Sex offenses are taken seriously in Bellevue, especially those classified as felonies. A wide range of offenses falls under this umbrella, including prostitution-related offenses and sexual assault. If you are being investigated or facing criminal charges, a Bellevue sex crimes lawyer could help.
The penalties for sex offenses can be severe and involve a lengthy term of incarceration. Furthermore, having prior convictions for a similar offense could also result in harsher consequences if convicted. An aggressive defense lawyer from Berry Law can represent you, protect your legal rights, and fight to secure an optimal outcome in your case.
Sex Offense Laws in Bellevue
The different sex crimes prohibited in Bellevue are listed in the Nebraska Revised Statutes under chapter 28, which covers crimes and punishments. Examples of offenses prohibited in the statutes include:
- Sexual assault in the first, second, or third degree
- Sexual abuse of a protected individual
- Sale of pornography or obscene material to a minor
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Public indecency
Offenses involving prostitution constitute another category of sex crimes. Examples of prostitution-based offenses for which a person could face criminal charges and prosecution include prostitution, solicitation, pandering, and keeping a place of prostitution. An attorney who handles sex offense cases in Bellevue could explain how the law defines these specific crimes.
Potential Penalties for Sex Crimes
The penalties for sex offenses in Bellevue vary based on the type of offense and whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. An individual with prior convictions could face harsher penalties if convicted a subsequent time. Additionally, sex offenses in which the alleged victim was a minor are also associated with more severe sanctions upon conviction.
Sexual Assault Penalties
An individual facing criminal charges of sexual assault could face severe penalties if convicted. Sexual assault in the first degree is a Class II felony, punishable by four years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $25,000. If certain criteria are met and the alleged first-degree assault includes a minor, the charge gets bumped to a Class IB felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years.
Sexual assault in the second and third degree occur when an individual subjects another person to sexual contact without their consent. Third degree sexual assault is a Class I misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one-year imprisonment. When the alleged victim sustains serious injuries, it is considered second-degree sexual assault (a Class IIA felony) and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Prostitution Penalties
Prostitution is a Class II misdemeanor and is punishable by a $1,000 fine and confinement for up to six months. However, multiple prior criminal convictions for prostitution could enhance the penalty. Prostitution becomes a Class I misdemeanor when an individual already has two or more prior convictions for related offenses. The penalties for Class I misdemeanors include a fine of $1,000 and incarceration for up to one year.
Sexual Abuse Penalties
Sexual abuse of a protected individual, which refers to a person in the custody or care of the Department of Health and Human Services, is a Class IIA or Class IIIA felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. The penalty for Class IIA felonies is a prison term up to 20 years, while the penalties for Class IIIA felonies include incarceration for up to three years, post-release supervision, and a fine up to $10,000. A Bellevue defense lawyer for sex offenses could explain the penalties associated with the alleged crime.
Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney in Bellevue
If you are facing criminal charges for a sexual offense, you should contact a Bellevue sex crimes lawyer right away. A lawyer could safeguard your constitutional rights and fight the charges against you. Skilled legal counsel could pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Call Berry Law today to discuss your situation and schedule a confidential consultation.
