Sexual Abuse

Federal Criminal Attorney Explains Sexual Abuse

Sex crimes are some of the most serious crimes in the United States. Those who are accused of sex crimes can face harsh penalties including prison time and being required to register as a sex offender. This can impact your future relationships, job opportunities, and even where you are allowed to live or visit.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is imperative you act quickly to find an attorney to represent you. This is especially true if you are facing federal charges.

Because most sex crimes prosecutions happen on the state level, not all defense attorneys have the experience or knowledge to help defendants who are being investigated or charged by federal authorities. The cases can be more complicated, more resources can be devoted by prosecutors to investigation, and the federal court system can be more difficult to navigate. Nicholas Wooldridge, a federal criminal defense lawyer at LV Criminal Defense can provide the advocacy you need because we are familiar with helping clients to navigate the federal criminal justice system.

Our firm knows the federal laws on sexual abuse very well and we can put our extensive legal knowledge to work to help clients in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and surrounding states. We can assist you with determining how to respond to charges, negotiating a favorable plea agreement, or fighting to be acquitted.

To find out more about the ways in which our firm can help you when you are under investigation or if you have been accused of a federal sex crime, give us a call today.

Federal Laws on Sexual Abuse

Federal laws on sexual abuse are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 109A. A total of eight different statutes are found in the relevant chapter of the federal penal code. These statutes include the following:

• 18 U.S. Code section 2241 – Aggravated sexual abuse: This statute defines aggravated sexual abuse to include sexual abuse that involves a force or a threat when the abuse is perpetrated within the jurisdiction of the U.S.; or when the abuse occurs within federal penal institutions controlled by the federal government. Giving someone drugs without his or her consent to facilitate sexual abuse or engaging in sexual acts with children are also among the aggravating factors that could result in a defendant facing much more serious charges for sexual abuse.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2242 – Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is defined to include engaging in a sexual act with someone who is incapable of understanding the act and/or unable to consent to it. The definition of sexual abuse also includes causing another person to engage in a sexual act by using threats or otherwise making the victim fear that the victim or any other person might be subject to bodily injury. The maximum penalty for this offense could include life imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2243 – Sexual abuse of a minor or ward: Sexual abuse of minors or wards could result in up to 15 years imprisonment if the abuse was a violation of this statute.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2244 – Abusive sexual contact: Knowingly engaging in conduct that violates specific federal statutes listed in 18 U.S. Code section 224 could result in imprisonment, with the maximum violation for some offenses including life imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2245 – Offenses resulting in death: A defendant who engages in impermissible sexual conduct made illegal by federal laws could be sentenced to death or life imprisonment under this statute if the victim is murdered as the offense was being committed.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2246 – Definitions for chapter: This statute defines words used within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 109A. Some of the words that are defined include prison; sexual act; sexual conduct; seriously bodily injury; official detention; and state. These definitions are applicable in every statute in Chapter 109A in which these specific words are utilized.m
• 18 U.S. Code section 2247 – Repeat offenders: According to this law, a defendant who is convicted of a repeated violation under Chapter 109A could be sentenced to double the normal term of imprisonment if the defendant already has been convicted of a past offense.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2248 – Mandatory restitution: This statute sets forth the rules for when and how defendants may be required to make restitution to victims after being convicted.

Understanding all of these different laws is challenging, but having the right federal defense lawyer can help you to find out what a prosecutor has to prove to make the case against you.

Federal Sex Offenses Resources

Office of Justice Programs – Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

U.S. Department of Justice – National Sex Offender Quick Search

Darkness to Light – End Child Sex Abuse
1064 Gardner Road, Suite 210
Charleston, SC 29407
National Helpline: 866.FOR.LIGHT

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