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Vestavia Hills Sex Crime Lawyer

If a person is accused of a sex crime in Alabama, it is understandable to be confused and frightened. Simply being accused of a sex crime is a life changing experience that must be contested at every turn.

With consequences ranging from lengthy jail time and paying a mandatory fine, to being forced to register as a sex offender, the stakes are high. People accused of a sex crime often ask:

  • What is a sex crime?
  • What are the potential penalties?
  • How can a sex crime attorney help?

Keeping this in mind, it is vital to work with a Vestavia Hills sex crimes lawyer who can help to navigate the criminal courts, answer any questions you may have, and work to get you the best possible outcome based on your unique circumstances. A knowledgeable criminal attorney in Vestavia Hills can build a case to help lessen any potential consequences you may be facing.

Defining a Sex Crime

Sex crimes are considered to be among the most serious crimes in Alabama criminal law. The most serious of these is rape. Rape is defined in Alabama Code 13A-6-61. In the statute, rape is defined as:

Engaging in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion, or engaging in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapable of consent. This is known as Rape in the First Degree and is punishable as a Class A Felony.

There is also Rape in the Second Degree as defined under Alabama Code 13A-6-62 as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person as a teenager if there is more than two years age difference. This is considered to be a Class B Felony.

Another category of sex crime in Alabama is sexual torture. This is defined as using an inanimate object to sexually abuse another. This is also considered to be a Class A Felony under Alabama Code 13A-6-65.1.

Indecent exposure is another class of sex crime. This is defined in Alabama Code 13A-6-68 as: when a person exposes their genitals under circumstances in which they know they is likely to cause affront or alarm.

This is usually a Class A Misdemeanor, but if a person has three or more convictions under this statute, upgrades to a Class C Felony. If a person is facing these sex crimes, they must not hesitate before contacting a Vestavia Hills sex crimes lawyer.

Potential Penalties

The penalties for sex crimes in Alabama are as varied as the differing definitions. However, most are considered to be felonies carrying significant jail time and fines. Below is the table of felony sentencing rules as well as the rule for a Class A Misdemeanor.

  • Class A Felony: Between 10 years to life in jail with a fine of up to $60,000. Alabama Code 13A-5-6, 13A-5-11
  • Class B Felony: Between two and 20 years in prison with a fine of up to $30,000. Alabama Code 13A-5-6, 13A-5-11
  • Class C Felony: Between one year and one day up to 10 years jail time and a fine of up to $15,000. Alabama Code 13A-5-6, 13A-5-11
  • Class D Felony: Between one year and one day up to five years jail time and a fine of up to $7,500. Alabama Code 13A-5-6, 13A-5-11
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year jail time and a fine of not more than $6,000. Alabama Code 13A-5-7, 13A-5-12

Additionally, conviction under any sex crimes law requires that the person convicted register as a sex offender. Such penalties can be best defended using a Vestavia Hills sex crimes attorney.

Benefit of an Attorney

Facing allegations of a sex crime in Alabama is an extremely serious matter. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases with extended sentences for convictions. Vestavia Hills sex crimes lawyers work with people who have been accused of these crimes to protect their liberty.

With potential penalties ranging from stiff fines to a lifetime in jail, a strong and detailed defense is required. A sex crimes attorney in Vestavia Hills will examine every piece of evidence, talk to all the witnesses, and prepare a thorough and nuanced defense to fit your unique needs. Do not take any unnecessary chances, contact our firm today.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Whitney Polson is a no-nonsense attorney who delivered exactly what he said he would on my case...thank you so much sir...I would definitely recommend anyone facing a DUI to retain this man. D.B.
★★★★★
If you are looking for an attorney I must recommend Mark Polson of Polson & Polson. My case was successfully moved from a February to a December court date and was dismissed. I am extremely please with the way this firm handled the case and was able to secure the dismissal. Thank you again to Polson & Polson for your professionalism and knowledge that we needed for this situation. Best Regards to all. Julie C.
★★★★★
Wow! I never could have hoped for our lawyer to work as fast as he did but Whitney was lightning fast! Very attentive to the details, never left me hanging along the journey-I used online reviews in choosing him and now I want to pass that on-if you need a lawyer (ours was a traffic court case with complications), I HIGHLY recommend this firm! Claire B.