SEX CRIME DEFENSE LAWYER IN VIRGINIA

Legal Support in Alexandria & Leesburg for Sex Crime Accusations

Most of us rightfully assume that rape, sodomy, and penetration with an object are the most serious sex crimes and they potentially carry 5 years to life in prison in Virginia. Virginia, however, has many sex crimes that carry severe legal consequences, including but not limited to registering as a sex offender and in certain extreme cases, indefinite civil commitment. The following blog discusses different types of sex crimes in Virginia, and under what circumstances they may result in felony charges.

Understanding Sexual Battery Charges in Virginia

According to the Virginia code, sexual battery is sexual abuse of a complaining witness against their will “by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse.” Va. Code § 18.2-67.4(i). “Sexual abuse” is “an act committed with the intent to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify any person where: (a) the accused intentionally touches the complaining witness’ intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts.” Va. Code § 18.2-67.10(6)(a).

A person convicted of sexual battery for a third time will incur a separate felony charge, which will require being registered as a sex offender. A person convicted of sexual battery against a minor also will be required to register. It should be kept in mind that Virginia’s sexual registration laws (see Va. Code 9.1-900 et seq) have been frequently expanded/extended, requiring counsel to regularly review the registration laws if a client is charged with a sexual offense.

It should be kept in mind, however, that sexual battery is sometimes improperly charged by magistrates that do not understand the law. As held by Virginia appellate courts, sexual battery requires evidence of more force than the force necessary to accomplish the touching itself. See e.g. Johnson v. Commonwealth, 5 Va. App. 529, 534 (1988). In other words, “unless some force is used to overcome the will of the complaining witness, the unlawful touching constitutes common law assault and battery.” Id. (emphasis added). Furthermore, evidence that the defendant purportedly acted without warning or provocation cannot satisfy the “force” element of sexual battery. Woodward v. Commonwealth, 27 Va. App. 405 (1988).

Felony Risk: Infected Sexual Battery in VA

A person who engages in sexual intercourse or anal intercourse with someone with the intent of infecting them with HIV, syphilis, or Hepatitis B, can be charged with a felony. If the person does not intend to infect the person, then the crime is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Prostitution and Solicitation Laws in Virginia

Both engaging in prostitution or soliciting the services of a prostitution are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.

Virginia Rape Laws: Protecting Minors

Sex crimes that involve children are categorized separately and charged differently than those committed against adults. Any person who engages in intercourse with a child under 13 can be charged with rape of a minor, which offense carries a mandatory life sentence if the person is 18 or older.

Legal Implications of Carnal Knowledge in VA

Carnal knowledge is defined as the following sexual acts: sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, anilingus, anal intercourse, and animate and inanimate object sexual penetration. A person can be charged with Carnal Knowledge of a minor between the ages of 13-15. This crime is characterized by a lack of force and is a Class 4 felony.

Carnal knowledge of a child becomes a Class 6 felony if the child is between the ages of 13-15 and the accused is three years or older than the child, and if the accused obtains consent without force. If the accused is less than three years older than the child, the crime remains a Class 4 felony. Should the accused be less than 3 years older than the child, the sex crime is a Class 4 misdemeanor and punishable by fine.

Because victims are minors, a conviction generally requires the convicted to be registered on the sex offender registry.

Consensual intercourse with a child under 18 but at least 15 years old is a Class 1 misdemeanor called contributing to the delinquency of a minor if the accused is over 18. The age of consent in Virginia is 18, so any sexual contact with a minor will be considered a crime of some sort. A person convicted of contributing generally need not register.

Aggravated Sexual Battery: Defending Minors in Virginia

If sexual abuse is committed against a victim younger than 13, it is a felony of aggravated sexual battery. The penalty is between one and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Registration is required as well.