Benton Sex Crime Lawyer

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

Anyone convicted of a sex crime could face serious jail or prison time along with fines. The consequences of a sex crime conviction go beyond criminal penalties.

In Arkansas, the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997 mandates that sex offenders must register with the state sex offender registry. This requirement applies to individuals convicted of certain sex offenses and offenses against children.

Individuals previously required to register under related statutes must also comply. Upon moving to or returning to Arkansas from another jurisdiction, sex offenders must register with the local law enforcement agency within three business days of establishing residency. Failure to register, report changes of address, or comply with assessment requirements constitutes a Class C felony offense.

Housing restrictions may apply to where sex offenders can live, particularly concerning proximity to schools, parks, or other places where children gather. Convicted sex offenders may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, serve on a jury, or possess firearms.

Legal Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Charges

A sex crime conviction could have serious consequences for your professional and personal life. Your criminal defense attorney can explore legal strategies to have the charges dropped or reduced.

The element of criminal intent plays a role in many sex crimes. If your attorney is able to demonstrate that you did not act with criminal intent, that could weaken the prosecution’s case against you. For example, if you are facing charges for indecent exposure, you may be able to argue that you were relieving yourself in an area where you believed no one could see you.

Your attorney may be able to use pre-trial motions to suppress evidence based on procedural errors, violations of constitutional rights, or lack of probable cause.

You can use an alibi witness to show that you were not present at the scene of the alleged crime or did not have the opportunity to commit the offense. Another potential legal argument is mental incapacity. This requires presenting evidence of mental incapacity or insanity at the time of the alleged offense.

If you were in a dating relationship with the victim of a sexual assault, you can argue that the physical acts were consensual at the time. The victim may have a personal motive for trying to malign your reputation. If you did not know the victim, your attorney can prepare a defense that argues that you were misidentified by the victim.

Benefits of Hiring a Benton Sex Crime Lawyer

Without an attorney, you could face serious prison or jail time — even for a first-time offense. Prosecutors may be less likely to offer a favorable plea bargain for people accused of committing sex crimes, especially if the defendant does not have an attorney.

A lawyer can work to get your side of the story out. Police are often quick to arrest someone based on sometimes scant evidence. Someone’s verbal accusations may be sufficient to bring criminal charges.

The right attorney can help you achieve a positive outcome. By gathering evidence and questioning the assumptions of police and prosecutors, your criminal defense attorney can build a case that changes the narrative of what happened.

Even when prosecutors decide not to drop charges, you can still receive a favorable plea bargain agreement. Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to ensure that your deal is in your interest. Accepting a plea bargain can offer one way to put the entire ordeal behind you.

FAQs

Q: What Is Mandatory Time Served for Sex Crimes in Arkansas?

A: Depending on the type of crime you are charged with, a conviction may come with a mandatory minimum sentence. Sexual assault convictions, for example, often come with mandatory prison sentences.

One way you may avoid a mandatory sentence is by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who can work to have your charges dropped or reduced.

Q: What Is a Level One Sex Offender in Arkansas?

A: In Arkansas, a Level One sex offender category typically includes first-time offenders with no prior history of sexual offenses. These individuals may have committed a single, isolated incident that does not indicate a pattern of sexual misconduct. Their lack of previous criminal behavior suggests a lower risk of reoffending.

Notification measures are generally limited to informing residents within the offender’s household and local law enforcement authorities.

Q: What Does Level Two Sex Offender Mean in Arkansas?

A: A Level Two sex offender has a history of previous sexual offenses, indicating a pattern of misconduct. Comprehensive community notification measures are mandated for Level two sex offenders. These include notifying the offender’s known victims and individuals likely to come into contact with the offender.

Q: Can a Sex Offender Get Off the Registry in Arkansas?

A: Arkansas law does offer pathways for removal from the sex offender registry. The length of this period depends on the seriousness of the offense and often requires a minimum waiting period of 15 years after completing the sentence without any further sexual offenses. Seeking guidance from a qualified legal professional can help you navigate this process effectively.

Schedule Your Benton Sex Crime Consultation Today

A sex crime conviction can lead to life-changing consequences. You may have difficulty finding housing and work. Many jobs do not hire anyone with a sex crime conviction on their record. One way you can reduce the chances that you will have to live with a sex crime conviction is by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The attorneys at Lemley Law Partners can work to defend your innocence. We understand how frightening it can be to be accused of such serious crimes. When you hire our team, we can protect your rights and advocate for your interests as your case moves forward. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.