Sex Crimes Against Children
Nashville, Tennessee, Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Tennessee law regarding sexual offenses is tough. When a child victim is involved, the penalties can be very harsh. In addition, prosecutors are coming under increasing pressure to put offenders away for a very long time.
Cases involving young children are difficult, as you may be facing a case based on false accusations, hearsay evidence and public opinion about your presumed guilt. These factors make it vitally important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting to protect your rights and your future.
Experienced Child Victim Sex Crime Trial Lawyer
For six years of my nearly 15-year career as an assistant district attorney for Davidson County, Tennessee, I was assigned exclusively to prosecuting sex crime cases involving child victims.
I know how the DA’s office investigates child sexual assault cases, how investigators operate and how evidence is presented at trial. Since opening my own firm in 2004, I have placed a unique focus on mounting a vigorous defense on behalf of clients facing charges of committing a sex offense against a child.
If you have been charged with a sex crime against a child, or have been accused without yet being charged, the time to talk to an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer is right now. Contact my Nashville law office right away.
I have experience representing clients charged with sex offenses such as:
- Rape of a child: sexual penetration of a child under age 13, including oral sex
- Aggravated sexual battery: touching a child under 13 on the breasts, buttocks or genitals in a manner reasonably regarded for a sexual purpose; sometimes called child molestation
- Sexual battery of an authority figure: touching a child between 13 and 18 when the adult is in a position of authority over the child
- Statutory rape: sexual penetration of a child between the ages of 13 and 18 and the perpetrator is 4 years older than the victim
- Aggravated statutory rape: the victim in this charge is between the ages of 13 and 18 and the offender is at least 10 years older.
- Aggravated rape of a child age 3 or under; sexual penetration of a child under the age of 3; increased penalty of 40 to 60 year sentence rather than more standard 15 to 20 year sentence
Most Severe Penalties Involve Children Under 13
The most severe penalties are for sexual assault against a child under 13. Convicted persons can receive 15 to 25 years for child rape. Aggravated sexual battery of any type can result in a sentence of eight to 12 years, but aggravated rape of a child carries a sentence from 25 to 30 years in prison.
Defending Young People Charged With Statutory Rape
It is particularly important that young people charged with statutory rape or sexual assault secure effective and knowledgeable counsel. Local sensibilities and expectations about sexual conduct can make a difference in sentencing: A 22-year-old who had consensual sex with a 17-year-old could receive probation in one venue and serious prison time in another.
I understand the importance of helping young people who find themselves in this difficult situation. I will work aggressively to have charges reduced or steer clients into sex offender programs before legal proceedings begin.
Learn more at my Criminal Defense Practice Center.
If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a sex crime against a child, contact me immediately. Long-term incarceration and permanent listing on the sex offender registry are the consequences of conviction of almost any child sexual offense. If you are required to register, your name, address, workplace, phone number, e-mail address and criminal history are all public record. Any member of the public can investigate you at will. Call me to learn more about the registry and about your defense at (615) 866-3968 or send me an e-mail today.
