Bellevue Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Facing sex crime allegations can turn your life upside down, leaving you embarrassed, fearful, and uncertain about the future. These charges can destroy personal and professional reputations, making it difficult to put the trauma of this experience behind you. With a Bellevue sex crime defense lawyer from Puget Law Group, we bring 150+ years of combined experience to defend your rights and protect your future.

We understand how serious these allegations are and the consequences you may face if convicted. Our team is committed to building a compelling defense to help you challenge the charges and safeguard your reputation. Contact your Bellevue criminal defense lawyer at our firm to request a confidential consultation today and further discuss potential defense strategies.

Sex Crime Allegations in Bellevue Are Serious

Sex crime allegations are taken very seriously in Washington state and can carry severe consequences if you are convicted. According to the Washington State Office of Financial Management, over 3,000 sex crimes were reported statewide in 2022. Your committed Bellevue sex crime defense attorney has extensive experience handling a wide variety of sex crime defenses, including:

Rape

Rape is one of the most serious sex crime charges in Washington and is defined under RCW 9A.44.040. This offense involves engaging in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion or without their consent. If convicted, you could face life in prison and significant fines, depending on the severity of the charge.

Rape charges are categorized into degrees, with first-degree rape carrying the harshest penalties. Elements that may escalate the charges include the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily harm, or targeting a vulnerable individual. Your lawyer is prepared to evaluate the specific details of your case to determine whether mitigating or aggravating factors could influence your defense.

Voyeurism

Voyeurism is a serious offense in Washington, defined under RCW 9A.44.115. This crime involves secretly observing or recording another person without their consent, often for sexual gratification, when the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. If convicted, voyeurism is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Revenge Porn

Revenge porn, or the unlawful distribution of intimate images, is prohibited under RCW 9A.86.010. This offense involves sharing private, explicit images of another person without their consent, often with the intent to harm their reputation or cause distress. If this is your first offense, it will likely be classified as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. 

Prostitution and Solicitation

Prostitution and solicitation offenses are governed by RCW 9A.88.030 in Washington. Prostitution involves offering or engaging in sexual acts for money, while solicitation involves attempting to pay someone for these acts. Both offenses carry criminal penalties and the potential for lasting social and professional consequences.

Sex Offender Registration is Common With Bellevue Sex Crime Convictions

Many sex crime convictions in Washington require mandatory registration as a sex offender. Under RCW 9A.44.130, individuals convicted of certain offenses must register with their local law enforcement agency. This requirement imposes significant restrictions on your personal and professional life and can have lifelong consequences.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Sex offender registration in Washington involves strict compliance with reporting and notification rules. Convicted individuals must regularly update their information with law enforcement, including address changes, employment, and school enrollment. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in additional criminal charges and penalties:

• Convicted individuals must notify law enforcement of any address change within three business days.
• Depending on the level of offense, individuals may be required to check in with local authorities periodically.
• Registrants must report any changes in employment or school enrollment as part of their registration obligations.

What Happens If You Do Not Register as a Sex Offender

Failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements carries its own charges in Washington. Under RCW 9A.44.132, failing to register can result in additional felony charges, including imprisonment and steep fines. The severity of these penalties depends on the original offense and the circumstances of noncompliance.

This is Your Chance to Clear Your Name

Facing sex crime allegations can have a devastating impact on your life, but this is your opportunity to fight back. Pretrial diversion is rarely available in sex crime cases, so your sex crimes defense lawyer in Bellevue, WA, with Puget Law Group, will need to craft a powerful defense strategy if you hope to avoid a conviction. Some of the most common defenses that are used to challenge sex crime accusations include:

Lack of Evidence

One of the most common defenses in sex crime cases is the absence of sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof. Prosecutors are required to prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, which can be challenging without clear, credible evidence. In many cases, inconsistencies in witness testimony or incomplete forensic results can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Consent

Consent is a valid defense in cases where the alleged act occurred with mutual agreement between both parties. Washington law defines consent as a knowing and voluntary agreement that can counter allegations of nonconsensual conduct. This defense is particularly common in cases involving misunderstandings or disputes about the nature of the interaction.

False Allegations

False accusations are not uncommon in sex crime cases and can result from personal disputes, revenge, or misunderstandings. These allegations can cause irreparable harm to your reputation and future, even if they are unfounded. Our team will analyze your accuser’s statements, seek inconsistencies, and gather evidence that contradicts their claims against you. 

Trust in a Respected Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Bellevue, WA, for Help Today

Facing sex crime allegations can feel isolating and devastating, but you do not need to bear the weight of this burden alone. The charges against you carry serious consequences, and your future depends on the strength of your defense strategy. 

Fortunately, your sex crime defense attorney in Bellevue, WA, from Puget Law Group is ready to help you fight for your rights and clear your name, so fill out our confidential contact form or call us today to schedule your 100% free consultation.