Edmonds Sex Crime Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in Washington

Accusations of any kind of sexual misconduct are a devastating and very serious matter. Such accusations can have a disastrous impact on your reputation, your family and social relationships, your career, and your future. Unfortunately, many people are accused of such crimes every day, often based on little evidence, falsehoods, exaggerations, and misleading statements. These crimes can be alleged by spiteful and revengeful partners in situations involving high-conflict divorces, child custody cases, or wherever an intimate relationship has broken down.

If you have been accused of a sex crime and are under investigation, you should seek aggressive legal representation as soon as possible. Taking proactive steps early can often defuse situations that could turn disastrous. I strongly urge you to turn to Johanson Law Group, Inc., where you can work with me as your criminal defense lawyer. My background as a former prosecutor gives me an edge in defending clients. I know how to look for weaknesses in a case that can be exploited to your advantage. Let my 30+ years of experience, skills, and dedication to results work for you at this critical time.

Reach out to Johanson Law Group, Inc. online or at (425) 341-4347 to arrange for a consultation about your case.

Sex Crimes in Washington State

Sex crimes include a range of actions that are prohibited by law and that can carry severe consequences upon a conviction. Generally, most sex crimes involve some type of sexually-related action taken against another without that person’s consent.

Examples of sex crimes include:

• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Indecent exposure
• Public lewdness
• Online solicitation of minors
• Child molestation
• Sex trafficking
• Sexual misconduct
• Possession and distribution of child pornography
• Child rape

How you are charged in any sex crime case will depend on the nature and seriousness of the offense, whether the alleged victim was injured, whether any type of weapon was used, and your previous criminal history, if any. Most sex crimes are charged as felonies. For example, rape is charged in various degrees as a Class A or Class C felony.

First-degree rape consists of forcing another to have sexual intercourse. It can also include using or threatening to use a weapon, causing serious injury, kidnapping the person, or breaking into the alleged victim’s home, car, place of work or wherever he or she is located at the time of the offense. First-degree and second-degree rape are crimes punishable by a lengthy prison term or life in prison along with a fine of up to $50,000. Third-degree rape carries up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Other felony sex crimes include sex trafficking, child pornography, offenses involving children, and more.

Washington Sex Offender Registration

One of the worst aspects of a sex crime conviction is the possibility of mandatory sex offender registration. This is common in many Washington felony sex crimes. This leads to your photograph being posted in a searchable online database along with your home address and a detailed description of the alleged offense, including the victim’s age. This information is accessible to neighbors, potential employers, and any other interested party. You will face certain prohibitions concerning where you can live and work. You are also required to keep your registration up to date. Failure to register, maintain your registration, or otherwise violating the terms of your registration can lead to additional negative consequences.

Contact Our Edmonds Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

Sex crimes carry a major stigma and often bring public attention to your case, even without a conviction. Prosecuting attorneys in our area will typically pursue the toughest possible sentence. When facing such a situation, you need an experienced attorney you can trust who will be aggressive and relentless in defending you.

As your Edmonds sex crime attorney, I will make a thorough investigation into your case to search for flaws, inconsistencies, and any other favorable material that can be used in your defense. Depending on the situation, I may also be able to negotiate a favorable result before any charges are even filed or negotiate reductions in charges, reductions in sentencing, or alternatives to sentencing for those who qualify.

Contact Johanson Law Group, Inc. online or at (425) 341-4347 to learn more about how I can help you fight criminal charges today.