Lexington Sex Crime Lawyer

Representation for Defendants in Lexington & Columbia, SC

In the public's eye, there is almost no charge worse than a sexual assault or the sexual abuse of a child. Often times, you will be considered guilty until proven innocent for all practical purposes. A conviction will likely result in a lifelong entry in the South Carolina Sex Offense Registry, which is frequently searched by employers, schools, churches and even neighborhood associations. A sex crime conviction could also subject you to further indefinite confinement under the South Carolina Sexually Violent Predator Act.

Lexington Sex Crime Attorney Combatting False Charges

Charges of sexual abuse may be a result of someone attempting to gain an advantage in a family court divorce of custody. Some cases are even brought because someone may believe that if they can obtain a conviction with false testimony that they will be the recipient of some sort of financial settlement. Frequently the obvious potential inconsistences and ulterior motives will not serve as a deterrent to an arrest and prosecution in a sex case.

When young children are involved, their recollections and statements are subject to be the products of undue influence and suggestibility. Your case may require the use of expert psychologists or other medical personal to refute the state's allegations and to look out for instances of unreliable testimony. Where there is a possibility that an expert may assist in the preparation of your defense or in the trial of your case, Mr. Snell will help you select the right expert for your case.

Common Sex Crimes in South Carolina

There are many different types of sex crimes that our Lexington criminal defense attorneys have encountered. At Law Office of James R. Snell, we understand the process that we must go through with you. During a case evaluation, we can discuss the details of your situation.

These are the common sex crimes that we handle:

Criminal Sexual Conduct, Rape
S.C. Code 16-3-652
Criminal sexual conduct, or rape, is a felony punishable by up to 30 years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense involves a sexual battery (usually some form of penetration) on a victim with the use of force, intimidation, or by rendering the victim incapacitated.

Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor
S.C. Code §16-3-655
Criminal sexual conduct with a minor with a victim under the age of 11 is a felony punishable by a minimum of 25 years to life imprisonment. Second offenders will receive life without the possibility of parole or execution. If the victim is between 11 and 16 it is punishable by 10 to 30 years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This is the offense of committing a sexual battery (usually that involves penetration) upon the body of a minor. This is one of the absolute most serious charges under South Carolina law. Frequently those charged with this offense will either be denied bond or will have their bond set in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
S.C. Code §16-15-342
Criminal solicitation of a minor is a felony punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions, usually by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. This offense relates to improper instant messaging, or chatting, with an individual who is, or indicates that they are a minor. Frequently law enforcement sets up Internet stings where they make themselves available for instant messaging in adult oriented chat rooms, only later indicating that they are minors.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
S.C. Code §16-15-395
Sexual exploitation of a minor is a felony punishable by 3 to 20 years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense involves the engagement of a minor for either a live sexually oriented performance, or for the production of child pornography.

Child Pornography Possession
S.C. Code §16-15-410
Child pornography possession is a felony punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense involves the possession or actual, or created representations (such as animations), of a minor engaged in sexual activity.

Distributing Obscene Material to Children
S.C. Code §16-15-345
Distributing obscene material to children is a felony punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense involves the distribution of obscene or pornographic materials, whether in a book, magazine, video, DVD, or on a computer, to any minor.

Solicitation for Prostitution
S.C. Code §16-15-90
Solicitation for prostitution is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years' imprisonment. It is either prosecuted in the magistrate court or the court of general sessions depending on the number of prior convictions a defendant has.

Promoting Prostitution of a Minor
S.C. Code §16-15-415
Promoting prostitution of a minor is a felony punishable by 3 to 20 years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense relates to the encouraging, managing, or allowing any minor to prostitute themselves.

Participation in Prostitution of a Minor
S.C. Code §16-15-425
Participation in prostitution of a minor is a felony punishable by two to five years' imprisonment. It is prosecuted in the court of general sessions by the solicitor's office. This offense relates to any adult requesting that a minor prostitute themselves, or where an adult attempts to hire a minor prostitute through a third party.

Prostitution
S.C. Code §16-15-100
Prostitution is illegal in South Carolina. Both male and female prostitution is unlawful and the law applies to both the prostitute and the customer (also referred to as a "John"). Depending on the defendant's prior record it can either be prosecuted in magistrate / municipal court or in the court of general sessions.