If you have been accused of domestic violence or sexual assault, it can lead to severe consequences. These charges are taken very seriously, and you may lose your right to return to your home. You may be placed in jail and may even lose your job. Here are some guidelines for laws regarding sexual assault and domestic violence.
Title PFA Charges
In Pennsylvania, a domestic violence charge is classified under Title PFA (projection from abuse) laws, which means that if you own a firearm, you must surrender it. You can’t give your firearm to a friend or family member; you must surrender it to a law enforcement authority or your lawyer.
If you have a child with the person you are accused of hurting or abusing, you will be in danger of losing custody of your child. These charges can also mean you are in danger of losing your right to return to your home.
If you are accused of rape, your attorneys can explain the differences between felony rape, statutory rape, and deviant sexual intercourse. To clarify: a felony rape would result from a person who subdues the victim with drugs or alcohol so they don’t know the act is taking place. A felony would also be charged if the victim is mentally impaired and doesn’t understand what is happening to them. Statutory rape is charged when someone has sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16.
Charges for Deviate Sexual Intercourse
If the attack also incurred an injury on a victim younger than age 13, this would be called “involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child with serious bodily injury.” Domestic violence and sexual assault charges have varied penalties, depending on the age of the victim and the nature of the sexual acts. You will need an attorney who will listen to your account of the circumstances and will work tirelessly to defend you.
Our most recent information reveals that a conviction for a felony could result in fines from $10,000 and up to $25,000. You may be imprisoned for up to 20 years. Misdemeanor convictions could be fined up to $5000, and the accused could be imprisoned for one to two years. When you add these consequences to the prospect of losing your home, job, reputation, and family, you can’t afford NOT to have an experienced attorney.
Experienced Attorneys in Philadelphia
If you have been accused of one of these crimes, you need an experienced attorney to handle your case. If you need a team of dedicated domestic violence lawyers in Philadelphia, you can find the right person to represent you at Bill Brennan Law Offices. We’ve been defending people charged with domestic violence for over 25 years. We will use our experience to support you through every step of the process.
Although we have great sympathy for those who are victims of domestic violence, we also know there are times when these charges can be exaggerated or even false. We understand the laws and guidelines of these charges. We know how devastating it can be to be accused of a criminal offense. We want to try to help you regain the use of your home as soon as possible, restore your reputation, and protect your freedom.
Call Us Today for an Appointment
Sexual assault charges carry a threat of lifelong loss of reputation, as they are considered to be criminal charges. If you are facing sexual assault charges, and you’re looking for a Philadelphia sexual assault lawyer, the attorneys at Bill Brennan Law Offices will work vigorously to secure your freedom. Call us for an appointment today, and let us defend you against these charges.