Here To Defend You If You Face A Sex Offense
Sex-related offenses, more than any other crime, are judged just as harshly in the court of public opinion as they are by the criminal justice system. Being merely accused of such an offense, much less convicted, can be devastating for you and have lifelong effects. In addition to civil consequences like sex offender registration (which could impair your housing and career opportunities) and public stigma, you could face life in prison.
These cases need aggressive advocacy that can only be provided by experienced, skilled, and zealous attorneys like Charles C. Cosby Jr. and Kevin E. Calhoun. From the Richmond-based The Law Office of Cosby & Calhoun, they combine more than 50 years of criminal law experience. When defending clients against sex crimes, they work tirelessly to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges, negotiate a fair plea bargain or secure an acquittal at trial.
Aggressive Advocacy Combined With Individual Attention
We handle all manner of sexual criminal charges, including:
- Rape (also date rape, statutory rape or spousal rape)
- Sexual battery (and aggravated sexual battery)
- Sexual assault of a child
- Carnal knowledge of a child (commonly known as “child molestation”)
- Forcible sodomy
- Internet solicitation of a minor and other sex offenses committed online
- Possession, manufacture or distribution of child pornography
Due to the intense public scrutiny that sexual offense cases are subjected to, they must be handled with skill and discretion, by a lawyer who can handle your case in and out of the courtroom. You should also remain tight-lipped, and not talk to the police or media without consulting an attorney.
Avoid Strict Penalties Of Failing To Register As A Sex Offender
In Virginia, there are a number of crimes that require you to register as a sex offender if you are convicted or plead guilty. These include any Tier I, II or III offense, such as rape, aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
While nobody wants to register, failing to register as a sex offender in Virginia is its own crime that carries severe potential penalties. For example, failing to register or providing false information related to a Tier III offense is a Class 6 felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $2,500. It is your responsibility to register and it can be easy to unintentionally fail to register properly. Common errors include:
- Coming to Virginia for an extended period of time and failing to register for an out-of-state conviction
- Failing to re-register when required by law
- Failing to renew or verify a registration
If you get accused of failing to register or arrested on related charges, contacting a Richmond, Virginia, sex crimes attorney should be your first move. One of our sex offender defense attorneys can assist you with your options for handling these matters, such as a petition for removal and petitions for less frequent renewals.
Discuss Your Defense Against Sexual Charges Today
To learn more about our firm’s legal services and to schedule a consultation, please use our online contact form or call us at 804-780-0311. We represent clients throughout central Virginia.