Accusations of sex crimes can have life-altering consequences, even if you are eventually found innocent of the charges. A conviction of a sex crime could result in being labeled as a sex offender for life.
For over 30 years, Jennifer Horwitz has fought for the rights of the accused in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Super Lawyers named her one of the Top Women Attorneys of 2024, and Forbes named her among the Best Seattle Lawyers. Attorney Jennifer Horwitz handles all aspects of your case personally because you deserve skilled, experienced representation when you hire an attorney.
Sex crime defense law focuses on defending individuals accused of sexual assault, rape, child exploitation, possession of illegal materials, and other related crimes. Call Jennifer Horwitz Law to schedule a consultation with a Seattle sex crimes attorney to discuss your case.
How Jennifer Horwitz Law Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Sex Crime Charges in Seattle, Washington
Sex offenses and crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies. They carry severe legal penalties for convictions, including incarceration, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and long-lasting social stigma. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side from the beginning of your case is essential.
When you hire our top-rated Seattle sex crimes attorney, we provide a strong defense by:
- Conducting a thorough examination of evidence, witness credibility, and constitutional issues like unlawful search and seizure or violations of due process
- Challenging the intent behind the allegations, including misinterpretations of consent and false accusations, when applicable
- Developing a strategic defense strategy based on the evidence and facts of your case
- Negotiating a fair plea agreement when taking your case to trial is not in your best interests
- Taking your case to trial and presenting an aggressive defense when that is the best chance of obtaining justice in your case
Attorney Jennifer Horwitz has top ratings from national legal organizations, including a perfect 10.0 rating with Avvo. She has been recognized as an Avvo Top Rated Lawyer for multiple years.
Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected while navigating the complexities of these serious legal charges. Contact Jennifer Horwitz Law to speak with a Seattle criminal defense lawyer about the charges you are facing.
Common Sex Crimes in Washington State
Sex crimes encompass a wide range of criminal offenses involving sexual conduct. At Jennifer Horwitz Law, we assist clients in their defense of all types of sex crimes, including but not limited to:
- Indecent Exposure – Intentionally obscenely exposing oneself to another person, knowing that the conduct can cause reasonable alarm or offense.
- Sexual Assault – Defined as an egregious form of sex-based harassment including any sexual act without consent, rape, fondling, incest, and statutory rape.
- Child Molestation – Knowingly having or causing someone to have sexual conduct with a person under the age of consent.
- Child Pornography – It is illegal to possess any depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct or intentionally viewing over the internet or in print a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
- Rape – Penetration without consent, no matter how slight, of the anus or vagina with any body part or object.
- Statutory Rape – Sexual intercourse with someone under the age of consent, even though the sex is consensual.
- Sex Trafficking – Recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, purchasing, or receiving by any means another person being forced to engage in sexually explicit acts.
- Prostitution – A person over 18 years old engaging in sexual conduct with another person for a fee.
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Sexual contact with someone under 18 years old, but 16 years old or older, when the offender is at least five years older and in a position of authority over the victim.
- Voyeurism – Knowingly filming, photographing, or viewing a person’s intimate areas without their consent.
- Violations of Sex Offender Requirements – Failing to register as a sex offender or violating the terms of the sex offender registry.
- Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (CMIP) – Immoral purposes include discussing sexual acts, using sexual words, showing sexual images, and using obscene language.
- Incest – Sexual intercourse between people related by degrees is prohibited by law.
A sex crime conviction can have devastating consequences. If you are facing charges for sex offenses, do not delay seeking legal representation.
Consequences of a Conviction for a Sex Crime in Seattle, WA
Numerous factors impact the sentence for a conviction of a sex crime, including the type of offense, aggravating factors, and your criminal history. The potential criminal penalties for sex crimes include:
- Harsh prison sentences or jail time ranging from a few years to life in prison
- Fines totaling thousands of dollars
- Probation or parole
- Registration as a sex offender
- Victim restitution
In addition to criminal penalties, collateral consequences for a sex crime can be severe. Professional licenses may be revoked or denied when you have a sex crime conviction on your record. Employment opportunities and housing may be severely restricted when employers and landlords find a conviction on a background check.
A conviction can impact your social and family relationships. A sex crime conviction may negatively impact your child custody rights.
We understand what is at stake for our clients. Our legal team fiercely fights to defend the rights of the accused throughout Washington State.
Potential Defenses to Sex Crimes and Offenses
A sex crimes defense attorney plays a vital role in protecting your rights as you navigate a sex crimes charge. Our legal team meticulously analyzes every aspect of your case to build a solid defense strategy.
Potential defenses to accusations of sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
- The alleged victim is an adult who consents to the sexual conduct
- There is insufficient evidence to prove the elements of the crime
- Challenging the credibility of witnesses and the integrity of physical evidence
- Proving the allegations are false because the alleged victim has motives such as jealousy, revenge, gaining an advantage in family court, regret for sexual conduct, etc.
- Statutory defenses include entrapment, violation of constitutional rights, etc.
- Proving you have an alibi or were mistakenly identified as the offender
Attorney Jennifer Horwitz has extensive experience defending sex crimes cases. She uses her experience and skills to build a defense based on the law and the evidence in your case. As a seasoned trial lawyer, she is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to protect your rights and best interests.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys
An arrest is not a conviction. However, you face an uphill battle as you defend yourself against sex offense charges in Washington State. Schedule a consult with Jennifer to speak with an experienced Seattle sex crimes defense attorney. We focus on protecting your interests as we build a solid defense against the charges.