Sex Crimes Lawyer in Philadelphia
Being accused of a sex crime can turn your life upside down in an instant. Even if the allegations against you are false, merely being associated with such acts can destroy your reputation, strain relationships, and lead to serious legal consequences if wrongly convicted. That's why having an experienced sex crimes defense attorney on your side is critical.
Mark Hauser has spent years providing strong legal defense for clients facing sex abuse charges in Philadelphia. We understand how devastating and stressful it is to be accused of sexual misconduct. Our top priority is protecting your rights, challenging unreliable evidence, uncovering the truth, and achieving a positive outcome in your case, whether that means getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Here's an overview of defending against sex crime allegations, legal processes, building an effective defense, and potential penalties if convicted. Continue reading to learn why having a knowledgeable Philadelphia sex crimes attorney can make all the difference in how your case unfolds.
We Defend Clients Who Have Been Accused of Sexual Abuse
Being accused of a sex crime evokes a strong emotional response and social stigma that can make you feel powerless. But no matter what you are accused of, you have legal rights that must be protected.
As your criminal defense and child sexual abuse lawyer in Philadelphia, we approach each case and offense with an unbiased perspective. The role of our attorney is not to judge you but to represent your interests at every stage of the legal process. We will stand by your side, advocate for you, and guide you through the complexities of building a defense strategy.
We have successfully defended clients against a wide range of sex offense allegations, including:
Rape and sexual assault
Statutory rape and sexual contact with a minor
Possession of child pornography
Indecent exposure and public lewdness
Sexual abuse and molestation
Prostitution and solicitation
Sexual harassment
Sexual exploitation and misconduct
The specific details of your case are confidential. You can trust that you have an experienced legal advisor who will protect your rights and help you fight false or exaggerated accusations. With our guidance, you don't have to navigate the legal system alone.
Understanding Sex Abuse Allegations & Legal Processes
Being arrested and charged with a sex crime offense sets in motion a complex legal process that can be difficult to grasp. As your defense lawyer, we will educate you on the step-by-step legal procedures, prosecutorial burdens, and defense strategies for the specific charges you face.
In general, the stages in a Philadelphia sex crime case may include:
Police investigation - If you are accused of sexual misconduct, the alleged victim may file a complaint with police, leading to your arrest and interrogation. Our attorney can represent you during questioning and evidence gathering.
Criminal charges - Prosecutors review investigation details to determine which criminal charges apply to your case based on the accusations. We will analyze the charges filed and start building your defense.
Pretrial hearings - Legal arguments may be presented before trial regarding admissibility of evidence, access to witnesses, or dismissal of charges.
Plea bargains - Many cases end in plea agreements rather than going to trial. We will advise you on the pros and cons of negotiating a plea deal.
Trial - If no plea deal is reached, we will vigorously defend you before a judge or jury, cross-examining witnesses and presenting counter-evidence.
Sentencing - If convicted at trial, your sentence will be determined based on sentencing guidelines for the charges. We will argue for leniency.
Sex offender registration - Certain convictions require registering publicly as a sex offender. We can petition the court against unfair registration.
Appeals - Grounds may exist for appealing the verdict or sentence if errors were made during trial. We can pursue legal remedies through appeals.
We will help demystify the legal process and demonstrate how an experienced lawyer's guidance at each phase can strengthen your defense and obtain a better outcome. Do not hesitate to lean on our expertise throughout this challenging time.
Common Defenses Against Sex Abuse Charges
Sexual allegations can seem hard to disprove without solid evidence to the contrary. However, an adept criminal defense lawyer knows how to build a strong defense by leveraging facts, credibility challenges, and legal procedures to undermine the prosecution's accusations and introduce reasonable doubt of your guilt.
Some possible defenses we may use in your sex crimes case include:
False allegations - The accusations against you were fabricated or exaggerated for motives like revenge, financial gain, or concealing other behavior. We can expose the credibility flaws and motives of the accusers.
Mistaken identity - Witness misidentification resulted in you being wrongly charged for acts committed by someone else who resembles you.
Consent defense - Sexual relations were entirely consensual. There is evidence, such as communications, witnesses, or prior relationships, that supports consent.
No sexual contact - You had physical contact but no actual sexual relations with the accuser as alleged.
Reasonable belief of age - You reasonably believed the alleged victim was of legal age to consent based on appearance, statements, ID, etc.
Mental competency - You have diminished mental capacity that would prevent you from forming necessary criminal intent.
Unlawful police practices - Incriminating evidence was obtained illegally in violation of your rights. We can file to suppress evidence.
Weak evidence - Prosecutors lack strong physical evidence or proof beyond an accuser's word. This introduces reasonable doubt.
The defense depends on the unique circumstances of your case. We will identify and leverage the most compelling arguments to fight the charges at every stage. An early strategic defense is key. Do not hesitate to discuss options with us.
How Evidence Affects Sex Abuse Cases
The strength of the prosecution's evidence, or lack thereof, can greatly influence the outcome of a sexual misconduct case. As your attorney, we will rigorously examine all evidence to identify inconsistencies, credibility issues, procedural errors, and other opportunities to undermine the prosecution's arguments.
Some types of evidence we may assess in building your defense include:
DNA evidence - DNA from semen, hair, saliva, or skin cells linking you to the crime. DNA collection methods and lab analysis can be scrutinized.
Electronic evidence - Cell phones, computers, cameras, and devices may contain incriminating photos, messages, searches, or content. Digital forensics experts can examine electronics.
Medical evidence - A victim’s medical exam can potentially document injuries consistent with forced sex. But alternative explanations may apply.
Witness testimony - Eyewitness accounts, police officers, expert witnesses, character witnesses, and the accuser’s statements may support or weaken the case against you. Intense cross-examination can expose doubts.
Prior allegations - If an accuser has made prior unsubstantiated sex abuse claims, it damages their current credibility.
Alibis - Your location and activities at the time of the alleged incident can be verified through receipts, phone records, eyewitnesses, or other proof that you were elsewhere.
Scrutinizing every aspect of the evidence allows us to pursue suppression motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence and expose weaknesses that build reasonable doubt. This can lead to acquittals or charges being dropped. Do not hesitate to discuss the evidence with us.
Criminal Penalties for Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia
The criminal penalties you face if convicted of sex charges depend heavily on the specific offenses you are accused of. Under Pennsylvania law, sentences for sex crimes can include years or even decades in prison, along with financial penalties and enrollment in the sex offender registry.
Some potential penalties for common Philadelphia sex abuse charges include:
Rape - Up to 20 years in prison.
Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse - Up to 20 years in prison.
Sexual assault - Up to 10 years in prison.
Aggravated indecent assault - Up to 10 years in prison.
Indecent assault - Up to 5 years in prison.
Unlawful contact with a minor - Up to 7 years in prison.
Child pornography offenses - Up to 7 years in prison per image.
Sex offender registration - Lifetime enrollment in the sex offender registry.
The stakes are high when facing sex crime allegations. An experienced sex crimes attorney and rape defense lawyer in Philadelphia can argue against unfair charges, exploit legal errors, build a strong defense, negotiate for lesser charges when appropriate, and ultimately help you obtain a positive possible outcome. Do not hesitate to discuss potential penalties with us.
Take Action With Experienced Legal Representation
Don't leave your fate in the hands of the criminal justice system alone. Contact our office at 267-584-4093 for a free case review and legal consultation. We also can help if you need an assault attorney in Philadelphia. We will put our years of experience defending against sexual allegations to work protecting your rights and future. With our representation guiding you step-by-step, you can move forward and put these life-disrupting charges behind you.
Take the first step and contact us today. Our experienced team will aggressively defend your rights at every phase of these allegations. This process can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. We will be by your side, applying our comprehensive legal expertise to achieve a better resolution. Don't wait - your future is at stake. Call Mark Hauser now to discuss your situation in complete confidence.