Legal Representation For Federal Way Residents Facing Prosecution
Located between Seattle and Tacoma in King County, Federal Way is the 10th-largest city in the state of Washington. The name of the city comes from Federal Highway U.S. 99, which is now State Route 99, and it was incorporated in 1990. About 90,000 people live in Federal Way. As with other places throughout the state and the nation, sex crimes can happen there. If you are charged with this type of offense in Federal Way or the surrounding area, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charges. Contact Vindicate Criminal Law Group to discuss the details of your situation.
Sex Offenses in Washington
Sex crimes include all offenses relating to sexual intercourse and sexual contact, such as rape, child molestation, and indecent liberties. They also extend to illegal conduct likes voyeurism. Each sex crime is defined in Chapter 9a.44 RCW. Often, the penalty imposed for a conviction is based on the victim’s age and whether force was used by the perpetrator.
Children are given special protection under Washington sex crimes law. Offenses against minors are divided into degrees based on age. If sexual intercourse or penetration is involved, the crime is designated as rape of a child. When there is sexual contact with a minor that does not involve penetration, the offense will be classified as child molestation. Under 9A.44.083, rape of a child in the first degree is a class A felony. It involves sexual intercourse with a victim who is under 12 years old and not married to the perpetrator, when the perpetrator is at least two years older than the victim. For example, a 15-year-old could be convicted of rape in the first degree of a 10-year-old child to whom he or she was not married.
Under RCW 9A.44.086, rape of a child in the second degree is also a class A felony, but it involves sexual intercourse with a victim between 12 and 14 years old, when the victim and perpetrator are not married and the perpetrator is at least three years older than the victim. For example, a 17-year-old could be convicted of rape of a child in the second degree if he or she had sex with a 13-year-old to whom he or she was not married.
Under RCW 9A.44.079A, rape of a child in the third degree is a class C felony. It involves sexual intercourse with a victim between the ages of 14 and 16, when the perpetrator is at least four years older than the victim and not married to him or her. For example, when a 20-year-old has sex with a 15-year-old in high school, he or she can be charged with rape of a child in the third degree. However, if two 16-year-olds have intercourse, this would not usually be considered rape.
Fight Criminal Charges with the Help of a Federal Way Attorney
It can be very difficult for people convicted of sex offenses to find jobs or housing, and even an accusation with no conviction can tear a family apart. To protect your rights and freedom, it is important to find a legal professional who has substantial experience in these sensitive cases. Sex crimes lawyers at Vindicate Criminal Law Group have assisted individuals throughout the Federal Way area in facing accusations of rape, molestation, voyeurism, or other offenses. Contact us today for your confidential case evaluation, or call (888) 212-4824.