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If you are the target of an investigation for a sex crime or you are arrested on sex crime allegations, you should reach out to a Nebraska sex crimes defense lawyer at Berry Law as soon as possible. For obvious reasons, a sex crime conviction can be detrimental to your career.
All too often, individuals try to explain themselves when targeted in a sex crimes investigation. However, law enforcement officers are not there to help you in any way. Without proper legal guidance by a skilled criminal defense lawyer, you risk providing the prosecution with incriminating evidence that could be harmful in your case.
Types of Sex Crimes
Due to the nature of sex crimes, individuals accused of these offenses often experience an unparalleled level of social stigma that can be highly damaging to careers and reputations. Some of the common sex offenses under Nebraska law include:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Prostitution
These offenses range from low-level misdemeanor offenses to more severe felony offenses under both state and federal law. A conviction for a sex offense also can result in mandatory sex offender registration, which can affect where someone can live and work. A dedicated sex crimes defense lawyer in Nebraska could help you fight your sex crime charges and build a strong defense on your behalf.
Sexual Assault
One of the most commonly-charged sex offenses under Nebraska law is sexual assault. The severity of the charges and resulting penalties often depends on whether the alleged target of the assault is a minor, an adult, or falls within a specific class of persons, such as inmates and parolees. Sexual assault is typically a felony offense, but it can be a misdemeanor in some instances.
Sexual assault involves non-consensual sexual acts or contact with others, or with individuals whose age, mental, or physical incapacitation or status makes them legally unable to consent.
There are three levels of sexual assault in Nebraska that vary according to the seriousness of the offense. First-degree sexual assault is the most severe and is a Class II felony offense, punishable by a lengthy prison term. Third-degree sexual assault, however, consists of non-consensual sexual contact or sexual contact with persons who were physically or mentally incapable of resisting or realizing what was occurring. This offense is a Class I misdemeanor if the assault causes no serious personal injuries to the alleged targets.
The serious punishments that can result from a sex crime charge make it imperative to choose top-rated Nebraska lawyers. Our attorneys have extensive experience and a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes in tough cases.
Sex Offender Registration
Many sex offenses, including any degree of sexual assault, can trigger the application of the Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act. This Act establishes a three-tiered system of registration based on the severity of the criminal offense and the existence of any prior convictions. For individuals who are facing potential sex offender registration requirements, consulting a sex crimes attorney in Nebraska may be essential to a more favorable outcome.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-4005, if the sexual assault could result in a sentence of incarceration of less than one year, the registration period is for 15 years, whereas if the potential term of imprisonment is for one year or more, the registration period is 25 years. However, a lifetime registration requirement also is possible for some individuals whose sex offense was aggravated or who had prior convictions.
Rely on a Nebraska Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
The consequences of a conviction for any sex offense are harsh and will last well beyond any sentence of incarceration that you must serve. You will have a permanent criminal record that may make it extremely difficult to find employment. A Nebraska sex crimes lawyer knows how much is at stake in these cases and could help protect you against these repercussions. To learn more about how our team at Berry Law can help, call today to schedule a confidential consultation.
