SEXUAL OFFENSES

Sex Offense Attorneys in 
Murfreesboro, TN

Sex crimes are becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. Being accused of a sex crime, guilty or not, could be harmful for an individual’s safety, career, and life goals. If found guilty of a sex crime, punishment may include a mandatory prison sentence, registering as sex offender on the sex offender registry, and/or community supervision for life. 

Being accused of a sex crime is extremely serious and must be handled with caution. If you are under investigation for a sex crime in Tennessee, follow these instructions carefully:
  1. Do not make any statements to the public or law enforcement.
  2. Do not consent to a search of your home, computer or cellphone without a warrant.
  3. Hire a criminal defense attorney to start building your defense immediately.
Due to the seriousness of a sex crime, immediate action is critical to the outcome of a case. Sex crimes can range widely including the following: 
  • Rape 
  • Sex Trafficking 
  • Child Pornography 
  • Indecent Exposure 
  • Solicitation of a Minor 
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Minor 
  • Child Molestation 
  • Patronizing Prostitution 

What is Statutory Rape?

Statutory rape is defined as sexual intercourse with an individual who cannot provide consent within parameters that are set by Tennessee state law. 

The following circumstances are considered to be Statutory Rape:
  • An individual is at least 13 years old but less than 15 when engaging in intercourse with a partner who is at least four years older but still less than 10 years older.
  • An individual is at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old while engaging with a partner who is more than five years older but less than 10 years older.
Statutory Rape charges are prosecuted as Class E felonies, which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of a single year. 

What is Indecent Exposure?

Indecent exposure is defined by the State of Tennessee as the intentional exposure of a person’s genitalia or buttock to another person or unwilling bystanders. This law is only effective if it is done in a public place, the private property of an unwilling participant, or in an easily visible place on private premises. 

Indecent exposure charges are typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor; however, it may be lifted to a Class A misdemeanor if the defendant is of adult age and exposure was towards a minor younger than 13 years old.

What is Solicitation of a Minor?

Solicitation of a minor is when a person over the age of 18 intentionally communicates with a minor in an effort to persuade the minor to engage or perform sexual activity. This offense is valid even in the event that the alleged minor is an undercover police officer due to the intent of engaging inappropriately with a minor. These charges can range from a Class E to a Class A felony.

    What is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor?

    Sexual exploitation of a minor includes the possession, purchase, sale, distribution or creation of child pornography. Under Tennessee State Law, the charges are based on the severity of the crime. These charges include:
    • Possession: Possessing material that includes a minor that is simulated or engaged in sexual activity that is offensive. Each image can be charged as a separate count. This starts at a Class D Felony and can elevate to a Class B Felony if there are 100 or more images.
    • Purchase, Sale or Distribution: Proof of sale, promotion, transportation, purchase or distribution of said materials mentioned above results in aggravated exploitation of a minor. This is a Class C felony but can elevate to a Class B Felony if there are 25 or more materials. 
    • Performance or Production: When a person knowingly promotes, employs, uses, assists, transports or permits a minor to participate in said materials mentioned above results in especially aggravated exploitation of a minor. This is a Class B felony.

      Hire a Tennessee Sex Crime Attorney

      Do not let a prosecution ruin the rest of your life. Sex offense charges can follow you around forever. Call an experienced criminal defense attorney to start your defense immediately. Contact Slager Law Firm for a free consultation.
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