Being accused of a sex crime is personal and embarrassing for most people and their families. While there is always the concern of being convicted, many sex crimes come with lengthy prison sentences and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
With over 44 years of experience, A. Charles Peruto will be your best match for representation. The legal team will listen to the defendant’s side of the story without judgment and work to build a strong defense strategy on their behalf. You can feel confident that by coming to our law firm, you will have an entire team working to help prove your innocence.
The Prevalence of Sexual Offense Charges in Philadelphia, PA
Based on Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), between 2018 and 2022, 6,765 people were convicted and sentenced as sexual offenders. There were over 26,168 charges filed against these individuals.
There were trends in the data that help you better understand the prevalence of sexual offenses in the state, who is most likely to be convicted, and the most common charge. These include:
- 51% of those sentenced were between 19 and 35
- 47% were charged with child pornography
The state also saw many individuals who violated the Walsh Act, designed to protect children from violent crime, sexual exploitation, child pornography, and child abuse and promote internet safety. The county with the most offenders was Luzerne at 15.81%, followed by Philadelphia at 8.96% and Lancaster at 6.40%. Sullivan County is the only county with no offenders charged or sentenced from 2018 to 2022.
Sexual Offense Laws in Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania has specific laws in place related to sex crimes. Understanding what these are is essential to know if you have crossed into illegal territory.
Statutory Regulations
According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18, various sexual offenses are clearly defined to maintain law and order in the state. Key provisions under this title include:
- Section 3121: Relating to rape, delineating the specific circumstances that constitute this offense.
- Section 3122.1: Focused on statutory sexual assault, prescribing penalties based on the age difference between the perpetrator and the victim.
- Section 3123: Outlining the regulations concerning involuntary deviant sexual intercourse.
Age of Consent
Do not wait to seek legal representation if you are facing criminal charges. Contact The Law offices of A. Charles Peruto Jr. to schedule a free and confidential case review. Call us today at 215-735-1010
It is imperative to note that Pennsylvania’s legal age of consent is 16 years. This is referenced under Section 6301, which elucidates the conditions under which an individual can legally consent to sexual activity, thereby playing a central role in many sexual offense cases.
Indecent Exposure
The Pennsylvania sexual offense laws also address indecent exposure under Section 3127, creating a legal framework to penalize individuals who engage in lewd exposure deliberately causing others alarm or offense.
Types of Sexual Offense Crimes We Represent
As your dedicated Pennsylvania sexual offense attorney, A. Charles Peruto is prepared to represent you in in any serious accusation.
Rape and Statutory Sexual Assault
These are grave offenses with strict penalties. Whether it involves force, threat, or cases where the victim is under the age of consent, which is 16 in Pennsylvania, we are here to build a strong defense for you, safeguarding your rights at every step.
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)
In circumstances where the accused is charged with engaging in sexual acts involving penetration with a person without their consent or with a child under 13 years of age, we utilize our vast experience to craft compelling defenses, emphasizing the complexities and nuances of each individual case.
Sexual Assault and Aggravated Indecent Assault
If you face accusations involving non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, rest assured our defense strategy will encompass detailed scrutiny of the evidence, witness testimonies, and pertinent law provisions to fight for your justice.
Child Pornography and Molestation
Facing charges of child pornography or molestation can be exceedingly distressing. Leveraging a meticulous approach, we aim to represent you effectively in these sensitive matters, helping to clear your name through proven defense strategies.
Indecent Exposure
For cases revolving around accusations of indecent exposure, we aim to shield you from severe repercussions by emphasizing potential misunderstandings or inconsistencies in the statements of the witnesses involved.
Entrusting A. Charles Peruto as your sexual crime defense lawyer means choosing a defense grounded in knowledge, empathy, and a tireless pursuit of justice, assuring you robust representation for all sexual offense allegations in Pennsylvania.
Potential Consequences for Each Sexual Offense Crime in PA
Navigating the aftermath of being charged with a sexual offense requires an in-depth understanding of the potential consequences that can occur in Pennsylvania. The ramifications are often severe, affecting the individual both personally and professionally. Below, we delve into the general consequences linked to various sexual offenses.
Incarceration
Convictions for sexual offenses can lead to substantial jail time, ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the crime.
Fines and Restitutions
Aside from imprisonment, individuals might face hefty fines and are sometimes ordered to pay restitution to the victim, a financial compensation covering the victim’s losses.
Sex Offender Registration
Certain convictions necessitate registration as a sex offender, which comes with a slew of restrictions and mandatory reporting, potentially impacting housing options and employment opportunities.
Reputation Damage
A conviction can gravely tarnish one’s reputation, affecting relationships and making societal reintegration difficult post-conviction.
When facing serious criminal charges, hiring a Pennsylvania sexual offense attorney like A. Charles Peruto Jr. can be vital to understanding and mitigating these potential consequences and crafting a defense strategy that protects your future.
Let an Experienced Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Help with Your Case
If you are charged with a sex crime in Pennsylvania, A. Charles Peruto Jr, and his legal team are ready to learn about your case and build a solid and effective defense on your behalf.
With over 44 years of experience, You can feel confident your case is in good hands with Mr. Peruto and that you have a Pennsylvania sexual crime defense attorney who will fight for your rights aggressively.
Do not wait to seek legal representation if you are facing criminal charges. Contact The Law offices of A. Charles Peruto Jr. to schedule a free and confidential case review. Call us today at 215-735-1010
