Jackson Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Protecting the Rights of Those Accused of a Sex Crime

Sex crimes are some of the most serious criminal offenses dealt with in the state of Tennessee. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you are facing a lengthy period of incarceration and possibly other penalties. It is important to have an attorney who is familiar with the laws and procedures governing sex crimes and who is capable of devoting the time and attention necessary to successfully advocate on your behalf. At Casey, Simmons & Bryant, PLLC, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience in dealing with sex crime cases. We have the knowledge and skill to help you fight your charges and protect your rights.

What is a Sex Crime?

A sex crime is any criminal offense that involves sexual activity or behavior. Sex crimes can be separated into two categories: sexual offenses and sexual misconduct. Sexual offenses involve criminal sexual conduct and include rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. Sexual misconduct includes indecent exposure, sexual battery, and promoting prostitution.

Sexual Offenses

Sexual offenses are the most severe sex crimes. Sexual offenses include the following:

• Rape – This is the crime of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse, either by physical force or threat of physical force.
• Sexual assault – This is the crime of forcing someone to engage in a sexual act by physical force or threat of physical force.
• Sexual exploitation – This is the crime of forcing someone to participate in a sexual act by means of intimidation, deception, or authority.

While these offenses can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, the difference between the two lies in the nature of the sexual act. For example, a misdemeanor offense would involve someone forcing another person to masturbate in front of them. A felony offense would involve the same act, but with actual sexual penetration involved. These offenses can also be charged as either a general offense or a strict offense. A general offense is one in which the prosecutor has discretion over whether to charge the offense as a misdemeanor or a felony. A strict offense is one in which the sexual act itself dictates the severity of the offense and the prosecutor has no discretion over the matter. An example of a strict offense would be a rape offense, in which the nature of the act itself dictates whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct includes the following:

• Indecent exposure – This is the crime of intentionally exposing one's private parts in public.
• Sexual battery – This is the crime of touching someone else's private parts without their consent.
• Promoting prostitution – This is the crime of assisting or encouraging another person to engage in prostitution.

Sexual misconduct offenses can only be charged as misdemeanors.

Are Sex Crimes Felonies or Misdemeanors?

Sex crimes can be either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the nature of the offense. Sexual offenses can be either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the nature of the sexual act itself. Sexual misconduct can only be charged as a misdemeanor.

Contact a Sex Crimes Attorney in Jackson, TN

If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can help you understand the charges levied against you and help you develop a strong defense.

For a consultation with our firm, call (731) 256-0023 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Jackson, Tennessee, but we represent clients throughout the state.