Tipton County Sex Crimes Attorneys

What Constitutes a Sex Crime?

A sex crime conviction could have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. You could face many years in jail, hefty fines, and required registration as a sex offender. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team at Huffman Mason, PLLC can build an airtight defense and represent you aggressively in trial.

Contact us today to get started on your case with a sex crime defense lawyer.

Types of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes that are punishable by Tennessee law include:

• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Rape of a child
• Sexual battery

What is the Difference Between Rape & Statutory Rape?

The crimes of statutory rape and rape are often confused. Even though they both involve sexual acts, these crimes are very different:

• Rape is defined as the sexual penetration of a victim using force or coercion without the victim's consent or while the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated.
• Statutory rape is the sexual penetration of a victim between the ages of 13 and 14 by a defendant 4-10 years older or of a victim between the ages of 15 and 17 and a defendant 5-10 years older.

Tennessee’s Romeo and Juliet Law

Note that Tennessee has a Romeo and Juliet exemption for consensual sexual acts between a minor who is 13 years or older and a defendant who is less than 4 years older.

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes?

Rape and aggravated sexual battery are considered a Class B Felony with 8-30 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Those convicted of sexual battery and statutory rape (Class E felony) can face 1-6 years of jail time and up to $3,000 in fines. Further, note that almost all convicted sex offenders will appear on the national sex offender registry.

What is the Sex Offender Registry?

The sex offender registry is online database that has your name, age, distinguishing characteristics and details about your crime. Once you are registered as a sex offender, this stays with you for a lifetime. This can make it increasingly difficult finding a places to work and live. That is why you need to contact an experienced sex crime attorney from Huffman Mason, PLLC.

Potential Defenses

Some arguments you could make to defend your case could be:

• Showing that the person did consent
• Showing there was no force used
• Claiming innocence proven by an alibi
• cCaiming insanity (you didn’t understand the sexual conduct was illegal)

Facing Sex Crime Charges in Covington?

If you have been charged with a sex crime, you should seek legal counsel immediately. The consequences of a sex crime conviction could dramatically impact your life beyond a prison sentence. Our legal team at Huffman Mason, PLLC can take on your case and develop an aggressive defense against your charge.

Contact Huffman Mason, PLLC today at (901) 295-0100 or online here for more information.