West Columbia Sex Crimes Lawyer

Allegations of a sex crime can ruin your reputation and subject you to severe criminal penalties. Sex crimes carry heavy fines, years in prison, and the potential requirement of sex offender registration. These complicated cases require representation by a competent attorney who has years of experience in sex crimes defense. You deserve a customized defense built to protect your rights.

If you face sex crime allegations in West Columbia, an experienced West Columbia sex crimes lawyer could build a defense specifically designed for your situation. Your rights deserve the utmost protection.

Commonly Charged Sex Crimes in South Carolina

State law sets forth many different kinds of sex crimes with which a person can be charged. These illegal sexual acts can range from serious to extremely serious depending on the facts of the case. Many of these offenses can carry many years in prison if not properly defended.

Commonly charged sex crimes under state law include:

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
  • Sexual Exploitation
  • Disseminating obscene material to a minor
  • Sexual assault
  • Rape
  • Criminal sexual conduct
  • Prostitution
  • Statutory rape
  • Child pornography
  • Assault with intent to commit a separate sexual act
  • Solicitation
  • Indecent exposure

Penalties for these offenses will depend greatly on the level of the offense and the specific conduct charged. Some of these sex crimes are misdemeanors while others are serious felonies that can carry as many as thirty years in prison. A properly constructed defense is a must have for every defendant who faces sex crime charges.

Defending the Defendant’s Rights Against Sex Crime Allegations

Every defense must be uniquely tailored to the defendant’s specific case. This means that the actual defense at trial will greatly depend on the level of the offense, the alleged conduct, and what other circumstances exist to help build a defense. Ultimately, there are certain universal rights that are often infringed by law enforcement, or mistakes that are made in the investigation of the case. Depending on the case, a strong defense may reduce the potential penalties a defendant faces or could even result in dismissal of the charges altogether.

Defenses that may apply to a defendant’s unique case include, but are not limited to:

  • Alibi
  • Someone other people did it
  • Presenting reasonable doubt to the jury
  • Filing a suppression motions to exclude certain evidence
  • Attacking witness credibility
  • Challenging law enforcement’s investigation
  • Cross-examining witnesses to show inconsistencies in testimony

There are many more defenses in existence that may apply to the defendant’s particular case. It takes a qualified sex crimes attorney to determine what defense will work best and how to properly present it.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Many sex crimes under state law require that a convicted defendant register as a sex offender. This registration requires the defendant to register with a statewide and national database of other convicted sex offenders. This information is provided to law enforcement following the conviction and sentencing of the defendant.

Information that must be listed includes the defendant’s address, location of employment, all conviction information, a photograph, and other identifying information. This information is available to the public and it could also be required that the defendant notify any neighbors of this information as well. There are a significant number of conditions and rules to follow.

Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney in West Columbia to Defend Your Case

Allegations of sex crimes cannot be taken lightly, as they are incredibly serious and could potentially result in decades in prison depending on your charge if left undefended. Every level of offense deserves great legal defense.

An experienced West Columbia sex crimes lawyer will help you build a defense and protect your constitutional rights. Schedule a consultation right away.