Erie Sexual Assault Lawyer

Erie Sexual Assault Attorney

Being accused of sexual assault can be one of the most damaging situations you can find yourself in. Many times, the accusation alone can be enough to cause irreparable harm to your reputation, your social life, and even your job opportunities. You may want to consider reaching out to an Erie sexual assault lawyer for help in developing a strong defense.

The seasoned legal team at The Levenson Law Firm understands the difficulties ahead of you in a sexual assault case. You will want an experienced sexual assault defense lawyer to represent your interests and do what they can to keep you from being convicted. Otherwise, you will have a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.

Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania

According to Pennsylvania state law, sexual assault is the act of forcing yourself on someone sexually without their consent and against their will. Charges of sexual assault are often brought against an alleged perpetrator when their crime doesn’t fit the details of a potential rape charge. The primary difference between rape and sexual assault is penetration. If there was penetration, even slightly, it is considered rape. If there wasn’t, it is considered a sexual assault.

If you are convicted of sexual assault, you could face severe legal penalties that would seriously impact your future. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania and could result in up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines of thousands of dollars. Depending on the nature of the crime, you could serve even more time, end up on the sex offender registry, and be taken to civil court by the alleged victim.

According to statistical data gathered by the United States Sentencing Commission, sexual abuse crimes accounted for 3.2% of all crimes that were sentenced in Pennsylvania in 2024. This rate is a bit higher than the national rate that year, which was at 2.3%. Regardless of the current rate of sexual crimes in the state, if you are facing charges for a sex crime, you don’t want to go through it alone. You could be villainized quickly in the court of public opinion. A lawyer can help you.

What to Do When You Are Arrested

Getting arrested for sexual assault can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Sitting in the back of a police car can make you feel like you have already lost. However, an arrest is often just the beginning of your legal battle. Never forget that you are always considered innocent until proven guilty, and you are afforded your constitutional rights that can never be infringed upon.

If you have been arrested for sexual assault in Erie, law enforcement will likely transport you to the Erie County Prison for booking and processing. This will include taking your photograph and fingerprints. If a juvenile is the alleged offender, the Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center at 154 West Ninth Street in Erie could be the location for these procedures.

Once you are being interviewed by police, you will want to make sure you exercise your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel. Both of these rights will be indispensable in your current situation. The police may try to scare you into incriminating yourself, as their case against you may not be as strong as they have led you to believe. Contact your lawyer, say nothing to the police, and let your lawyer do all the talking for you. Then, start working on your defense.

FAQs

Q: What Type of Lawyer Handles Sexual Assault Cases?

A: Generally, if you are charged with sexual assault, you will want to hire an Erie criminal defense lawyer to represent your interests in court. Specifically, you will want to find a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who is experienced with representing individuals for sex crimes and has significant litigation experience. Sexual assault cases can become emotional, sensitive, and complex very fast. You will want a lawyer with experience dealing with similar cases.

Q: What Are the Three Main Defenses to a Sexual Assault Accusation?

A: There are many different ways that you can defend yourself against a sexual assault accusation. Some defenses are more common than others, but the facts of your case will largely influence the one most suitable for your case. Three of the most common defenses are a strong alibi, mistaken identity, and basic consent. If you can prove you weren’t there or that the incident was consensual, that can help your case significantly.

Q: How Can You Beat a Sexual Assault Charge?

A: The most effective way to beat a sexual assault charge is to hire an experienced defense lawyer and build a sound legal defense based on factual evidence. The more evidence you have that proves your side of the story, the stronger your case is going to be. A seasoned sexual assault lawyer can help you develop your defense strategy and gather evidence that supports it.

Q: What Is the Most Difficult Part to Prove in a Sexual Assault Case?

A: Often, the most difficult element of a sexual assault case to prove is a lack of consent. It can be very difficult to prove that both parties did or did not consent to sexual activity. Usually, the only two witnesses to the event are the victim and the offender. It becomes one individual’s word against another without hard evidence supporting either side. Your lawyer can help you build a defense based on proving consent.

Contact an Erie, PA, Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

Facing sexual assault charges can be a terrible ordeal to find yourself in. The last thing you should do is try to move forward alone without legal help. A strong sexual assault lawyer can be crucial in advocating for your rights and future.

The legal team at The Levenson Law Firm can provide you with exceptional and effective support for your case. Contact us to confidentially speak to a member of our team about what we can do for you.