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Nebraska takes allegations of sex crimes seriously. Lincoln sex crimes charges can result in prison time, fines, and registration as a sex offender. Further, the stigma can follow a person for the rest of their life.
If you are facing these allegations, you should reach out to a dedicated sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier a skilled attorney is on the case, the better the outcome may be.
Understanding Levels of Sex Crimes
There are several ways a person might be convicted of a sex crime in the state of Nebraska. Under the law, any unwanted touching of a person’s body constitutes a sexual assault. It is also important to note that sexual assault is an umbrella offense that covers actions other states would consider to be separate offenses such as rape and sexual battery. The sexual assault statute is divided into degrees of severity based upon the act. With any sexual assault conviction, a person must register as a sex offender in the State of Nebraska.
First-Degree Sexual Assault
First-degree sexual assault is any sexual penetration of another person without consent. A lack of consent can particular upon mental incapacity, an inability to consent because of intoxication, level of consciousness, or another set of facts.
Second-Degree Sexual Assault
Second-degree sexual assault is any sexual contact that causes serious bodily injury. Second-degree sexual assault is rarely charged in Nebraska primarily because most offenses involve penetration, which generally results sentence first-degree sexual assault.
Third-Degree Sexual Assault
Third-degree sexual assault involves touching a person over their clothing or touching the sexual body parts of a person without any penetration and consent.
Penalties for Offenders in Lincoln
The specific penalties associated with a sex crime depend primarily on the specific facts of the case. Offenses that do not involve the assault of a child have three potential levels of penalty. The most severe is the Class II felony, which includes unwanted penetration. This offense carries a minimum sentence of one and up to 50 years in prison for every act of penetration. Also, the person must register as a sex offender for a minimum of 15 years up and potentially for life.
The second level of a felony involves any sexual contact that results in serious bodily injury to a victim. That is a Class IIA felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and registration as a sex offender.
A third-degree sexual assault involves any unwanted touching of a person’s sexual body part without penetration. This is a Class I misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail for each act and also requires registration as a sex offender.
It is also important to note that the stigma of even being accused of these offenses can follow a person. Because of that, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible when facing Lincoln sex crimes charges.
An Attorney Can Help Fight Lincoln Sex Crimes Charges
When facing Lincoln sex crimes charges, it is critical to work with a diligent attorney. The sooner an attorney is on the case, the sooner they can begin to fight to mitigate the repercussions of these accusations. To get started, call today to set up a consultation with Berry Law.
