prostitution
- Solicitation of prostitution
- Sex-related crimes involving the Internet
- Child pornography (possession, manufacture or distribution)
- Solicitation of a minor for purposes of sexual exploitation
- Lascivious acts
- Indecent exposure
Solicitation of minors for the purpose of sexual abuse is a crime even if the person solicited turns out to be a law enforcement agent posing as a minor.
In Iowa statutes, sexual abuse is the standard term used for forced sexual contact. Circumstances determine how a sexual abuse crime is classified, with some key examples summarized as follows:
- A class “A” felony when in the course of committing sexual abuse, the person causes another serious injury.
- A class “B” felony when a weapon is used to threaten the other person, or when the target is younger than age 12.
- A class “C” felony in situations such as by force; the other person is a teenager — a minor over age 12 and younger than 16; the other person is in drug-induced unconsciousness.
Contact A Defense Lawyer If You Have Been Charged With A Sex Crime
At Vogel Law, PLLC, you can count on honest, results-oriented advocacy as you face charges on suspicion of sexual assault or any sex crime. Schedule an initial consultation by calling 515-243-1978 or sending an email message.
.