Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers in Hampton Roads

Get the criminal defense law firm Norfolk, VA trusts

Criminal charges for sex crimes in Virginia can have serious consequences. If you are arrested and charged with a sexual offense in Norfolk, Newport News, Virginia Beach, or another jurisdiction in Hampton Roads, you need to act fast to protect your rights. Otherwise, you could end up in jail, perhaps have to register with the Virginia Sex Offender Registry or face other severe penalties if you are ultimately convicted of such charges.

Our Norfolk, VA criminal defense attorneys at Welch & Wright, PLLC know what’s at stake. We also understand the sensitive and urgent nature of such criminal cases. That’s why we want to meet with you right away. We can answer your questions and explain your options free of charge during your free case evaluation.

Our legal team can then work with you to create a strategy that addresses your unique legal needs. And if your case goes to court, our skilled trial lawyers have extensive courtroom experience throughout Virginia, including many jurisdictions in the Hampton Roads, VA area. We’re the law firm you want when your future’s on the line.

Types of sex crimes

Criminal charges involving crimes of a sexual nature in Virginia can cover a wide range. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, many of these rules and regulations can be found in the “criminal sexual assault” section of Virginia Code 18.2, Article 7. Specific sex crime charges in Virginia include:

Rape (Virginia Code 18.2-61)
Statutory rape, which involves an adult over 18 years old having sex with someone under 18 years old.
Sex with a minor, including age of consent violations involving adults over 18 years old having sexual relations often with a minor under 18 years old.
Sexual battery (Virginia Code 18.2-67.4)
Indecent exposure (Virginia Code 18.2-387)
Prostitution, commercial sexual conduct (Virginia Code 18.2-346)
Internet sex crimes, including child pornography-related criminal charges (Virginia Code 18.2-374.1:1)
Solicitation of a minor (Virginia Code 18.2-374.3)
Virginia sex offender registry violations, including failure to register with the Virginia Sex Offender Registry or violations of the rules and regulations as outlined in the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (Virginia Code 9.1-900)

Virginia Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (Virginia Code 9.1-900) requires individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to provide certain personal information to the Virginia Sex Offender Registry as well as the local police department in the community where the person lives. People required to register include individuals convicted of crimes such as:

Rape
Sexual abuse
Solicitation of a minor
Possession of child pornography
Distributing child pornography
Murder

Within three days of moving to a new address, individuals required to register with the registry must provide their name and address to police. They must also present proof of residence, two photographs of themselves and fingerprints. This information is then shared with the Virginia State Police.

This information is available to the public, along with information about specific criminal charges the person was charged and convicted of in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such information is also shared with school districts, daycare centers, children residential facilities and foster homes that request to be notified when a registered person moves into their community.

Penalties for sex crime conviction

If you are convicted of a sex crime charge in Virginia, penalties can include:

Jail or prison time for several months or years depending on which charge you’re convicted of in Virginia.
Fines, which can add up to thousands of dollars in certain circumstances.
Being required to register with the Virginia Sex Offender Registry, which is public information available to anyone searching for a registered sex offender.
Having a criminal record that lists a criminal conviction for a sexual crime.
Loss of job and limited future employment opportunities, especially if prospective employers conduct a criminal background check and see that you have been convicted of a sex crime in Virginia.

Don’t underestimate the seriousness of your sex crime charges. Your entire life can be turned upside down if you are found guilty and convicted of such charges in Virginia. That’s why our Norfolk, VA law firm wants to help.

Know your rights. We can help

Our Norfolk, VA criminal defense lawyers know how to handle such complex legal cases. In addition, our trial lawyers frequently appear in court with clients charged with sex crimes in Virginia. As a result, we know how the legal system actually works, especially in many Hampton Roads, VA jurisdictions, including the 4th Judicial Circuit of Virginia (which includes Norfolk Circuit Court) and the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Virginia (includes Virginia Beach Circuit Court).

Don’t waste precious time wondering what to do next. Get straight answers from Norfolk criminal defense attorneys you can trust. Contact our law firm to learn more about your legal options. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Norfolk, Virginia criminal defense lawyers right now.