Comprehensive Legal Defense for Sex Crimes in Center City
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand how serious it is to be accused of a sex crime. These charges can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Our experienced Center City sex crime lawyers are committed to providing strong defense strategies to protect your rights and future. We know these cases are sensitive so we offer individual consultations to protect your privacy and help you through this difficult time.
Understanding Sex Crimes
Sex crimes cover many different offenses, and all of them can have serious legal consequences. In Pennsylvania, sex crimes can include sexual assault, rape, child molestation, and internet sex crimes. Here are the main types of sex crimes our sex offense attorneys in Center City, PA, defend:
- Sexual Assault Defense: Helping clients accused of unwanted sexual contact or violence.
- Rape Defense: Providing strong support for those facing charges of forced sexual intercourse.
- Statutory Rape Defense: Representing people accused of having sexual activity with a minor.
- Child Molestation Defense: Offering a defense for those charged with inappropriate contact with a child.
- Possession of Child Pornography Defense: Defending clients against charges of having or sharing child pornography.
- Indecent Exposure Defense: Protecting the rights of people accused of exposing themselves in public.
- Solicitation Defense: Representing clients accused of asking for sexual services.
Our attorneys understand the laws surrounding sex crimes and use their knowledge to build a strong defense for each client. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
The Legal Process for Sex Crime Cases
Facing a sex crime charge can be stressful and confusing, but knowing what to expect can help. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Arrest and Charges: The process starts with your arrest and the formal charges against you. It’s important to get a lawyer right away to protect your rights.
- Investigation: Both sides—the prosecution and defense—will investigate the case. Our attorneys will work hard to find evidence that supports your defense and challenges the prosecution's claims.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Before the trial, there may be legal steps to dismiss certain evidence or even the charges. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these motions to make your defense stronger.
- Plea Negotiations: Sometimes, it might be in your best interest to consider a plea deal. We will negotiate with the prosecution to get the best terms possible.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will fight hard for you, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and making a strong case to the jury.
- Sentencing: If you are found guilty, the sentencing phase decides your penalties. We will work to get the least severe penalties possible, based on your situation.
Going through the legal process can be tough, but having experienced and skilled legal help can make a big difference. Our team at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim is here to guide you through each step with care and expertise.
Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we use different defense strategies to protect our clients' rights and work towards the best possible outcomes. Here are some common defenses we use against sex crime charges:
- False Allegations: Sometimes, people are falsely accused of a sex crime because of personal grudges, misunderstandings, or mistaken identity. We investigate the accuser's motives and look for any inconsistencies in their story.
- Mistaken Identity: Eyewitnesses can make mistakes, and someone might be wrongly identified as the person who committed the crime. We will closely examine how the identification was made and provide evidence to show your innocence.
- Consent: In cases where non-consensual sexual activity is alleged, proving that the encounter was consensual can be a strong defense. We will gather evidence and testimony to support that both parties agreed to the encounter.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If they don't have enough strong evidence, we will challenge the weakness of their case.
- Constitutional Violations: If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, such as through illegal searches or not being read your Miranda rights, we will work to get that evidence excluded from the trial.
Our experienced attorneys will carefully investigate your case, find the best defense strategies, and fight hard on your behalf.
Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?
When facing serious charges, you need a team of lawyers with the experience and determination to protect your rights. Our sex offense attorneys in Center City, PA, have a strong record of success in defending clients against these serious accusations. We are dedicated to providing a defense that is both aggressive and tailored to the specifics of your case.
- Defense Strategies: Our Center City sex crime lawyers use various strategies to protect our clients. These strategies aim to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and create doubt about the charges.
- Client-Centered Approach: At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we focus on our clients' needs and concerns. We know how stressful and emotional these charges can be, and we are committed to offering compassionate and personalized legal support. Our attorneys stay accessible and keep you informed at every step of your defense.
- Confidentiality and Discretion: We understand the sensitive nature of sex crime cases and handle everything with complete confidentiality. You can trust that your privacy will be protected throughout the legal process.
- Thorough Investigation: We carefully investigate to find any errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This includes reviewing physical evidence, witness statements, and identifying any biases or mistakes in the investigation.
- Challenging Evidence: Our attorneys are skilled at finding and challenging weak or inadmissible evidence. We carefully examine every piece of evidence from the prosecution, whether it’s DNA, forensic analysis, digital evidence, or witness testimonies.
- Negotiation Skills: Sometimes, negotiating with the prosecution can result in reduced charges or lighter penalties. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who can often secure plea deals that lessen the impact on your life.
- Courtroom Expertise: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys are ready to defend you strongly in court. We are skilled at cross-examining witnesses, making strong arguments, and delivering persuasive closing statements.
Our team is skilled at handling the complexities of sex crime cases, from the investigation to the trial. We know that every case is different, and we take the time to create a defense strategy that fits your unique situation. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Client Confidentiality and Support
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we focus on protecting your privacy and providing strong support. We know that sex crime charges are sensitive, so we handle every case with complete discretion. Keeping your case confidential is our top priority.
We also understand how hard these charges can be on you emotionally. Our team is here to offer caring support throughout the legal process. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you every step of the way. We can also connect you with resources for emotional and psychological support to help you through this tough time.
Contact Our Experienced Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Center City, PA
If you or someone you care about is facing sex crime charges, it’s important to get legal help right away. Our Center City sex crime lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today for a free, private consultation. We’ll review your case, talk about your options, and create a plan that fits your situation.
