Sex Crimes

Sex crimes, also termed sexual offenses, are acts of a sexual nature that are against the law. Sexual assault, abuse, rape, prostitution, indecent exposure, pornography and sodomy are some of the offenses included in this category.

Sexual assault is the sex crime that occurs most often, and refers to physical contact of a sexual nature that is not consensual or voluntary. It often involves forced contact or penetration with a sexual organ. If the victim says no, tries to resist or is incapacitated at the time of the sexual assault, then the physical contact is considered unwanted. There are often no witnesses other than the perpetrator and victim of a sex crime, making sex crime cases more complicated in terms of evidence and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Sexual abuse may be a reoccurring form of sexual assault and often occurs with a minor in the perpetrator’s charge. Sexual abuse is any unwanted form of physical contact of a sexual nature that may result in physical and psychological harm. Although sexual abuse crimes are a common charge, it is a serious one that carries a stigma in society. If convicted of such a crime, a person has to register themselves as a sex offender, for the duration of their life.

Most sex crimes involving sexual assault and sexual abuse are felonies. Misdemeanors are given for smaller charges of a less serious nature such as indecent exposure. Penalties for sex crimes can be life altering and range from fines, prison time, losing custody and visitation rights, to being required to register as a sex offender.