Little Rock Sexual Indecency With a Minor Lawyer

Little Rock Sexual Indecency With a Minor Attorney

Sex crimes involving minors carry a heavy social stigma and the potential for serious criminal penalties. Beyond the potential for prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender, a conviction for this crime is a potential felony. Anyone facing sexual indecency charges can rely on the services of a Little Rock sexual indecency with a minor lawyer to fight the charges and seek a favorable resolution to the case.

The legal team of Little Rock criminal defense lawyers at Lemley Law Partners is well-versed in the state’s sex crime laws and knows how to successfully defend clients against these types of charges. We won’t rest until the full details of the case are known and you are able to rebut the allegations and get your side of the story out.

Why Choose Lemley Law Partners?

If you are facing a serious sex crime charge, fighting the charges up-front can give you a strong chance of avoiding the life-altering consequences of a sex crime charge. At Lemley Law Partners, we only accept cases if we believe we can positively influence the outcome of a case. Any step that weakens the prosecution’s case can greatly improve your chances of avoiding the most serious penalties under the law.

Our legal team is well-versed in the state’s sex crime laws, and we leverage our knowledge to the benefit of our clients. Whether fighting to have the charges dropped, or for a favorable plea bargain agreement, we will not rest until we fully scrutinize every aspect of your case and piece of evidence.

Understanding Arkansas’ Sexual Indecency With a Minor Laws

Arkansas’ sexual indecency laws are expansive and cover many potential grounds for felony or misdemeanor charges. Any adult 18 or older can be charged with this crime if they solicit someone under 15 to engage in sexual acts.

Indecent exposure can also be charged as sexual indecency if the person perpetrating the act was in a position of trust and aimed to gratify themselves through the act. Any of these acts would be charged as a Class D felony. Entering the changing room for persons of the opposite sex for reasons of sexual gratification is a Class C misdemeanor.

Arkansas’ sexual indecency laws specifically list certain positions of trust and authority that can land offenders with a felony charge. Exemptions for parents taking minor children into restrooms are listed to ensure that only improper acts are considered for prosecution.

Potential Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

While a Class D felony currently does not have a mandatory minimum prison sentence, it does carry the potential for up to several years of prison time. Prosecutors and judges consider the specifics of a case when making plea bargain offers or sentencing following a guilty verdict or guilty plea. Any misdemeanor charge also carries the potential for jail time and heavy fines, even for first-time offenders.

Prosecutors often seek harsh punishments for anyone charged with harming a child. Even after the initial sentence is served, Arkansas requires sex offenders to register with the state. Anyone who fails to follow the guidelines of sex offender registration laws faces a Class C felony charge that comes with mandatory prison time. The state’s sex registry is publicly accessible online, and many businesses and landlords screen applicants and tenants for these types of crimes.

Criminal Defense Strategies

Defending against sex crimes involving minors can pose challenges because minors cannot give consent under the law. Often, legal defense strategies focus on examining the evidence used against the defendant and questioning whether the elements of the offense are met. Any evidence that was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights could be deemed inadmissible in court.

In certain cases, the acts could have been misinterpreted by law enforcement. Police are often quick to arrest and slow to consider all the factors involved in a case in Little Rock, AR. It is the job of a defense attorney to gather evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case by showing that either no crime occurred or that there are mitigating factors that should be considered.

Little Rock Sexual Indecency With a Minor FAQs

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Arkansas?

A: The statute of limitations for sexual abuse in Arkansas varies depending on the specific offense and circumstances, such as the age of the victim. Some cases, especially those involving minors, may have extended or no limitations. Consult an experienced attorney who can help clarify how the statute of limitations applies to your case and whether legal action can still be pursued.

Q: What Is Indecent Exposure in Arkansas?

A: Indecent exposure in Arkansas involves the intentional exposure of private parts in a manner likely to offend or alarm others. It is typically a misdemeanor offense but can carry serious consequences, including fines and jail time. Specific penalties depend on the circumstances, making it important to consult legal counsel if facing indecent exposure charges.

Q: What Is the Statute 5-14-126 In Arkansas?

A: Arkansas Code § 5-14-126 addresses sexual indecency with a child, making it unlawful to engage in or expose a child to sexual conduct. This statute aims to protect minors from exploitation and abuse. Violations of this law are considered serious crimes and carry significant penalties, including potential prison time, depending on the nature of the offense.

Q: What Is the Arkansas Code 5-14-101?

A: Arkansas Code § 5-14-101 defines key terms used in sexual offense laws, such as sexual intercourse, deviant sexual activity, and sexual contact. These definitions are critical for interpreting and prosecuting cases under Arkansas’s criminal code. Understanding these terms is essential for navigating charges, and an experienced attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Schedule Your Sex Crime Consultation Today

If you are facing sex crime charges that involve a minor, your future may seem uncertain. The lawyers at Lemley Law Partners can protect your rights and work to get a fuller picture of what may or may not happen leading up to your arrest.

Once we can review your case and the evidence used against you, we can develop a strategy that works to further your goals in court while questioning the accusations made by the prosecution. To start the process, contact our office today.