If you have been charged with a sex crime in Columbia, it is important that you seek the assistance of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney. A Columbia criminal lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
Your attorney can provide invaluable guidance throughout the legal process, from pre-trial negotiations to potential plea deals or a trial on the merits. To get help with your charge call our firm at (803) 879-4499 to schedule a free consultation.
What Makes a Sex Crime?
Sex crimes are serious and ubiquitous offenses against another person's autonomy. In South Carolina, any of the kinds of sexual contact that is unwanted or non-consensual, as defined by legislation, is considered to be a sex crime.
Non-consensual sexual contact can take the form of physical force or threats, or it can involve victims who are unable to resist the contact either due to intoxication or age. In all cases, an absence of consent serves as the main criterion for criminalizing the behavior.
South Carolina’s Laws on Sex Crimes
The state of South Carolina takes sex crimes seriously and has a number of offenses that can be prosecuted as such. Criminal sexual conduct is the most commonly charged sex-related crime and includes offenses such as sexual contact with a minor (someone under 16 years old) or between a teacher or school employee and a student.
It also covers incest, unlawful contact during another felony, indecent exposure, and possession/distribution of child pornography. All of these offenses are felonies and often attract lengthy prison sentences for those found guilty.
In addition to criminal sexual conduct, South Carolina has several other statutes which target specific activities such as first-degree rape, second-degree rape, voyeurism, and lewd conduct where an individual intentionally exposes their genitalia for the purpose of sexual gratification either in public or private spaces.
Depending on the severity of the offense there may also be additional charges like aggravated assault or sexual harassment brought against a perpetrator. All forms of sex-related crimes are taken seriously by South Carolina courts so it is important for anyone facing such charges to be aware that conviction could result in significant criminal penalties.
Why You Need Our Columbia Sex Crime Lawyers
When facing criminal charges in the Columbia, South Carolina area, it is important to have an experienced and qualified attorney on your side. Our team of criminal defense attorneys is well-prepared to handle cases involving sex crimes, which can often be complex and difficult to defend against. If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime in Columbia, our team is here to help.
Benefits of Hiring Our Columbia Sex Crime Lawyers
A criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system when facing a charge. From developing an effective defense strategy to representing you in court during your trial, they will ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. Our experienced lawyers possess expert knowledge of both state and federal laws related to sex crime charges in order to present the most persuasive argument against prosecution.
Services Offered by a Columbia Sex Crime Lawyer
Touma Law Group is a law firm that specializes in providing experienced and reliable legal representation for individuals facing sex crimes charges. Our attorneys have dedicated their practice to representing those accused of sexual offenses throughout the greater Columbia area.
Not only do we offer advice and counsel on how to handle each specific case, but we also understand the trauma associated with these allegations. During this tumultuous time, it can feel like no one is on your side; that's why Touma Law Group takes such pride in offering knowledgeable and experienced assistance throughout each individual's case. We understand the fear, confusion, and stress that accompany these charges, and we work diligently to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome for their cases.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Columbia Sex Crime Lawyer
Our attorneys handle all manner of charges including:
Statutory Rape Charges
Statutory rape laws exist in order to protect minors from adults who attempt to take advantage of them and pressure them into engaging in sexual activities they may not be prepared for or want to engage in at that moment. This is why these laws do not recognize consent from minors under the age of 16 - regardless of how willingly their partner may have behaved - as it could put them at risk for physical, psychological, or even legal repercussions in cases where the minor was legally unable to give their consent due to their age and immaturity.
Statutory rape is differentiated into two levels, first-degree and second-degree. First-degree statutory rape occurs when someone engages in sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 14. This offense is classified as a felony by the state and carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
On the other hand, second-degree statutory rape involves an adult aged 21 or older having sex with someone aged 16 and below and this can lead to fines, probation sentences, or jail time depending on the circumstances surrounding each case.
Sexual Assault Charges
Sexual assault convictions come with serious consequences, with penalties varying depending on the severity of the charge. For a conviction of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the First Degree, an offender can expect to receive 10 to 30 years in prison; the Second Degree carries with it a sentence of up to 20 years in prison; and the Third Degree can lead to up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
In addition to possible jail time, convicts may also be required to register as sex offenders and adhere to restrictions on their living arrangements and day-to-day activities. Those who have been found guilty are subject not only to the justice system’s rulings but also to public opinion which can make it difficult for them to move on from such a crime.
Indecent Exposure Charges
Section 16-15-130 of South Carolina law defines indecent exposure as the intentional exposure of one's private parts in a public setting. In South Carolina, the consequences for indecent exposure can be significant, particularly if you have a prior conviction for a sexual offense. Indecent exposure is usually considered a misdemeanor, but if committed in front of a child, it may result in a felony charge. Types of indecent exposure include urinating in public, exposing genitals in public, exposing genitals to a minor, and flashing.
In South Carolina, indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor offense and the convicted individual may be fined at the court's discretion, face a maximum jail sentence of three years or both. If found guilty, registering as a sex offender may be required.
Other Types of Sexual Offenses
Besides rape, sexual assault, and indecent exposure, other sexual offenses include child sexual abuse, extreme pornography, disclosing private sexual images without consent (revenge pornography), and posting or looking at indecent images of children. If you are facing one of these charges, don't hesitate to contact our law office, Touma Law Group, for a free evaluation of your case.
Aggressive Defense Strategies Used by Our Columbia Sex Crime Lawyers
At Touma Law Group, we know that facing a sex crime charge is overwhelming and intimidating. Our Columbia sex crime lawyers are committed to providing aggressive defense strategies for the accused. We are dedicated to exploring every option to achieve a favorable outcome for our clients.
When it comes to defending against sex crime accusations, one of the most effective strategies is based on disproving an element of the prosecutor's case. One example of this involves proving that a person consented to sexual contact through text messages or emails. This could be determined by analyzing phone records and other communication methods between the parties involved. If direct evidence can be found that proves consent, it could have the potential to eliminate many types of sex crime accusations.
Another type of strategy for defending against sex crime accusations involves challenging the legality of police work leading up to the gathering of evidence. In particular, attention should be paid to warrantless searches, interrogations that are not conducted properly, and evidence-handling errors with incorrect documentation or chain of custody information. Motioning to suppress evidence when these issues arise helps ensure that a jury does not get to see materials that were illegally obtained.
Call Touma Law Group Today for a Free Consultation!
If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime in South Carolina, it is important to contact an experienced sex crimes lawyer who can provide knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation. At Touma Law Group, our attorneys will defend clients against all types of sexual offenses. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and we are committed to providing the highest level of legal counsel.