There are few charges more frightening than those associated with sex crimes. Your life changes the moment the police start looking into these allegations. Hire a Philadelphia sex crimes lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to investigate the prosecutor’s case against you and fight for the best possible outcome.
Our legal team will treat you with empathy and compassion. If the justice system violates your rights at any point, we will raise these issues in court no matter how much evidence they have against you. You can also count on us to examine their evidence and point out weaknesses or flaws to clear your name.
“Prosecutors must prove specific elements to get a conviction. I’ve represented tough sex crime cases throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey. You can count on my law firm to treat you with empathy and loyalty throughout the time we work together, and offer an experienced and aggressive defensive approach.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Philadelphia Sex Crimes Lawyer
Need legal answers after facing sex charges? Get a Free Case Evaluation with Brad V. Shuttleworth at Shuttleworth Law P.C. by calling 888-529-3486 or message us online here. If you cannot meet in our office, we can come to you or meet via secure video chat.
You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Your Philadelphia sex crimes attorney at Shuttleworth Law P.C. has extensive experience defending clients accused of sex offenses of all types and severity.
We represent clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania against:
Rape
Law enforcement officers investigate rape cases thoroughly, resulting in serious consequences if convicted. Police and prosecutors will expend a great amount of time, money, and resources to investigate rape charges. Many cases involve mobile phone and computer analysis, cell tower and call detail records, fingerprints, DNA evidence, and more. A Philadelphia rape defense lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will mount a legal defense against your charges when falsely accused of coercing someone to engage in sexual activity against their will.
Internet Sex Crimes
Contact Shuttleworth Law P.C. immediately if charged with a federal internet sex crime. Convictions often carry up to more than 10 years in prison, fines, and registering as a sex offender upon release. A Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyer will conduct a thorough review of the charges, hire computer forensic experts, raise legal issues and defenses, and represent your side of the story at hearings and at trial.
Child Pornography
Child pornography charges also carry significant penalties that can haunt you for the rest of your life. A state conviction can land a defendant in jail for many years, and a federal conviction often comes with a sentence of more than 10 years in prison. Teaming up with a forensic computer expert to analyze evidence and formulate opinions that will stand up in court is often a way to A Philadelphia child pornography defense lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will stand by your side throughout the entire process while working toward getting your charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed.
Sexual Assault
There are tons of sex-based offenses on the books. Even if your case does not meet the criteria for rape, you can still be charged with a 2nd-degree felony for engaging in sexual intercourse, or even other sexual conduct, without consent. Your Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyer will build a legal defense that represents your case in a favorable light.
Indecent Exposure
You could be criminally charged with indecent exposure in Pennsylvania if you expose your genitals in a public place or expose yourself in a place where other people are present. Unless adolescents under the age of 16 are present, this is typically a second-degree misdemeanor. It would be a first-degree misdemeanor if minors were present. Along with criminal penalties, a conviction requires registering as a sex offender with the state police, which is often a devastating collateral consequence in itself!
Prostitution & Patronizing Prostitutes
Pennsylvania law also addresses prostitution and related crimes. You might be charged with prostitution if you engage in sexual activity in exchange for money. On the other hand, you could face solicitation charges if you hire someone to perform a sex act for money. A Philadelphia prostitution and solicitation lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. has years of experience handling these types of cases and will mount a robust legal defense on your behalf.
Incest
You can be charged with a 2nd-degree felony for knowingly marrying, cohabiting with, or engaging in sexual intercourse with a family member, including ancestors, or descendants. Speak with a Philadelphia incest defense lawyer if you or a loved one were arrested for this type of crime. We will get you the legal help you want and deserve.
The consequences of a sex crime conviction are challenging to bear. Not only could you endure prison time, fines, and more, but you would also have to register as a sex offender. That means you will need to reveal your conviction when applying for jobs, or it will show up on a background check.
Schools, landlords, or banks may refuse admission, housing, or loans, out of fear of liability. You may also face deportation if you are an undocumented immigrant. Instead of leaving your entire future to chance, hire a Philadelphia sex crimes lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. ASAP.
Areas Served: Bridesburg-Kensington-Port Richmond, Center City, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown-Chestnut Hill, Kensington, Near Northeast Philadelphia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Roxborough-Manayunk, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Upper North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and all surrounding areas.
A Free Case Evaluation Will Get You Answers
Get a Free Claim Evaluation with Brad today by calling 888-529-3486 or message him directly online. We’ll get you the legal help you want and deserve.
Possible Defenses Your Philadelphia Sex Crimes Lawyer May USe
The most critical thing to remember is that you are innocent until proven guilty, even if people treat you differently. Prosecutors, police, and courts frequently lose cases for several reasons. Every situation is unique, and there are innumerable defenses to sex crimes.
However, some of the more commonly used defenses include:
- Consent
- DNA evidence
- Mistaken identity
- False allegations
- Police misconduct
- Civil rights violations
- Lack of evidence
The NJ and PA sex crimes lawyer in Philadelphia at Shuttleworth Law P.C. understands the life-altering consequences of sex charges. We will fight as hard for you as expected from an engaged and experienced team.
Get Legal Help from a Philadelphia Sexual Crimes Attorney
There are a numerous defenses available in sex crime cases, ranging from entrapment to someone else using your computer without your permission. Many times, asserting the defense of consent by the alleged victim is the best defense. However, sometimes when we come across a client that admitted a sex crime to the police or was physically caught in the act. You may still have options even in this situation!
These charges are too severe to accept at face value. If there is a legal opportunity to get you out of your charges, you can count on our legal team to explore these avenues. Contact our Philadelphia sex crimes defense attorney at Shuttleworth Law P.C. as soon as possible to learn about the potential legal options available.
Important: Never Issue a Statement to Police
Although there could be legal options available in your case, it is challenging to issue an opinion without a review of the facts. However, the one rule that always applies to criminal defense cases is to never make statements to police without speaking to a sex crimes lawyer in Pennsylvania first. Statements to police can become evidence, which can then be used against you later, even out of context.
Resist the urge to panic and say things you will regret later. If you hire Shuttleworth Law P.C. to represent your case, we will handle all police communications on your behalf and attend any meetings. You do not have to face moments like this without answers.
Get Legal Help a Philadelphia Sex Crimes Lawyer from Shuttleworth Law P.C.
You deserve legal representation from a Philadelphia sex crimes lawyer as invested in your situation as you are. We will not treat you like another case here, either. Shuttleworth Law P.C. will handle your case with dignity and care.
Contact us for a Free Case Evaluation now by calling 888-529-3486 or message us directly through the contact form below.
Sex Crimes Defense FAQs
A sex crime conviction can change the entire course of your life, continuing long after you leave prison. However, there are laws in place that protect YOUR rights during the legal process, and understanding them could bring control back to your side of the case.
Below, our Philadelphia sex crimes defense lawyers have answered a few of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs):
How does the Romeo and Juliet law work in P.A.?
Pennsylvania enforces “Romeo and Juliet Laws,” exempting some people from a sex crime conviction if both parties were close-in-age minors at the time of the act. Romeo and Juliet laws protect them from facing sex offense charges when having mutually consenting sexual relationships.
Click here to learn more about the Romeo and Juliet Laws in P.A.
What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552, the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Pennsylvania is 12 years from the date of the alleged offense. This rule generally applies to some rape, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and incest. However, there are exceptions to this rule when specific facts apply, such as when the victim is under age 18, resulting in a statute of limitations lasting up until the victim reaches age 55.
How long do police have to file charges in P.A.?
The statute of limitations that applies to the specific charge determines how long police have to file charges in P.A. The general rule of thumb is that prosecutors have up to twelve years from the date that you committed the alleged offense, that is, the entire statute of limitations. However, some crimes are so severe that the Commonwealth permits no limitations applicable, meaning that police could file charges against you at anytime under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5551.
Where Can I Get Legal Advice About My PA Sex Crimes Charges?
The legal team at Shuttleworth Law P.C. is ready to answer more specific questions about your case if you have them. Call our Philadelphia sex crimes defense lawyers for your Free Case Evaluation today at 888-529-3486 or by sending us a direct message here. We can also meet via secure video conferencing if you prefer.