Sexual Assault Lawyers in Clarksville

Defending You Against Allegations of Sex Crimes

If you’re facing sex crime charges, you’re right to be nervous and unsure of what could happen. Sex crimes are some of the most serious crimes that someone can be charged with in Tennessee, and a conviction could mean lengthy prison time and having to be on the registered sex offender list for the rest of your life. But you do have options. A criminal defense law firm like Hibbeler & Associates can help you fight back against these charges and protect your reputation.

If you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you after you’ve been charged with sexual assault, call our firm today. We offer a free consultation where we can talk about your case and help you understand how our firm can help and what your options are.

What Does It Mean If I Am Charged With Sexual Assault?

Being charged with a sexual assault crime means that you are suspected of being a perpetrator of sexual violence and that the prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to charge you with a sex crime. Sexual assault is not a formal charge, and there are several specific charges that all relate to sexual assault, the more common of which are discussed below. If you’ve been charged with a crime related to sexual assault, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. These are very serious allegations that can change the course of your life.

What Kinds of Crimes Fall Under Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault crimes involve some kind of unwanted sexual contact with another person. Below are some of the common sex crimes that you may be charged with.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape happens when you have sexual contact with someone who is not of the legal age to consent. In Tennessee, this age is 18. Even if the sexual contact was consensual, the state defines the minor as a victim, and you can be prosecuted.

Rape

Rape charges can either be rape or aggravated rape. The difference between these two charges is that aggravated rape involves using or brandishing a deadly weapon, such as a knife or gun, during the rape. Date rape is not classified as a different charge and is prosecuted under the same rape guidelines.

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery is a specific sexual assault charge. It involves unwanted sexual contact where the perpetrator uses “force or coercion” or fraud to commit the act or committed the act knowing that the other person was unable to consent, such as in the case of someone who is too intoxicated to consent or is mentally incapacitated.

Molestation

Molestation is a term that is often used to describe crimes that involve inappropriate touching when the victim is a child. It’s not a specific sex crime charge in the state of Tennessee, but it’s something you may hear quite a bit when discussing sex crimes.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the common sex crimes, and this is not an exhaustive list. It’s important in any criminal case that you speak with an attorney about the specific details of your situation so you can get tailored legal advice and counsel.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction?

The potential consequences of a sex crime conviction can be severe. You are likely to serve prison time, have to pay court fines, and may be placed on the registered sex offender list. A sex crime conviction can also have a significant impact on the type of workplace you can be employed in and your family relationships.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

Those who are convicted of specific sex crimes are deemed registered sex offenders. That means that they have to register their address and information and keep that up to date. If you have been convicted of sexual assault or other sex crimes, such as child pornography, you will likely be a registered sex offender. While the sex offender registry is meant to help protect others from harm, it also means a huge lack of privacy and the potential for ongoing harassment for those convicted even after they have served their sentences.

Why Do I Need a Law Firm That Has Experience With Sexual Assault?

Sex crimes are extremely serious, and they carry a huge stigma in society. It can be difficult to get a job or have a relationship if you have a sexual assault conviction on your record. When you are facing these types of charges, you need a criminal defense law firm that has experience providing legal help to clients.

At Hibbeler & Associates, we work to ensure that our clients get the counsel and representation they need to defend themselves against sexual assault charges. Call 931-236-2711 to speak with a lawyer and schedule a free consultation.