Technology has introduced unexpected complications, and by that, we mean honest people are being accused of unfounded internet sex crimes at an alarming rate throughout Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one faces charges, get legal help from Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. now. We will represent every aspect of your case, investigate your charges, and tell YOUR side of the story in court.
“You need a true champion on your side when facing internet sex crimes charges in Pennsylvania. I don’t know how your arrest came about, but I know that I want the outcome you deserve. My legal team and I will always give you our honest opinion and treat you with the highest level of respect as we team up to fight your charges.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Call Shuttleworth Law P.C. Now For a Free Case Evaluation
Discuss the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you with experienced Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense attorneys at Shuttleworth Law P.C.. We offer prospective clients a Free Case Evaluation to learn more about their charges at 888-529-3486 or via our secure intake form here.
Are You Accused of an Internet Sex Crime in Pennsylvania?
Internet sex crimes are no joke when they actually happen, but would you be surprised to find out that people get falsely accused all the time? Even if the prosecutor thinks they have a lock-tight case, so what? You have a right to make them prove it at a judge or jury trial.
However, you need to properly communicate that, meaning it’s urgent to hire Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers ASAP when accused of:
- Committing sexual assault against someone you met online
- Cyberstalking
- Distributing sexually explicit images to minors
- Distributing sexually explicit photographs and videos of minors
- Facilitating the distribution of child pornography;
- Making child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Possession of illegal pornographic images and videos for personal use
- Revenge porn
- “Sexting” with minors
- Other internet sex crimes
Internet sex crimes can range from minor infractions to much more serious offenses, and penalties are commensurate with the crime’s severity. State and federal governments have the authority to prosecute internet sex crimes, meaning that you or your loved one could be facing a host of charges and potential penalties that could alter the course of your entire life.
Don’t Go to Jail for a Crime You Didn’t Commit
The only thing standing in the way of your freedom could be the right defensive strategy. Shuttleworth Law P.C. welcomes you to learn more about your legal options at no cost or obligation. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation now by calling our office at 888-529-3486.
Case Results
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. C.L.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client charged with armed robbery of a bank in Philadelphia. The incident was caught on video. Trial was held in front of a judge, and client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges. The defense was mistaken identification. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, I take great pride in achieving the most advantageous outcome.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.A.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client was charged with aggravated assault of a correctional officer while in custody at the Detention Center in Philadelphia, PA (part of the Philadelphia Prison System). He testified that he had to punch the correctional officer in self-defense, because he was attacked by two officers. Client was found NOT GUILTY.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.C.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client accused of burglarizing a home at night. A neighbor witness claimed to have seen the burglar and recognized him as client. Witness also claimed he knew client from the neighborhood, which is why he recognized him. Mistaken identification was the defense. Client found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Click to view all of the most recent case results
Conviction Penalties Are Terrifying to Think About
Rather than dance around the subject, we’re going to be blunt: the penalties for an internet sex crime conviction in Pennsylvania are incredibly harsh.
It’s critical that you contact experienced Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. if you’re being arrested, investigated, or questioned. If you are charged with an internet sex crime, you could face a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence and a lifetime of registration on the sex offender registry per 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.32 and § 9799.67, plus thousands in fines.
Here is what we want you to understand:
You are not yet found guilty, and you still have a chance to get your charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced. With everything happening on the internet, it’s possible that innocent people may face charges. However, if the prosecutors don’t have enough evidence to get a conviction, then you shouldn’t have to suffer the legal consequences.
Did the Police Set You Up?
While P.A.’s Wire Tap Act can be used to apprehend individuals traveling for a sexual encounter with a minor, it’s far more common for internet crimes detectives to go undercover as minors or sellers of child pornography. In other instances, law enforcement may “mark” files, which, once downloaded, will trigger law enforcement to contact your internet service provider (ISP) to track your location, and even access your e-mail.
These operations have particular rules surrounding their use. A single misstep can put their entire investigation against you, and their evidence, in jeopardy. If this applies to your situation, make sure you have Philadelphia internet sex crimes lawyers on your side to help you tell your side of the story.
Sex Offender Registrations Are Like a Life Sentence In Some Ways
If convicted of an internet sex crime, you may be required to register with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a sex offender. Depending on the severity of your offense, you may be classified as a:
- Tier 1 level offender: 15 years on the sex offender registry
- Tier 2 level offender: 25 years on the sex offender registry
- Tier 3 level offender: A LIFETIME of registration
Sex offender registration may make it more difficult for you to find work, obtain a professional license, rent a home, own a firearm, live in certain areas, work with children, or receive a government loan to attend college.
Are you seeing how terrifyingly disruptive and dire this situation is? Your entire life is on the line!
Shuttleworth Law P.C. is aware of the situation, so we implore you to work with Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers. It’s your legal right to hold prosecutors accountable, too. Take this opportunity so that you walk away from the experience, at least without that regret.
Internet Sex Crimes Defense 101: The Police AREN’T Your Friends
Regardless of the facts, remain silent until you have legal representation when dealing with the police. They aren’t your friends and always collect evidence for the Commonwealth or Federal government to put you away.
Look, it’s natural to want to refute the allegations, but you might make damaging admissions unknowingly when recounting their version of events.
After being accused of or investigated for an internet sex crime, you should never speak to the police or attempt to contact the alleged victim. In these instances, the best course of action is to contact experienced Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense attorneys immediately.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. Wants to Help You or Your Loved One
If you have been charged with a Pennsylvania internet sex crime, it’s vital that you contact the highly-experienced and innovative problem solver, Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq. Our Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers put every available resource behind client cases while treating them with dignity and respect.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. has successfully defended individuals accused of sex crimes throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey. We know the local court system well.
Call Us for Your Free Case Evaluation
Call us for a Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 or message us via the contact form below. Let us know if you would prefer to meet in-person or by secure video conferencing to make your experience as private and convenient as possible.
Internet Sex Crimes Defense FAQs
An internet sex crime conviction can turn a person’s life upside down, including prison time and sex offender registration. However, there are laws in place that protect YOUR rights during the legal process.
Below, our Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers have answered a few of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Is sexting a crime in Pennsylvania?
Sexting is not a crime in Pennsylvania if it occurs between two mutually consenting adults of majority age. However, it is illegal to sext if the person sharing the image is older than 12 but younger than 18. As such, sexting is only illegal when the person depicted is a minor.
Is it illegal to send unsolicited pictures in PA?
No, it is not illegal to send unsolicited pictures in PA. However, this general rule does not apply to every situation. For example, unsolicited pictures in advertising are a crime, and sending multiple photos over a period could be viewed as a pattern of sexual assault or harassment.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Internet Crimes in PA?
You may have to register as a sex offender for internet crimes in PA. If prosecutors can prove specific, your sentence could include registration. As such, it is critical that you defend these types of charges aggressively to avoid potentially life-long legal issues.
Where Can I Get Legal Advice About My PA Internet Sex Crimes Charges?
The legal team at Shuttleworth Law P.C. wants to get you the advice you need to make sound decisions throughout the entire legal process. Call our Philadelphia internet sex crimes defense lawyers for your Free Case Evaluation today at 888-529-3486 or by sending us a direct message here.