When my family needed help navigating the juvenile justice system, Steve was our expert.
Erie, PA
Juvenile Criminal Defense
COVID-19 Update: Our offices remain open 24/7, with videoconferencing available.
Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Erie, PA
If you've been charged with a crime of sexual nature, your entire life is on the line. Even if it isn't true, once word gets out that you've been involved in a rape, incest, child pornography, or sexual assault incident your reputation, relationships, career, and future are all on the line. With so much at stake, you need to an experienced sex crime defense lawyer who knows the ins and outs of sexually motivated crime laws in Pennsylvania.
False or exaggerated allegations of sexually motivated crimes cause tremendous fear, embarrassment, and uncertainty. If you are under investigation for any sex offense crime you're probably full of anxiety. And if you have family, most likely they are as well.
At Sebald, Hackwelder, & Knox, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, our sex crime attorneys have been helping individuals charged with sex offenses throughout Erie, Pennsylvania for over 25 years.
We offer a free case evaluation every time, no matter the crime. Reach out today to have your case reviewed and get started on the path of getting your life back after being accused of a sex crime.
Defense Lawyers You Can Rely On
Types of Sex Offenses
and their penalties if you are convicted
Child Pornography
Distributing, creating, or being in the possession of child pornography could mean up to 20 years in state prison if convicted.
Indecency
If you've been charged for indecency with a child, you could be facing 2-7 years in prison. Could be more past first offense.
Online solicitation
Solicitation online can mean serious jail time (up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in fines) without a strong defense attorney.
Sexual assault
Though the definition of sexual assault is broad, the consequences are harsh. You could be facing a decade in prison and $25,000 in fines.
Rape
As it is one of the most serious sex crime allegations, being convicted of rape could mean the next 20 years in prison (30 if drugs were involved).
Incest
Without a strong defense, marrying or having some other type of sexual relationship with a close relative can get you up to 10 years in prison.
Sexting
Sending pictures of a sexual nature to or receiving them from a minor can result in up to 1 year of jail and $2,500 in fines if you are convicted.
Obscene materials
The distribution, selling, or displaying of materials deemed obscene to minors is punishable in Pennsylvania by up to 5 years in prison and fines.
You Need Strong Defense to Protect Your Future
While there is not much you can do to take back the words or actions of yourself or others that brought you to this situation, you now have the responsibility to protect your future from even more harm than this accusation may have already caused. The best way to do this is to partner with a defense attorney who specializes in these types of serious crimes.
Our sex crimes defense attorneys fight sex crime allegations in both state and federal court. No matter the circumstances, contact our sex crime attorneys to discuss your charges during a free case consultation.
Have Questions about Sex Crimes in PA?
What are the possible penalties for a sex crime in Pennsylvania?
The potential consequences could be severe:
- Third-degree misdemeanor– Maximum of one year in jail, and fines up to $2,000.
- Second-degree misdemeanor– Up to two years in jail, and a maximum fine of $5,000.
- First-degree misdemeanor– Jail for up to five years, and fines reaching $10,000.
- Third-degree felony– Maximum of seven years imprisonment, and a fine up to $15,000.
- Second-degree felony– Prison time for up to 10 years, and a fine reaching $25,000.
- First-degree felony– Up to 20 years in prison, and maximum fines of $25,000.
What happens if you don't register as a sex offender?
If you do not register as a sex offender when you were supposed to, you will be charged with another crime, possibly a felony, and will need additional help with a sex crime lawyer.
What are some common defenses to sex crimes?
Your defense attorney could possibly help using the following defenses to sex crimes:
- Consent
- DNA Evidence
- Mistake of Identity
- False Allegations
If you've been charged with a sex crime, it's important to immediately contact an experienced sex crime attorney to help you protect your rights and minimize your penalties.
Free Case Consultation
GET CONNECTED
2021 © Sebald, Hackwelder, & Knox