For West Virginia residents who are accused of sex-based offenses, the potential ramifications are significant. Not only might they face extensive jail time and fines, but there will be negative personal implications even after the case is over. While these charges are undoubtedly serious, there are often avenues to lodge an effective defense and avoid the worst penalties. It might even be possible to get an acquittal. The first step is to understand the legal alternatives available and to be fully protected.
Multiple allegations lodged against man for sex crimes
A 26-year-old man is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. According to law enforcement, they interviewed the alleged victim. She said she and the man were involved in a sexual relationship and it occurred five times near the end of 2020. The man was interviewed and claimed that he and the girl were friends, denying there was any kind of sexual involvement.
Another individual sated that the man showed him intimate images of the girl captured on his cellphone. The man had been previously investigated for illegal behavior with children in 2019. In that case, an explicit image of the man was found on a girl’s cellphone. For this recent case, he is facing multiple sex-based charges including third degree sexual assault and third degree sexual abuse, among others.
Fighting back against criminal charges is essential
Any sex-based offense will result in a negative societal response. Law enforcement and prosecutors are aggressive in trying to secure convictions in these cases, especially those involving children. Still, people who are being accused of these crimes must know that they too have rights. That includes being informed what the charges are, having a speedy trial heard by an impartial jury, and the right to have witnesses testify on the defendant’s behalf. Evidence is crucial in these cases and if the investigation was faulty, the case could be dismissed.
Having professional assistance can be crucial to a case
Given the long-term ramifications that can result from sex offenses committed against a minor, it is wise to know what to do in the aftermath. Not only might there be incarceration, but a person’s job prospects can be negatively impacted and they will need to register as a sex offender. To assess the case and cobble together a defense, it is imperative to consult with a firm that has the client’s interest in mind.
