Sex Crimes Lawyer in Wheeling

Legal Counsel for West Virginia Sex Crime Charges

Sex offenses are of utmost gravity, exerting a profound impact on your reputation and career. If you find yourself facing charges related to a sex crime, it is imperative that you seek the guidance of a Wheeling WV criminal lawyer.

West Virginia Sex Offenses Categories

In West Virginia, sexual offenses are classified into five categories, ranging from the most severe first-degree offenses to the least serious fifth-degree offenses, each with varying levels of penalties.

Sex Offenses & Misdemeanors and Their Penalties

1. Sexual Imposition

Sexual imposition involves forceful sexual contact with another person, sometimes occurring under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or mental impairment. According to the West Virginia Revised Code, a first-degree misdemeanor charge is applicable when a sex offender has prior convictions for rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual battery, or gross sexual imposition. The penalty for such offenses may include a maximum prison sentence of six months or a fine of up to $1,000. On the other hand, a third-degree misdemeanor charge applies in the following scenarios:

• When the offender is a mental health professional, a victim, or when the offender and the victim have a client-patient relationship
• When the offender is at least 18 years old and four years older than a victim aged between 13 and 16
• When the offender takes advantage of the victim’s ignorance about the nature of the sexual contact
• When the offender is aware that the victim is unable to resist, assert control, or offer consent due to substantial impairment
• When the offender knows that the sexual contact is offensive to the victim

Misdemeanor sex offenses typically carry a maximum jail sentence of 60 days and a fine of up to $500.

2. Aggravated Sexual Assault or Rape

As defined by the West Virginia Revised Code 2907.02, rape occurs when a person forcefully engages in sexual contact with another through the use of threat or actual force. The penalties for rape are severe and can include life imprisonment, prolonged jail time, a permanent criminal record, and registration as a sex offender for life.

Rape charges can be imposed under various circumstances, including:

• When a victim’s judgment is compromised due to the use of substances such as drugs or intoxicating items, achieved through deceit or force to prevent resistance.
• When the victim is below 13 years old.
• When the offender believes or knows that the victim is physically or mentally impaired, making them unable to resist.

In West Virginia, rape is classified as a first-degree felony and is punishable by 3-10 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $20,000. However, if the victim is a minor, the punishment is life imprisonment or imprisonment without parole.

3. Sexual Battery

Sexual battery is considered a second or third-degree felony and can be charged under the following circumstances:

• When the victim is below 13 years old.
• When the victim’s ability to control or resist is significantly impaired.
• When the victim is forced to surrender.
• When the victim is unaware of the sexual contact.
• When the victim mistakenly believes the alleged offender to be their spouse.
• When the offender is a parent, step-parent, or guardian of the victim.
• When the offender has legal custody over the victim.
• When the offender holds a supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim.
• When the offender is a coach, administrator, or teacher at a facility attended by the victim.
• When the offender is a mental health professional who manipulates the victim into the sexual contact by convincing them it is necessary for treatment.

A conviction for sexual battery with a victim under 13 years of age is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2-5 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000. For cases where the victim is above 13, the punishment is 1-5 years of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000.

4. Illegal Sexual Activity with a Minor

Under the West Virginia Revised Code 2907.04, engaging in sexual activity with a minor between the ages of 13 and 16 can result in criminal charges. The severity of these charges varies based on specific circumstances, ranging from fourth-degree to first-degree felony offenses. A fourth-degree felony can lead to 6-18 months of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $5,000. If the alleged offender is four years older than the victim, it becomes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. In case the age difference between the offender and the victim is 10 years or more, it escalates to a third-degree felony, carrying a prison sentence of 1-5 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Moreover, if the offender has a prior conviction for another sex crime, it is elevated to a second-degree felony, resulting in 6-8 years of imprisonment or a maximum fine of $15,000.

The Sex Offender Registry

In West Virginia, the CCSD (Criminal and Juvenile Sentencing and Disposition Commission) maintains a comprehensive sex offender registry. This registry serves the purpose of tracking convicted sexual offenders and providing the collected information to the West Virginia Attorney General’s office. In certain cases, the court may order community notification, mandating the deputies personally inform neighbors, law enforcement agencies, and schools about the presence and location of the alleged offender. This measure aims to raise awareness of the sexual offender’s unlawful activities in the community.

Get Immediate Help From the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group

If you or someone you know is facing sex crime charges, it is crucial to consult with experienced Wheeling WV OVI attorneys. At the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we specialize in handling such cases and provide the best possible legal representation. Contact us today for a detailed discussion of your situation and effective guidance.