Newport News Sex Crime Lawyer

Protect Your Rights with a Skilled Newport News Sex Crime Defense

Sex crimes are serious allegations that can have severe repercussions for those accused. When facing a sex-crime allegation, investigation, or charge, the applicable Virginia Code section, the conduct alleged, the ages and relationship of the people involved, and the evidence available can all affect the legal analysis. It is essential to remember that an accusation does not amount to guilt, and every person has the right to be presumed innocent. Our Newport News sex crime defense lawyer aims to provide comprehensive legal representation and work to protect the rights of our clients throughout the legal process. With years of experience handling these sensitive cases, Ehrenworth Law, PLLC offers legal advocacy to individuals facing allegations of sex crimes.

Whether a matter is at the investigation, warrant, arraignment, or trial stage, the charge and evidence should be evaluated carefully. Before discussing the facts with investigators or other parties, seek individualized legal advice.

Are you facing a sex crime charge in Virginia? Call Ehrenworth Law, PLLC today at (757) 663-4477 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sex crime attorney in Newport News!

Virginia Sex Crime Laws

In Virginia, sex-crime allegations are governed by separate criminal statutes rather than one general definition. Virginia recognizes various sexual offenses, including rape, sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, carnal knowledge of a minor, forcible sodomy, object sexual penetration, and others.

The state categorizes sex crimes into different classifications, each with its own statutory elements and potential consequences. Statutory elements are the facts the Commonwealth must prove for the charged offense. Some offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felonies that can carry substantial penalties. Similar-sounding allegations can involve different requirements concerning consent, force, age, incapacity, intent, relationship, or conduct, so it is essential to understand the specific charge and have legal representation if you are facing allegations of a sex crime.

Sex Crime Cases We Handle

The following are several types of sex crimes our firm handles:

• Rape defense
• Sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery
• Child pornography
• Prostitution and solicitation
• Forcible sodomy
• Object sexual penetration
• Taking indecent liberties with a child

Investigation & Evidence in Sex-Crime Cases

A sex-crime investigation can involve requests for interviews, witness accounts, statements attributed to the accused, text messages, social-media content, photographs, videos, medical evidence, DNA, and other digital evidence. Investigators may also seek warrants to search phones, computers, or online accounts. What evidence is available, how it was obtained, and what it actually shows can matter at every stage of a case.

Potential defense issues vary by charge and facts. They can involve identification, consent where legally relevant, age, capacity, force, intent, credibility, constitutional issues, or whether the evidence proves every element of the charged statute. We provide personalized criminal-defense representation informed by our attorney’s former prosecution experience.

What Is Considered Statutory Rape in Virginia?

The Commonwealth of Virginia does not legally use the phrase “Statutory Rape”, but there are separate sex-crime statutes that address allegations involving minors:

• Carnal knowledge without force of a child who is 13 or older but under 15 is generally a Class 4 felony, subject to the statute’s provisions concerning an accused minor and age differences.
• Certain consensual sexual conduct involving a person age 15 or older and under 18 when the accused is at least 18 is separately addressed under Virginia law.

The ages of the people involved, the accused person’s age, the alleged conduct, and the presence or absence of force can change the applicable statute and potential classification. Do not rely on the phrase “statutory rape” alone to understand a charge listed on a warrant or indictment.

Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties

Incarceration and fines are not the only concerns in a sex-crime case. Depending on the offense, conviction, sentence, and applicable registration rules, a case can raise sex-offender-registration issues as well as employment, professional licensing, public-exposure, and family concerns.

Early legal advice can be important when an investigation or charge may affect those areas of life. The appropriate approach depends on the particular allegation, evidence, and procedural posture of the case.

Former Prosecution Experience for Sensitive Cases

Since 1998, Ehrenworth Law, PLLC has represented clients in criminal matters. Scott Ehrenworth previously served as a prosecutor in the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. That background informs our understanding of how criminal cases may be investigated and presented.

We take the time to understand each client’s circumstances and develop a personalized legal strategy.

Contact Our Newport News Sex Crime Attorney Today

However, you do not have to face these accusations alone. At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, our Newport News sex crime attorney is ready to discuss your rights, reputation, and freedom throughout the legal process. With more than 25 years of experience, including time spent as a prosecutor, our Newport News sex crime defense lawyer can listen to your story, assess your situation, explain your available legal options, and begin developing a personalized defense strategy.

Contact Ehrenworth Law, PLLC by calling (757) 663-4477 for a free case review with our Newport News sex crime attorney today!