Sex Abuse Attorney in Kingston, PA, Defends the Rights of Clients Facing Sexual Assault Charges in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
Sexual assault charges are a serious legal matter. You may be worried about what to expect in the criminal justice system or what your charges may mean for your future, especially if you’ve never been arrested for a crime before. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania sexual assault lawyer can provide you with the guidance and legal advocacy you need to face your charges. Turn to Muckler Law, LLC, for help. Since 2009, firm founder Matthew Muckler has defended clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has a proven record in courtrooms across the state, demonstrating his ability to go head-to-head with investigators and prosecutors. Our firm will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible legal representation during this challenging time.
If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, you may be facing severe consequences in the event of a conviction. Don’t leave the outcome of your case to chance. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options with an experienced sex abuse attorney in Kingston, PA.
Pennsylvania’s Sexual Assault Laws
Under Pennsylvania’s sexual assault statute, a person commits the crime of sexual assault when they engage in sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent when such conduct does not fall within the scope of the offenses of rape or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Pennsylvania law also includes other more specific sexual assault offenses, including:
- Institutional sexual assault: The crime of institutional sexual assault occurs when an employee or agent of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, a county correctional authority, state or county juvenile detention center, licensed youth residential facility, or mental health facility engages in sexual intercourse or indecent contact with an inmate, detainee, or other individual under the employee’s/agent’s supervision or treatment. Institutional sexual assault also covers sexual intercourse or indecent contact between an employee or volunteer of a school and a student of the school, between a child care center employee and a child receiving services at the center, or between a peace officer and someone under their custody.
- Sexual assault by sports official, volunteer, or employee of a nonprofit association: Pennsylvania also makes it illegal for a sports official of an athletic association or an employee or volunteer of a nonprofit association to engage in sexual intercourse or indecent contact with a child participating in programs organized by the association.
- Statutory sexual assault: A person commits statutory sexual assault by engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 16 to whom they are not married and who is at least four years younger.
Penalties for a Sexual Assault Conviction in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, sexual assault offenses are graded as first-, second-, or third-degree felony offenses, depending on the crime and the specifics of the offense. Penalties for a sexual assault conviction include:
- First-degree felony: Up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Second-degree felony: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Third-degree felony: Up to seven years imprisonment.
In addition to incarceration and fines, a sexual assault conviction will require a defendant to register as a sex offender upon their release from prison. The court may also require the defendant to be evaluated for designation as a sexually violent predator, which may subject them to civil commitment for mental health treatment. Sex offender or SVP designation can have long-lasting consequences, making it difficult to secure housing or employment as some opportunities may be barred to sex offenders or sexually violent predators.
Let a Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, Advocate for Your Reputation and Future
If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, you may worry about how your arrest and a possible conviction may impact your future. Seasoned legal representation can guide you through the criminal justice process. Turn to a sex abuse attorney in Kingston, PA, from Muckler Law, LLC, to advocate for a favorable resolution to your charges by:
- Investigating your charges to recover evidence or witness testimony that can help our firm build a compelling defense for you
- Explaining your charges and the potential outcomes to you and answering your questions throughout your case so you have the information you need to make decisions for your best interests
- Protecting your legal rights by advising you regarding law enforcement questioning or moving to exclude evidence or statements unlawfully obtained by investigators
- Filing motions to reduce or dismiss your charges to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s case
- Preparing and presenting a vigorous defense on your behalf if you decide to fight your charges at trial
Contact Our Firm for a Confidential Case Evaluation to Talk to a Sex Abuse Attorney in Kingston, PA, About Your Legal Options
A sexual assault charge is a serious legal matter. You need experienced counsel to protect your rights and reputation. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, today for a free case review with an experienced Pennsylvania sexual assault lawyer to learn how our firm can assist you with pursuing a favorable resolution to your sexual assault charges.
