Myrtle Beach Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex crime charges result from the state accusing someone of carrying out illegal actions of a sexual nature. A guilty conviction and sentencing are not only harsh, often including prison time, but there is also a stigma attached to these offenses.

Preparing your defense to cover all angles is crucial. Schedule an appointment with a seasoned Myrtle Beach sex crimes lawyer if you face criminal prosecution or suspect the state is investigating you. Our criminal defense attorneys could work to protect your future.

Examples of the Different Types of Sex Offenses

People could face prosecution for various types of sex crime offenses, and many of them have varying degrees of severity. Examples of the different types of criminal charges include:

• Sexual assault
• Criminal sexual conduct
• Criminal sexual conduct with a minor
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution or solicitation of prostitution
• Sexual exploitation of a minor
• Human trafficking
• Statutory rape

A knowledgeable Myrtle Beach attorney could help navigate the criminal court procedure for a sex crime and fight for a favorable outcome.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Degrees of Severity

The criminal statute in South Carolina breaks criminal sexual conduct into three degrees of severity, with first-degree being the most serious and carrying the harshest penalties. A lawyer in Myrtle Beach could further explain the degrees of sex crimes and possible penalties.

First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal sexual conduct, or CSC in the first degree, is a felony offense and occurs when someone uses aggravated force, including kidnapping, confinement, or similar, to commit the act. Actions causing the individual to become physically helpless or mentally incapacitated also fall within this category. The maximum sentence for a conviction is 30 years of imprisonment.

Second Degree

Second-degree CSC is a felony offense, and sentencing for a conviction is up to 20 years in prison. The criminal action occurs using aggravated coercion to commit sexual battery or threatening to use aggravated violence or force, causing someone to believe they will carry out the threat if necessary.

Third Degree

CSC, in the third degree, is a felony offense, and the state may file this charge when it alleges that the individual used coercion to commit the criminal action. The charges can also be the result of sexual activity with someone they know or should have known to be mentally impaired, incapacitated, or physically disabled. The penalty for this offense is a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Sex Offender Registry

Sentences for convictions for certain sex crime offenses include being categorized as a sex offender. The individual must meet with the agency and register as a sex offender. If they serve prison time, they must register upon their release. According to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, every state in the country must have a sex offender registry to track offenders and categorize them within a tier system based on the severity of the conviction. The public registry lists the offender’s name, address, physical description, recent photograph, and vehicle description.

The requirement to register often leads to social isolation and harassment and can turn lives upside-down. Therefore, seeking guidance from an experienced sex crimes lawyer in Myrtle Beach before agreeing to any deals or attempting to overcome the charges alone is crucial.

Schedule a Consultation With a Practiced Sex Crimes Attorney in Myrtle Beach

Prosecution for any crime is stressful and overwhelming, and charges for sex-related offenses can feel devastating. While the criminal court system is intimidating, you are innocent until the state prosecutor proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.

Call a skilled Myrtle Beach sex crimes lawyer to discuss your case and schedule a free case evaluation. We could review your case, including the state’s evidence, and conduct an extensive investigation to help determine the most effective strategy moving forward.