Being accused of a sex crime is devastating. Not only will you face a wide range of severe penalties, but conviction will also result in a permanently tarnished reputation. Unfortunately, people are often wrongfully accused of these crimes, and those individuals need a strong criminal defense lawyer in their corner. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place. Contact the skilled Dallas County sex crime lawyers here at Iowa Defenders for help today.
Sex Crime Defense Lawyers: Protecting Your Future & Reputation
No one should ever face sex crime allegations on their own. With the right team of Dallas County criminal defense lawyers, you stand a far greater chance of minimizing, or even entirely negating the potential impact these charges have on your life. Speak with Iowa Defenders today so you can tell us your story.
Types of Sex Crimes in Iowa
Iowa law recognizes a wide range of sex crimes, each with varying penalties. Some of the sex crimes recognized under Iowa law are as follows:
- Sexual Abuse: This includes non-consensual sexual acts, varying by degrees based on the severity and circumstances, such as the use of force or involvement of minors.
- Indecent Exposure: Intentionally exposing genitals to another person to arouse or satisfy sexual desires, causing alarm or distress.
- Statutory Rape: Sexual activity with a person under the age of consent, which in Iowa is 16 years old.
- Incest: Sexual relations between family members who are legally prohibited from marrying.
- Sexual Exploitation by a Counselor or Therapist: Any sexual conduct or communication with a client or patient by a licensed therapist or counselor.
- Solicitation of a Minor: Using electronic means or other communication to solicit or entice a minor for sexual activity.
- Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography: Possessing, distributing, or producing explicit images of minors.
- Sexual Assault: Encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual activities, often involving physical force or threats.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Iowa
The penalties for the aforementioned sex crimes in Iowa are:
- Sexual Abuse:
- First Degree: Class A felony, punishable by life imprisonment without parole.
- Second Degree: Class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
- Third Degree: Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Indecent Exposure: Serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine between $315 and $1,875.
- Statutory Rape: Depending on the ages involved, charges can range from an aggravated misdemeanor to a Class C felony, with penalties including imprisonment from 2 to 10 years and substantial fines.
- Incest: Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine ranging from $750 to $7,500.
- Sexual Exploitation by a Counselor or Therapist:
- First Offense: Aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine between $625 and $6,250.
- Subsequent Offenses: Class D felony, with up to 5 years in prison and fines from $750 to $7,500.
- Solicitation of a Minor: Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines ranging from $750 to $7,500.
- Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography:
- Possession: Aggravated misdemeanor for the first offense, escalating to Class D felony for subsequent offenses.
- Distribution or Production: Class C felony, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Sexual Assault: Penalties vary widely based on severity, ranging from serious misdemeanors to Class B felonies, with potential prison sentences from 2 years to 25 years and significant fines.
Importantly, if you’re found guilty of any of the aforementioned sex crimes, you’ll also likely become a registered sex offender, which can haunt you for the rest of your life. Rather obviously, hiring a team of sex crime lawyers who can aggressively combat your charges is paramount.
Contact Our Sex Crime Lawyers
If you’ve been wrongfully accused of a sex crime, Iowa Defenders stands ready to effectively fight for your future and freedom. Contact our firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
