Terre Haute Sexual Assault Lawyer
Have you recently been charged with sexual assault? When you aren’t sure where to turn, get help from a qualified Terre Haute sexual assault attorney.
Sexual assault has become the focus in media recently. There is some debate over what should be considered sexual assault, finding the burden of proof, and of course, what happens when an individual makes false accusations. The fact is, even being accused of sexual assault can ruin your reputation and your life.
Innocent until proven guilty is somewhat of a misnomer in this regard, as many people might assume guilt and ignore any information to the contrary. Although a Terre Haute sexual assault lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can’t alter the public’s perception of you, we can do everything in our power to build a compelling case of your innocence to avoid conviction.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault can take many forms with one key characteristic in mind: explicit consent was not given by the victim. Some of the different forms of sexual assault include the following:
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Being forced to perform sexual acts
- Attempted rape
- Rape
Let’s be clear: not every form of sexual assault is considered rape. Rape, as defined by the FBI, is “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”
So although you might be charged with sexual assault, you could also be charged with rape in the above circumstances. Essentially, any situation where consent for a sex act has not been explicitly given is grounds for a sexual assault charge. This does not include cases of incest or statutory rape, which are categorized separately.
A Sexual Assault Conviction and What It Means for You
Sexual assault in any form is considered a felony. However, because of the various types of sexual assault, your charges and penalties will also vary. You could be looking at one-and-a-half to 30 years in prison, plus fines of up to $10,000.
Once you are released from prison, you’ll be required to register as a sex offender, which can make large aspects of your life difficult. This includes finding housing, a job, obtaining an education, and even feeling comfortable in your neighborhood, as the public will have access to your information via the sex offender registry in Indiana.
Your best option is to retain a highly trained sexual assault attorney. They can investigate your situation, build a strong case, and work diligently to achieve a positive outcome.
Contact a Terre Haute Sexual Assault Attorney
There is no doubt that your life will be affected dramatically by a sex crimes charge. In order to avoid the often dire consequences, an experienced Terre Haute sexual assault lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can be ready to help dispute your charges.
Schedule your case review today by calling our office at 1-812-232-7400 or by filling out the brief contact form below.
