Sumter Sex Crime Lawyer

Sumter Sex Crime Attorney

Criminal charges involving sex are considered amongst the most heinous and are often fully prosecuted by the law. These charges come with serious consequences extending beyond a criminal record. There is a large amount of stigma that accompanies sex crime accusations, even if the accusations are untrue. With the help of a Sumter sex crime lawyer, you can explore options for the most appropriate defense and fight for your rights.

A sex crime charge is a serious matter. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we understand how serious and stressful facing these kinds of accusations can be. We can fight for your rights. We can examine the evidence against you and build the most appropriate defense, striving for the greatest possible outcome for you. For years, we have defended clients from a variety of criminal charges. We help you obtain a better future while protecting your rights.

Sex Crimes in South Carolina

Sexually explicit criminal charges cover a wide range of crimes. However, they often carry the same stigma. From rape to indecent exposure, the severity of the crime and the nature of the circumstances can all influence the charges against you. These types of crimes can vary in nature but often are committed when the victim does not or cannot provide consent. The very nature of these crimes can alienate the accused from friends, family, and colleagues.

Common Types of Sex Crimes in South Carolina

The nature of the accusation and the circumstances surrounding the crime all play a role in how a South Carolina sex crime could be charged. Taking into consideration the victim’s age, the presence of a weapon, or the level of force involved could change the level of charges you could face. Common sex crimes include:

• Criminal sexual conduct. This is one of the most serious types of sex crimes. There are different degrees of this crime, but it generally refers to sex acts performed on a person that are nonconsensual in nature. This means that the victim either did not consent or was unable to consent. If the victim was coerced, that falls under this category too. Penalties for this crime are typically severe, especially in certain circumstances, such as using violence to commit the act or forcing sex onto a minor.
• Sexual exploitation of a minor. This involves activities such as producing pornography involving a minor, which is considered a first-degree felony. Possessing or distributing these can also result in criminal charges with penalties including prison time and registration on the sex offender registry.
• Spousal sexual battery. When one spouse uses force, violence, or coercion to make their spouse participate in sexual activity, this is spousal sexual battery.
• Sexual assault and battery. Sexual assault and battery involve unwanted sexual contact from one person to another. Intercourse does not necessarily have to be present. For instance, this could include touching another person’s private parts without their consent.
• Indecent exposure. Indecent exposure is a crime that involves being nude or exposed in public.
• Prostitution. Both participating and promoting or soliciting prostitution are crimes in South Carolina. Prostitution may not require a person to register as a sex offender, depending on the circumstances, but they still carry their own penalties. These penalties increase in severity with repeated offenses.

These are just a few of the types of sex crime charges you could face in South Carolina. The circumstances around the crime could impact the exact charges you face. No matter what charges you may be facing, our team in Sumter can help.

Sex Offender Registry

If you are convicted of most sex crimes in South Carolina, you must sign up for the Sex Offender Registry. For many crimes, this stays with you for the rest of your life. Being on the registry can make it harder to find housing and a job, and it can also hurt your image and social life. The Sex Offender Registry is also public knowledge, so it is easy for anyone to get access to information surrounding your conviction.

Defenses to Sex Crimes

Each case is different when it comes to sex crimes. Therefore, the defense that your lawyer chooses should be suitable for your case. Some common defenses to sex crimes include:

• Innocence. If you are falsely accused, provide evidence of your innocence, such as having a provable alibi through witnesses or electronic evidence.
• Consent. The defense can argue that the alleged victim consented to the actions they are forming a complaint about. It’s worth noting that consent does not apply in situations involving minors or those who cannot legally consent, such as being mentally impaired.
• Mistaken identity. Having proof that it was not you who committed the crime can be helpful in this defense, such as having DNA samples that do not match yours.

FAQs About Sumter, SC Sex Crime Laws

What Are the Crime Laws in South Carolina For Sex?

South Carolina punishes a variety of sexual acts, including criminal sexual conduct, sexual exploitation of minors, and indecent exposure. Offenses are defined by degree, with punishments increasing depending on variables such as the use of force, the victim’s age, or aggravating circumstances. Long prison sentences, large fines, and mandatory sex offender registration are among the possible penalties. Many sexual offenses are tried as felonies, and if convicted, defendants suffer severe legal penalties.

What is a 3rd Degree Sex Offender in SC?

In South Carolina, a third-degree sex offender is often someone who has been convicted of third-degree criminal sexual behavior, which refers to nonconsensual sexual actions that do not involve the use of weapons or serious injury. This offense can result in up to ten years in jail and requires the convicted individual to register as a sex offender. The level of registration and restrictions imposed varies depending on the severity of the infraction.

What Is SC 16 3 654?

South Carolina Code §16-3-654 refers to third-degree criminal sexual behavior. This statute applies when a person commits nonconsensual sexual activities involving compulsion or force without aggravating circumstances or when the perpetrator is aware that the victim is mentally or physically handicapped. A conviction under this statute is a felony punishable by up to ten years in jail.

What Is the New Sex Offender Law in South Carolina?

The new sex offender rule in South Carolina lets some offenders ask to be taken off the registry. This is meant to make the system better by letting each offender’s risk level be considered separately instead of making all offenders register for life. Now, some offenders can ask for their names to be taken off the register after 15 years for Tier I offenders and 25 years for Tier II offenders.

Contact Sumter Sex Crime Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help. Contact us today for more information.