Chester County Sexual Assault Attorney

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nearly 20% of women and about 3% of men have experienced an attempted or completed incident of sexual assault. Among female victims, about 30% have experienced such assaults before the age of 18. The cost to society that results from sexual violence is high, as victims incur medical costs, losses of productivity, legal expenses and more.

Comparing Sexual Offenses

sexual assault is when an individual has sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a party who does not consent. This is a second-degree felony offense. Statutory sexual assault is when an individual has sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 16 that they are not married to. This is a second-degree felony offense when the alleged offender is between four and eleven years older than the victim. If the alleged offender is over eleven years older than the victim the charge is enhanced to a first-degree felony offense.

The charge of rape (§ 3121) is a first-degree felony offense that occurs when an individual has sexual intercourse with someone by using force or threats of force. This also applies when the victim is not conscious, has been unknowingly drugged, or has a mental impairment that makes them not capable of giving consent.

If an individual has sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or inappropriate contact with some under their authority they may be charged with institutional sexual assault. This is a third-degree felony offense that may apply to relationships such as:

  • Those involving a teacher or school employee and a student
  • Someone working for a licensed institution involved with a resident or patient
  • Between an employee of a correctional facility and an inmate (and others)

Level of Offense

Period of Imprisonment

Maximum Fines

First Degree Felony

Up to 20 years

Up to $25,000

Second Degree Felony

Up to 10 years

Up to $25,000

Third Degree Felony

Up to 7 years

Up to 15,000

Key Definitions

Sexual intercourse is an act involving some “penetration however slight.” Deviate sexual intercourse is any penetration between humans or animals. It may also involve penetration using an object that is not for “medical, hygienic, or law enforcement” purposes. Indecent contact is touching someone's intimate parts for sexual arousal or gratification.

Criminal Record

Those convicted of a sexually-oriented offense such as sexual assault may encounter the adverse impact of having a criminal record. In addition to a record of a criminal conviction, the Pennsylvania State Police maintains a public portal containing information about the state's sexual offenders. This is a provision referred to as Megan's Law that was established for the benefit of public safety.

Choosing an Attorney

Those charged with sexually-based offenses face increasingly stringent penalties for convictions. In addition, offenders face a lifetime of being stigmatized in the community. Even accusations that are false can have a devastating effect on an individual. With the magnitude of the potential consequences, it is critical to consult with an attorney that is very familiar with this realm of legal practice.

Chester County Criminal Defense Attorney

LLF Law Firm clearly understands the severity of charges such as sexual assault. They aggressively defends clients in these and other criminal actions in the Chester County court system. The first step is to promptly contact the office for a case consultation at (888) 535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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