How a Sex Offense Lawyer Handles Allegation Cases
Learn how a sex offense lawyer navigates complex allegation cases, protects clients’ rights, and builds strong legal defenses from the start.
6/25/20252 min read


Being accused of a sex offense is one of the most damaging legal situations a person can face. Even before charges are filed, the accusation alone can destroy reputations, careers, and personal relationships. Sex crime allegations are prosecuted aggressively — and the consequences of a conviction include mandatory registration as a sex offender, long prison sentences, and lifelong stigma. Call a reliable sexual abuse lawyer in Philadelphia.
As a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, I’ve handled sensitive, complex sex offense cases throughout the state. Here’s how I approach these difficult and high-stakes cases.
Common Sex Offense Charges
Sex-related criminal charges can range widely in severity, including:
Sexual assault
Rape
Statutory sexual assault
Indecent assault
Child pornography offenses
Unlawful contact with a minor
Institutional sexual assault
Failure to register as a sex offender
These crimes are governed by Title 18 statutes and often carry felony-level penalties, including years in prison and sex offender registration under Megan’s Law or SORNA.
Step 1: Immediate Legal Protection — Before Charges Are Filed
Many sex offense cases begin with an accusation or police investigation, not an immediate arrest. In these early stages, I work to:
Intervene before charges are filed
Speak directly with detectives or prosecutors
Protect my client’s rights during questioning
Prevent self-incrimination or illegal searches
Early legal counsel can make the difference between charges being filed or dropped.
Step 2: Carefully Analyzing the Allegations and Evidence
Sex offense cases often involve no physical evidence and rest heavily on the word of the accuser. As your defense lawyer, I examine:
Police reports and statements
Forensic and medical exam results (SANE exams)
Text messages, emails, and social media
Audio/video recordings
Timeline inconsistencies or motives for false accusations
If consent is at issue, I gather evidence that supports a clear, mutual interaction — or shows that the accusation is untrue.
Step 3: Investigating the Accuser and Their Motives
It is crucial to evaluate:
Prior false accusations (if any)
Conflicting statements made to others
Any potential personal, financial, or emotional motives
Relationship history between the parties involved
This is handled with care and professionalism, especially when minors are involved.
Step 4: Preparing a Strategic Defense
Every case requires a tailored defense strategy, which may include:
Consent – One of the most common defenses in adult sex cases
Mistaken identity – Particularly in online or eyewitness-based claims
Alibi – Evidence you were not present at the time of the alleged act
False accusation – Based on motive, jealousy, or custody disputes
Violation of rights – Illegal interrogation or evidence collection
Where appropriate, expert witnesses (medical, forensic, or psychological) may be used to support the defense.
Step 5: Handling Court Proceedings with Sensitivity and Precision
Sex crime cases often move through:
Preliminary hearings
Pre-trial motions (to exclude evidence or suppress statements)
Psychological evaluations
Jury trials in high-stakes situations
Every word matters in court. I guide clients on how to speak, act, and maintain composure in what is often an emotionally charged process.
Consequences of a Conviction
Conviction for a sex offense can result in:
Mandatory sex offender registration
Incarceration, often for several years
Parole restrictions and loss of employment
Lifetime social and professional consequences
That’s why these cases require experienced, thorough, and aggressive defense from the very beginning.
Accused of a Sex Crime? Get Legal Help Immediately.
If you’ve been accused of a sex-related offense — or even questioned by police — do not wait. Speaking with law enforcement without a lawyer present can irreparably harm your defense. You need a skilled attorney who understands both the law and the sensitivity required to handle these cases. To protect victims and others, I also provide service as a child sexual abuse lawyer in Philadelphia.
With over 30 years of experience, I provide discreet, strategic representation for individuals facing sex crime allegations. Contact Mark D. Hauser, Attorney at Law today to schedule a confidential, judgment-free consultation.