Sexual Assault Crimes in Missouri & Sex Crime Criminal Defense Attorney

Perhaps no crimes cause a higher degree of public outcry than sex crimes. Sex crimes tend to be sensationalized when reported and dig at the moral fiber of the public in general. As a result, it should come as no surprise that every sex-related crime in Missouri carries a stiff punishment, as public policy has led to certain laws being passed that are extremely harsh in nature.

Therefore, if you’ve been arrested and charged with a sex crime in Missouri, you need to seek the help of a criminal defense attorney immediately to make sure that your rights are protected. Attorney John Anthony Picerno is a Missouri criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience, so contact his office to schedule a consultation.

Below are two of the most prevalent issues in regards to sex crimes in Missouri:

Internet Pornography

Internet pornography that is sent and even purchased between adults is not necessarily illegal, unless said pornography involves children or people acting against their will. However, any form of Internet pornography that is sent or sold to minors is dealt with harshly by the Missouri statutes. If a defendant is found to have engaged in such conduct and is convicted of the charges, he or she faces the penalties associated with a Class D felony, which can mean up to 10 years in prison.

Sex Crimes Involving Minors

Aside from the Internet-driven sex crimes involving minors and pornography, there are many other offenses that fall under this realm. Generally speaking, all of the offenses are felonies, the only difference being which degree of felony applies. For instance, examples of charges of this type include statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, promoting child pornography, possession of child pornography, sexual assault and a whole host of other offenses.

As stated earlier, public policy is what drives legislation, and legislation is what leads to sentencing guidelines and sometimes decisions in the courtroom. Sex crimes involving minors is a touchstone that angers the general public like perhaps no other prominent issue, which is why being charged with such an offense is a serious matter, and most likely involves a prison term if a conviction is the result.

Your Legal Rights

Despite all this being said, it does not mean that you are without rights if you have been arrested and charged with a sex-related crime. The Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant certain rights and privileges, and if you value your freedom and reputation, you must take the steps necessary to make use of all of these rights that are available to you.

Of course, the first step is finding out what these rights are, and the second is enforcing them. In order to complete both of these steps, you need to contact Attorney John Anthony Picerno immediately for a full consultation. Attorney Picerno has been representing defendant in sex crimes cases in Missouri for many years, and he will be able to help you plot out a course of action and defend yourself with the vigor you’re entitled to in any criminal defense setting.