Richland County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Being the subject of a sex crime investigation or facing formal sex crime charges in Richland County can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially since your finances, freedom, and reputation may be at stake. Many times, sex crimes are punished more harshly than other crimes because prosecutors, police officers, juries, and even judges often rush to judgment before looking closely at the facts of the case.

A professional Richland County sex crimes lawyer could stand by you every step of the way to help fight against your criminal charges, working to protect your rights and possibly help you arrive at the best possible outcome. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated defense attorney could make a difference in your case today.

Types of Sex Crimes in Richland County

There are numerous illegal sex acts, behaviors, and activities under Richland County law, ranging in severity from crimes such as sexual harassment and indecent exposure to very serious offenses such as rape and sexual assault. Other types of sex crimes that happen in Richland County, South Carolina could include:

  • Criminal sexual conduct (CSC)
  • Lewd conduct
  • Solicitation
  • Prostitution
  • Statutory rape
  • Date rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual exploitation of a minor
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Assault with intent to commit a sexual act

Since sex crimes vary so widely in terms of severity, penalties can range from misdemeanor charges with a maximum of three years in jail for indecent exposure to felony charges with up to 30 years in prison for crimes such as aggravated assault or rape. A skilled Richmond County sex crimes lawyer could prove to be a valuable asset in these situations by advocating on behalf of the defendant in court.

Richland County’s Statutory Rape Laws

In Richland County, the age of consent is 16. This means that anyone over the age of 18 who engages in sexual intercourse with a person under 16 is committing statutory rape, even if the sex was consensual or they were not aware of the individual’s age at the time. Statutory rape charges carry strict penalties and can affect an individual’s reputation for years to come. A Richland County sex crimes lawyer could assist with building a defense against statuary rape charges.

What is the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry?

Apart from hefty fines and extensive prison stays, many sex crime convictions in Richland County require individuals to register as a sex offender in the state registry. This registry system is available to the general public, allowing the community to stay informed and aware of sex offenders in their area. Since South Carolina’s sex offender registry is publicly available, it can be difficult for those convicted of sex crimes to secure housing, pursue educational opportunities, or seek employment. Depending on the type of sex crime, those convicted may be ordered to register for life with almost no chance of being removed from the list.

Reach Out to a Richland County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know are facing charges for a sex crime of any nature or severity, it may be important to get in touch with a knowledgeable Richland County sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal conviction involving a sexual offense has the potential to affect every aspect of your life for many years into the future. Consider contacting a weathered Richland County sex crimes lawyer today to find out how a determined sex crimes attorney could serve as your advocate.

Richland County Sex Crimes Lawyer