Facing a sex crime charge is among the gravest legal charges one can encounter. If you or a loved one is accused of sexual assault, rape, or any sex-related offense, it's imperative to consult with a defense attorney immediately.
If this is your situation, Dewey & Braud Law, LLC is here to help protect your rights, regardless of the crime you have been accused of. Our Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers can help you navigate the complex process.
Dial (225) 953-8330 now or contact Dewey & Braud Law, LLC online to schedule your free consultation.
What is a Sex Crime?
When you hear about sex crimes, you likely think about forcible rape, but sex crimes encompass a range of offenses related to sexual conduct and can include:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Aggravated rape
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Forcible rape
- Indecent behavior with juveniles
- Molestation of a juvenile
- Sexual abuse of animals
- Distributing, producing, or possessing obscene materials
- Misdemeanor sexual battery
- Disclosure of a non-consensual private image
- Solicitation
This is not an exhaustive list, and the classification and penalties for sex crimes vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances and severity of the offense.
If you have been accused of any kind of sex crime, it is crucial to consult qualified legal professionals like Thomas Dewey and Hallye Braud at Dewey Braud Law for accurate information and guidance regarding sex crimes in Louisiana.
How Is Sexual Assault Defined?
In Louisiana, sexual assault is generally encompassed within the legal framework of various offenses, including rape and sexual battery. The Louisiana Criminal Code defines sexual assault through several statutes, including:
- Rape (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:41): This statute defines rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse committed through force, threat of force, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to age, incapacity, or intoxication.
- Sexual Battery (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:43.1): Sexual battery involves the intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals of the victim without their consent or against their will. It's considered sexual assault even if the victim is clothed at the time of the touching.
- First Degree Rape, formerly known as: Aggravated Rape (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:42): Aggravated rape involves rape with certain aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or when the victim is under a certain age. Second Degree Rape is La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:42.1; Third Degree Rape is La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:43
These statutes provide the legal framework for defining and prosecuting sexual assault offenses in Louisiana. It is important to note that the penalties and classifications of these offenses can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Potential Consequences for Sex Crimes in Louisiana
The potential consequences for sex crimes in Louisiana can vary depending on the specific offense, aggravating factors, and the circumstances of the case. Some common potential consequences include:
- Prison sentence
- Probation
- Hefty fines
- Being added to the Sex Offender Registration
- Mandatory counseling
- Housing or employment restrictions
- Loss of civil rights
Although these penalties are daunting enough in their own right, the long-term consequences of a sex crime conviction can extend far beyond the formal legal penalties, impacting various aspects of a person's life, including their personal relationships, reputation, and future opportunities.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys To Discuss Your Case
Dewey & Braud Law can help you navigate the law and get the best possible outcome for your potential sex crimes case. We have a reputation for helping our clients obtain favorable case resolutions by negotiating better charges or, in some cases, getting them dropped altogether.
Find out how our criminal defense attorneys can help you during a free consultation. Call (225) 953-8330 now to get started.
