If you have been arrested for a sex crime, you may feel as if nobody is listening to you. You are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but some people, including prosecutors, will treat you as if you have been convicted before you go to court. That is why it is so crucial that you consult a dedicated Grand Island sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. The punishment for a sex crime conviction is typically harsh, with a potential prison sentence and hefty fines. The social stigma associated with a sex crime allegation can be severe enough to ruin your reputation and your professional career. That is why it is so important to enlist the support of an experienced criminal attorney if you are facing charges in Hall County.
If you are facing criminal charges for an alleged sex crime or are under investigation, you have the right to contact a dedicated Grand Island sex crimes lawyer at Berry Law. Our team has aggressively defended hundreds of clients facing these allegations, and we have successfully fought to protect their rights throughout the process.
Types of Sex Crimes
A sex offense occurs when criminal charges arise from anything sexual in nature. Often, when people think of sex crimes they think specifically of assault or rape. However, sex crimes can include a variety of criminal charges with some form of sexual component. Some of the most common sex crimes in Nebraska include:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Abuse
- Battery
- Child Pornography
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Statutory Rape
- Indecent Exposure
- Solicitation
- Sex Offender Registration Noncompliance
These crimes can also be further broken down into categories depending on the severity of the alleged crime. For example, sexual assault is broken down into three distinct categories: First Degree, Second Degree, and Third Degree.
Potential Punishments for Charges in Grand Island
As stated above, sex offenses are typically punishable by a potential prison sentence and large fines. On top of that, nearly all sex crimes require you to register as a sex offender in the state of Nebraska, which can seriously impact your professional career and may even cause you to have trouble finding housing. Often, a sex offense is charged as a felony with the potential for a lengthy prison term. According to Nebraska Revised Statute 28-319, first-degree sexual assault is a Class II felony and punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment. However, not all sex crimes are felonies, with misdemeanors being more frequent in cases like solicitation of prostitution.
Solicitation occurs when a person solicits another individual to perform any act of sexual contact in exchange for something of value. This is a Class I misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, one-year imprisonment, or both. Although you may think you do not need a Grand Island sex crimes lawyer for a misdemeanor, the potential consequences for these crimes are often more severe than just the punishment handed down by the justice system. Some additional side effects of a misdemeanor conviction include:
- Loss of professional licenses
- Revoked Second Amendment rights
- Deportation
- Reduced earning potential
- Inability to access public housing benefits
- Difficulty finding employment
- More severe punishment for subsequent convictions
Finding the Right Sex Crimes Lawyer
Although cases involving an alleged sex crime are similar in nature, the defense that an attorney will put together on your behalf depends upon the specific circumstances that led to a criminal charge or investigation. To put together a good defense, it is important that you hire a sex crimes lawyer in Grand Island who has direct experience representing clients accused of sex offenses. You should find a lawyer who can offer some specific details about how these cases work and provide insight into how they can build you a defense. Our team looks at all the details of an alleged sex crime to ensure that our clients rights, reputation, and future can be protected. We understand that you may be fighting the most important battle of your life, and we are committed to providing you with relentless legal counsel.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Consulting with a Grand Island Sex Crimes Attorney
If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Hall County, you will most likely be facing the repercussions of the conviction for the rest of your life. A conviction will most likely lead to jail time, hefty fines, and sometimes irreparable damage to your reputation and professional career. On top of that, you will have a conviction on your criminal record and will be required to register as a sex offender, which has its own negative effects.
A criminal conviction for a sex crime can severely impact your career. At Berry Law, we are prepared to fight on your behalf. A Grand Island sex crimes lawyer from our team could fight to safeguard your future and protect your rights throughout the legal proceeding. Call our team today to set up a confidential consultation with a dedicated defense attorney.