Lacey Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Sex Crimes Defense Attorney for Clients in Lacey, Washington

Getting accused of a sex crime can put you under a great deal of pressure. Before you say anything to police, however, you should seek legal representation first. A Lacey, Washington sex crimes defense attorney can make sure you are informed of your rights and work with you to develop a legal strategy early on.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we are prepared to defend clients accused of major sex crimes. These offenses can carry prison time and sex offender registration, and as such, we prepare a thorough defense strategy to protect your future. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has been recognized with a 10.0 Avvo rating, having earned the trust of many clients in Thurston County and beyond.

How to Respond to Allegations of Rape in Lacey, WA

Washington treats rape as one of its most serious felonies, and these cases are prosecuted in Thurston County Superior Court. Rape in the first or second degree is a Class A felony that can carry up to life in prison and fines of up to $50,000. A conviction for either degree often leads to an indeterminate sentence, where a review board decides when a person may be released after serving a minimum term. Rape in the third degree is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Any rape conviction also requires sex offender registration.

How you respond in the first days after an accusation can shape the rest of the case. Do not contact the accuser, even to explain your side or apologize, since those messages can be used against you. Save text messages, social media conversations, call logs, and anything else that shows the timeline of events or the nature of your relationship with the accuser.

Do not agree to a police interview or a recorded phone call without a lawyer present. Many rape cases come down to questions of consent and credibility, and these records can carry real weight when the facts are disputed.

What Charges Could You Face for Child Pornography in Washington?

Child pornography charges in Washington cover a wide range of conduct, from creating explicit images of minors to viewing them online. Most of these offenses are felonies, and the severity of the punishment often depends on the type of conduct shown in the material. Common charges include:

• Sexual exploitation of a minor: Causing, encouraging, or allowing a minor to take part in sexually explicit conduct while knowing it will be recorded or photographed is a Class B felony.
• Dealing in depictions of a minor: Creating, selling, or distributing sexually explicit images or videos of a minor is a Class B felony in the first degree and a Class C felony in the second degree.
• Possession of depictions of a minor: Knowingly possessing this type of material is a Class B felony in the first degree and a Class C felony in the second degree.
• Viewing depictions of a minor online: Knowingly seeking out and viewing this material on the internet is a Class B or Class C felony, depending on the degree.
• Sending or bringing depictions into Washington: Transporting or sending this material into the state is a Class B felony.

A Class B felony can bring up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. In some cases, each image or video can be charged as a separate count, which can raise the potential sentence quickly. Strong defenses may involve questions about who had access to a shared device, how files were downloaded, or whether police followed the law when searching your phone or computer.

What Is Indecent Exposure?

Indecent exposure in Washington happens when a person purposely exposes their body, or another person's body, in an open and obscene way while knowing the act is likely to cause offense or alarm. A first offense is usually a misdemeanor. The charge becomes a gross misdemeanor if the exposure was made to a child under 14, and it becomes a Class C felony if the person has a prior conviction for indecent exposure or another sex offense.

Intent is often the central issue in these cases. A person changing clothes in a parked car or relieving themselves outdoors may not have acted with the purpose the law requires. Even a misdemeanor conviction for indecent exposure can create problems with employment, housing, and future charges, so these cases deserve a careful defense. It is also important to note that, under state law, breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure.

Contact Our Lacey, WA Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we take every allegation seriously and build a defense around the facts of your case rather than the assumptions that often follow these charges. Contact our Lacey, Washington sex crimes defense lawyer or call 253-442-7544 to set up a free consultation.