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.
