Sexual crimes are some of the most difficult to defend. Each state has its own laws that determine the severity of a conviction, but there are many factors that can potentially play into the severity of a sex crime conviction. These factors vary from the type of crime committed to whether or not it was sexually motivated. What is more, these factors can vary depending on the age and gender of the victim. All these factors make having an experienced sex crime attorney beside you essential.
In a world where sex crimes are on the rise, there is a great need for understanding the different factors that contribute to the severity of a conviction. Sex crimes can lead to extreme consequences depending on the type of crime committed and how it is handled by law enforcement. In a criminal charge, the judge will determine the severity of the sentence based upon a number of factors. The type of offense, if there is a victim or not, and prior criminal history are some considerations. In addition to these factors, judges look at the age difference between the defendant and victim as well as any other mitigating circumstances.
Here are some factors that determine the severity of a sex crime conviction.
- The age of the alleged victim
A sex crime conviction can be determined by many factors. The age of the alleged victim is one factor that can determine the severity of the conviction. For example, if a child is approximately five years old, it would be much worse to have an accusation for sexual molestation or attempted rape versus someone who is 18 years old.
- The age of the culprit
In criminal law, the age of the culprit is an important factor in determining the severity of their convictions. Considering that juveniles commit many crimes, it is necessary to take into account that these crimes are often less serious offenses, such as theft or vandalism. However, as a person ages and commits more and more serious crimes, there will be a corresponding increase in harsh penalties associated with those charges.
- Past convictions of the culprit
One of the most important factors in determining the severity of a sex crime conviction is the past convictions of the culprit. Historically, if someone was convicted of an offense twice for sexual offenses, they were at risk of being subjected to harsher sentences. This contrasts with crimes that are not traditionally considered “sex-related,” which are less likely to be considered repeat offenses.
