If you have been charged with a sex crime in Papillion, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what you can do to fight the allegations brought against you. The first thing you should do is get in touch with a Papillion sex crimes lawyer. One of our criminal defense attorneys can help you better understand the charges you’re facing and explain what strategies may be most effective in your case. Our team will fight to get the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether.
Common Sex Crimes in Papillion
There are many different sex-related offenses that someone can be charged with in Papillion. The penalties someone might face if they are convicted of a sexual offense depend on the specific crime they are accused of committing and whether that offense is categorized as a felony or misdemeanor. Additionally, if someone has been convicted of a sex crime before, they can face enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault charges are categorized into first-, second-, and third-degree offenses. First- and second-degree sexual assault are felony crimes, while third-degree sexual assault is a misdemeanor. If a person is found guilty of sexual assault, they can face anywhere from a year in jail for a third-degree sexual assault conviction all the way up to 50 years in jail for a first-degree sexual assault conviction.
Prostitution
According to Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-801, a person can be convicted of prostitution if they engage in, consent to, or extend sexual services to someone they are not married to in return for payment or another financial benefit. If this is the person’s first or second offense, they will be charged with a Class II misdemeanor and could face a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
After two or more prostitution convictions, an individual faces Class I misdemeanor charges with maximum penalties including a $1,000 fine and 12 month’s incarceration.
Child Enticement
A person can be charged with child enticement if they try to persuade or succeed in persuading a child younger than 14 to get inside a vehicle or to leave the care of their parent or guardian. Child enticement is a Class IIIA felony and punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or up to three years in prison.
Child Pornography
As with child enticement, child pornography is a sex crime that prosecutors take extremely seriously. A person can face child pornography charges for making or disbursing photos or videos of a child engaging in or watching a sexual act. The exact penalties for a child pornography charge depend on the age of the offender.
If the accused party is younger than 19, they may be charged with a Class III felony. When the alleged offender is 19 years of age or order, they could face a Class ID felony. While a Class III felony is punishable by up to four years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000, a Class ID felony can result in incarceration for 3 to 50 years.
Additional Consequences Associated with Sexual Offenses
In addition to the legal consequences and social stigma attached to a sex crime conviction, other ramifications may follow. For instance, individuals convicted of sex crimes are often required to register as sex offenders.
This can limit employment opportunities, living options, liberty, and even result in the loss of custody or gun ownership rights. A convicted sex offender can be barred from voting and ordered to stay away from places where children are. It is crucial that you contact a Papillion sex crimes attorney in the early stages of a case to avoid or reduce a conviction.
Talk with a Papillion Sex Crimes Attorney About Your Case
A Papillion sex crimes lawyer on our team can help you determine how to fight your charges. For more information about your legal rights and options, call Berry Law to schedule your confidential consultation.