People accused of sex crimes often find out about it when police come knocking at their door or when a children services worker tells them there has been a “disclosure.” Imagine the humiliation and terror of being told you are being accused of a sex crime. Your mind will be spinning and you will not be thinking rationally. That is especially true in today's day and age. If you have been told you are being investigated for a sex crime, or have been arrested for one, it is extremely important to get an attorney involved right away before you say something you will regret. An experienced sex crime attorney can begin the damage control from the outset, and under certain circumstances, may even be able to help stop charges from being filed.
Consequences of Sex Crimes
An arrest for a sex crime may cause you to lose your job, or your children may be taken from your custody and protection. This demonstrates that sex crimes are among the most serious crimes that an person can be charged with and demand the immediate attention of a sex crime attorney.
Many sexual offenses fall under Measure 11 and come with mandatory minimum sentences. If you are found guilty of a sex crime, penalties can include mandatory prison sentences as well as parole programs or treatment programs. Sex crime convictions in Oregon come with a period of mandatory probation of two to five years, and there may be a number of conditions that you must satisfy as well.
After serving a mandatory sentence, you may have to complete a sex offender treatment program. You will then be required to submit your information to the state in accordance with Jessica's Law so that your identifying information and conviction details are publicly accessible in the sex offender registry. There are some exceptions to this rule.
Call Immediately
Many innocent people are wrongfully convicted due to poor legal representation. As a result, they are placed behind bars and must live the rest of their lives with the consequences. The best way to handle a sex crime allegation is to retain an experienced sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible, so contact Jarvis, Bridge, Halttunen, & Weyer immediately once you know you are being investigated.