Sex Crimes: Defense for Sexual Assault, Rape and More

Statistics concerning sexual assault and rape are eye-opening. For example, did you know that one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted? Another known fact is that college aged women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted. In recent years over 248,000 individuals each year reported being victims of sexual assault in the United States. Further, there are many cases of rape or sexual assault that continue to go unreported.

Rape is one type of sex crime and other sex crimes include sexual assault, stalking, certain types of phone calls, sexual harassment, attempted rape, indecent exposure, fondling, sexual abuse or violence, and incest.

Sexual harassment is also a very common sex crime. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted sexual advances from one person to another. Sexual harassment tends to be more subtle than most sexual assaults. Sexually suggestive comments, jokes or subtle inappropriate unwanted touching is usually what sexual harassment consists of.

There is great diversity within sex crimes so there are many myths connected to it. Some of these myths include the belief that only women can be sexually assaulted or raped and the belief that rape cannot exist within a marriage. Sexual assault is not gender specific, both men and women can be sexually assaulted.  Further, rape within a marriage is not often expressed or reported but it does occur and it is prosecuted.

Sex crimes are serious and results in severe consequences including at times having to file as a sex offender on the state's sex registry.  This may require that your picture be posted on the internet for everyone to see.  The sex offender registry may also show where you live and your vehicle information.  Additionally, in most states, sex crimes that require offender registration cannot be expunged.  That means that the sex crime stays with you for life.

If you have been charged with a sex crime you best retain a criminal defense attorney to help you through the process and to protect your rights.