Sexual assault charges involve more than prison and fines. They can also destroy a lifelong reputation you’ve built, taking your hopes and dreams with it. However, a Philadelphia sexual assault lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. have the legal resources and experience necessary that it takes to put up the fight of your life.
“Many clients come to my office ashamed, embarrassed, and scared. First off, let me put your mind at ease by saying that I am NOT here to judge the circumstances of your life. My objective, for every case, is to follow every opportunity that leads to your exoneration. Period.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Start Here: Get a Free Case Evaluation
Shuttleworth Law P.C. offers accused and charged individuals a chance to learn more about their legal options and how Philadelphia sexual assault attorneys on our team could help. Call 888-529-3486 Now for Your Free Case Evaluation or message Brad. V. Shuttleworth, Esq. here. Let us know if we can make your experience more private by scheduling a secure video conference that you can do from the privacy of your own home.
Brad was the ONLY one who facilitated a face to face meeting online over Google Meet. I knew after speaking with him that I wanted him to represent me in this matter. He just seemed very thorough and knowledgeable. A couple of the other attorneys I spoke to had poor responsiveness which is alarming when that happens BEFORE you pay to retain their services. I'm not in the same state as he is but that did not matter.Brad was able to work with the other party and get this issue resolved fairly and quickly.
Thank You!
You can't go wrong with Atty. Shuttleworth.
He's a true professional!
Brad's performance in the trial was swift, calculated, and methodical. In what seemed like just a few minutes, Brad picked apart the claimants case against me, and the judge swiftly ruled in my favor. A year of anxiety gone! Brad is well worth the money spent and I recommend him without reservation.
If you need help Brad is the person to connect with.
He has truly impressed us and he is our go to person If we’re ever in need of his legal assistance again
No Case Is “Too Tough” For Shuttleworth Law P.C. to Defend
Upon hiring Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C., our legal team will investigate your case, identify your options, and pounce on an appropriate strategy. We will assist you throughout the course of your defense regardless of the facts and circumstances.
Types of sexual assault cases that Shuttleworth Law P.C. defends include:
Statutory Sexual Assault
Per 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1, sexual intercourse or other sex acts with a person under age is sexual assault, even if you obtain their consent. Philadelphia statutory sexual assault defense attorneys at our firm will put our powerful resources behind your case to get you the outcome you deserve.
Indecent Assault
Indecent assault charges could stem from allegedly forcing someone to come into contact with your bodily fluids to initiate sexual contact without their consent under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126. Ensure that you have Philadelphia indecent assault defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. investigate YOUR side of the case.
Aggravated Indecent Assault
Engaging in unwanted penetration of a complainant’s genitals or anus with a part of their body without their consent will fall under aggravated indecent assault charges per 18 Pa.C.S. § 3125. These types of charges can ruin your reputation, so make sure that you have an experienced and resourceful Philadelphia aggravated indecent assault defense lawyersto push back against the prosecutor’s case theory.
Institutional Sexual Assault
Charges apply to individuals in positions of authority, particularly those in correctional, mental health, youth, and detention, who use their position to coerce intercourse on those under their supervision per Pa.C.S. § 3124.2. Shuttleworth Law P.C.’s institutional sexual assault defense attorneys in Philadelphia will sift through every pertinent detail so that you don’t go to prison for a crime you didn’t commit.
Sexual Assault by a Sports Official, Volunteer, or Employee of Non-Profit Association
If you are a sports official in a for-profit or non-profit sports association or a volunteer or employee of a non-profit organization, and you have direct contact with children, you can be charged with a third-degree felony for engaging in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or indecent contact with a child participating in that sports program or non-profit per 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3. Connect with our office ASAP so that you can learn about what Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers think about the charges against you.
Rape
Rape is a first-degree felony that involves coercing another person into sexual activity without their consent under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121. This often includes an allegation of force or threat of force. This also may include an individual who was given alcohol or drugs and was rendered incapable of committing the alleged crime. The Philadelphia rape defense lawyers on our legal team will push back against the charge you’re facing.
Try Avoiding Severe Penalties By Acting NOW
A sexual assault conviction could trigger Megan’s Law, which requires you to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq., is ready to bring as much control back to your case as possible. Learn more about your legal options and rights with a Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 now.
Sexual Assault Convictions Change Your Life FOREVER
Sexual assault, in all of its manifestations, is one the more serious end of the criminal charge spectrum, carrying extremely harsh penalties. Less serious charges, such as indecent assault, may result in first- or second-degree misdemeanor charges while more serious offenses, like rape, are first- or second-degree felonies that can result in harsh prison sentences.
Sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania deal stiff penalties to convictions regardless of classification
Potential penalties that are on the line include:
- 1st-degree felony: Up to twenty years in prison and fines of $25,000
- 2nd-degree felony: Up to ten years imprisonment and fines of $25,000
- 3rd-degree felony: Up to seven years and fines up to $15,000
- 1st-degree misdemeanor: Up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor: Up to two years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000
- 3rd-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,500
Depending on the facts of the case, judges may impose additional penalties in addition to the standard punishments. A judge may impose additional fines, psychiatric counseling, community service, or other penalties, depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries or the defendant’s actions.
SORNA/Megan’s Law Registration
If you are required to register with the Sex Offender Registry of the United States (SORNA), anyone who conducts a simple background check or an internet search will easily be able to view your criminal history. SORNA can make it extremely difficult to secure housing, employment, or a loan.
Do not accept responsibility for a crime that you: a) didn’t commit, or b) goes unproven. Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. can build a defense for either situation.
An Arrest or Investigation Doesn’t Make You Guilty
It’s critical to keep in mind that sexual assault allegations are just that: allegations. They don’t constitute a conviction. When someone accuses you of sexual assault, your very liberty and freedom are at stake. While these are extremely serious offenses, it is critical to keep in mind that they are only accusations until you are found guilty.
Some defense that we’ve deployed in the past include:
- Identification error defenses
- Inaccurate reporting defenses
- Police errors defenses
- Prosecutor errors defenses
- Consent was made defenses
- Intoxication defenses
- Alibi defenses
- And more
The reality is that you don’t really know what defenses are possible because you haven’t had Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers look at it from your side of things. Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq. will first determine what the prosecutor can prove and work outward from there. This strategy allows our clients to speak the truth without jeopardizing their cases.
Is Someone Falsely Accusing You for Revenge?
Regrettably, some individuals make false sexual assault claims for various reasons. Some do so to exact revenge on a former lover or spouse, while others may use a false allegation to obtain an easy lawsuit settlement or case award.
When you hire Shuttleworth Law P.C.: that’s where the buck stops.
Let’s face it: false allegations of sexual assault are detrimental in many ways. Even if a judge dismisses the charges or we prove your innocence, you may still face ostracism and a damaged reputation. Your Philadelphia sexual assault lawyers will also assist you in moving forward to recuperate civil damages where applicable if you suffered damages from false sexual assault allegations.
Protect Your Case With Philadelphia Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers
Shuttleworth Law P.C. wants to defend your rights throughout the legal process. Waiting to “see how things go” is NEVER a good solution and can, in fact, make your situation much, much worse. If you secure legal representation early, we can look for opportunities to get your case dropped, dismissed, or reduced well in advance of a jury trial.
You deserve to have your side of the story heard, so what are you waiting for? Call Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers at our firm for a Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486, or you can message Brad. V. Shuttleworth, Esq. discreetly via the contact form below.
Are you trying to keep this situation extra low-key? We are in the business of handling serious and complex criminal matters discreetly. Your consultation can be done in our conference room or in the privacy of your own home via secure video conferencing.
Sexual Assault Defense FAQs
It is challenging to navigate the legal complexities surrounding sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania. Shuttleworth Law P.C. has the knowledge to help you defend against your charges. Below, our Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers have answered a few of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Is sexual assault a felony in PA?
Sexual assault is either a felony or misdemeanor in PA. The law punishes sexual assault according to its grading and seriousness. For example, indecent assault is a misdemeanor, whereas rape is a felony.
Click here to learn more about felonies in PA
What Is the Romeo and Juliet law in Pennsylvania?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enforces so-called “Romeo and Juliet Laws,” which exempt some people from a sexual assault conviction if both parties were close in age and minors at the time of the act. Romeo and Juliet laws protect minor-aged teenagers from facing rape convictions when having mutually consenting sexual relationships.
Click here to learn more about the Romeo and Juliet Laws in PA.
What is the penalty for sexual assault in PA?
The penalty for sexual assault in PA depends upon how your charges are classified and graded. A first-degree felony could result in up to twenty years in prison and fines of $25,000, while a third-degree misdemeanor could land you up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,500.
Related Article: What Is the Penalty for Sexual Assault in PA?
Where Can I Get Legal Advice About PA Sexual Assault Charges?
You can get in touch with one of the Philadelphia sexual assault defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. for no-cost, no-obligation legal advice. Call us now at 888-529-3486 or send us a message online.