Sex Crime Defense Attorney Media, Pennsylvania
A sex crime is an offense that involves one person sexually abusing another. It also refers to any type of forced sexual encounter that occurs through physical or psychological manipulation.
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Media, PA, you should immediately contact a sex crime lawyer from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C.
You need an expert by your side to help you fight for your rights and get the charges reduced or dismissed. Make an appointment today.
We Represent People Charged with Sex Crimes in Media PA
Sex crimes in Media PA carry long-term consequences. Besides possible prison sentences, offenders may also be required to register as sex offenders.
This fact alone can make your life one of hardship when it comes to looking for a job, obtaining housing, or getting a professional license, just to name a few.
In many cases, sex crime charges are based purely on the claims of the alleged victims. These may range from wildly exaggerated to fully made up.
What should you do if you are falsely accused of a sex crime?
When you are charged with a sex crime, your first instinct might be to tell the authorities your version of the incident. After all, you are convinced you are innocent and that they should believe what you are saying.
However, you may end up discovering the hard way that making any kind of statement to the authorities without the guidance and advice of your lawyer may backfire. Later, you may be questioned about what you said and end up being convicted.
That is why at Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C., we cannot stress enough the importance of working with one of our criminal defense attorneys. Whenever you are being investigated for a sex crime, the first thing you should do is give us a call and let us start defending you.
The result may be quite different with legal representation than without. Call us today.
Most Common Types of Sex Crimes
Penalties associated with sex crimes depend on what crime is involved, the alleged victim’s age, the nature of the alleged offense, and whether you have previously been convicted of a sex offense.
The Media PA sex crimes defense attorney at Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. is the legal expert you need by your side when you have been accused of a sex crime, including:
- Sexual activities with minors
- Luring minors through the internet
- Traveling to encounter a minor for illegal sexual acts
- Transmitting material dangerous to a minor
- Lewd and lascivious offenses
- Unnatural acts
- Sexual battery
- Exposure
- Child pornography
Media PA Sex Crime Investigations
Once an alleged victim in Pennsylvania reports an alleged sexual offense to the police, the authorities will get on the case. To begin with, they will spend time interviewing the alleged victim and collecting all physical evidence. Next, they will approach you in an attempt to get your story.
Noticing that their demeanor is not aggressive, you may feel inclined to start talking. Since you are fully convinced of your innocence, you may comply with their requests and answer all questions. In the end, your words may turn out to be incriminating and result in you being arrested.
It may also happen that police officers or detectives in Pennsylvania stop by your house to conduct a search and, not wanting to appear uncooperative -and because you are sure you are innocent- you let them do so because you do not wish to appear as though you have something to hide.
Unfortunately, you may later be informed that circumstantial evidence has been found or that something you said was incriminating.
Your criminal defense lawyer from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C.will advise you not to say anything to the authorities without your attorney being present. You need your lawyer to protect your rights and fight on your behalf.
Remember that the Constitution says that no person can be compelled to be a witness against themselves and that all persons have a right to legal counsel for their defense.
Common Defenses to Sex Crime Charges
It is common for sex crimes not to have witnesses other than the parties involved and some forensic evidence. That is why the alleged victim’s testimony can play such a crucial role in how the defendant develops. As such, many defenses may be asserted, like:
Pretrial Defense
If you have been falsely accused of committing a sex crime, you may be able to avoid indictment by presenting evidence to dispute the victim’s allegations against you.
A polygraph test may be used as well as psychological evaluations or presenting proof that the alleged victim has made false accusations in the past.
Defenses at Trial
During the trial, your criminal defense attorney may bring an alibi that proves you were not present when the alleged crime occurred.
Your lawyer may also argue that this is a case of mistaken identity or provide proof that psychological issues prevented you from understanding what you were doing. DNA testing can also be used to prove your innocence.
Affirmative Defenses
Your attorney might advise you to admit to having committed the sex offense but will assert that this should not be considered a crime because of certain reasons like the fact that the alleged victim consented to the act or that there was never any force used nor any threat of force.
This would, in effect, not be considered an admission of guilt, but rather it should be taken as an explanation to clarify why the offense may not be a crime.
Call A Criminal Defense Lawyer from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. Today
If you know that you might be under investigation in Pennsylvania for any kind of alleged sexual offense or if you have already been arrested, refrain from saying anything to the authorities until your attorney is by your side. Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. has the criminal defense attorney you need to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
We Will Fight For You
Your criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania will fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Call us today for a confidential consultation, and let us build a strong defense strategy for you. We will carefully review your case and talk to you about your legal options. Call us today.