West Chester

Indecent Assault Lawyer

If you face arrest or suspicion for indecent assault, you deserve a dedicated and aggressive defense. Our sex crimes defense lawyers help people accused of indecent assault in the southeastern Pennsylvania counties of Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Delaware.

When your reputation and freedom are at stake, get help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We handle every aspect of your case and fight to protect your rights. Call Skinner Law Firm at (610) 436-1410 or send an online message to schedule a risk-free and confidential consultation.

How an Indecent Assault Lawyer in West Chester Could Help You

When you learn that police are investigating you for a sex crime such as indecent assault in West Chester, you need to act quickly. The sooner you get an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, the better your chances are for clearing your name.

Speaking on Your Behalf

You won’t risk explaining the situation yourself with the right attorney by your side, which often creates misunderstandings. It is in your best interest to say nothing to the police and allow your attorney to speak on your behalf.

Reducing or Dismissing Charges

Skinner Law Firm has helped many people in similar situations. We can negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge or even seek a dismissal.

Representing You at Trial

If your case goes to trial, we build a solid defense to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Defenses Against Indecent Assault Charges

Presenting a solid defense is the only way you are going to be able to avoid a conviction. Your attorney may be able to convince the state that there is insufficient evidence to move forward with formal criminal indecent assault charges.

If the prosecutor elects to press charges, then you’ll need a compelling defense, which might include:

Indecent Assault in Pennsylvania

Indecent assault is a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Pennsylvania, depending on the circumstances. According to Pa. Cons. Stat. §3126, indecent assault consists of contact, touching, or acts that:

  • The person does so without the alleged victim’s consent
  • The person does so by use of threat or force
  • The alleged victim is unconscious
  • The person knows that the victim is unaware of the indecent contact
  • The person has made the alleged victim impaired due to the use of drugs or intoxicants, such as “roofies”
  • The alleged victim is physically or mentally incapable of giving consent to sexual contact
  • The alleged victim is under the age of 13
  • The alleged victim is under the age of 16

A reputable criminal defense attorney may help you avoid conviction of indecent assault. The penalties of a guilty verdict are harsh and affect you for years. Skinner Law Firm can help you clear your name so that you may move forward with your plans.

Types of Indecent Assault and Related Charges

There are two types of indecent assault under PA law: Indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault. You could face other charges relating to indecent assault in West Chester, with accumulative penalties that could destroy your life.

Aggravated Indecent Assault Charges

Under Pa. Cons. Stat. §3125, a defendant may be charged with aggravated indecent assault if they:

  • Engage in penetration, however slight, of the anus or genitals for any purpose other than good faith medical, hygienic, or law enforcement procedures.

Other Criminal Charges Related to Indecent Assault

In addition to aggravated indecent assault charges, you might also face other sex crime charges. These might include:

These are just a few of the various sex crimes you could face in addition to indecent assault charges. Make sure you have a lawyer prepared to present a compelling defense in court to help you avoid the harshest penalties.

Penalties for Indecent Assault in West Chester, PA

If you are found guilty of indecent assault in West Chester, you face harsh penalties. Indecent assault is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of two years in prison. You might also pay fines as high as $5,000.

Aggravated Indecent Assault Penalties

Aggravated indecent assault is a second-degree felony. If convicted, you could spend up to 10 years in jail and pay fines as high as $25,000.

Aggravated indecent assault on a victim younger than 13 is a first-degree felony. In Pennsylvania, first-degree felonies have a presumptive sentence of up to 20 years in prison with a maximum $25,000 fine.

Irredeemable Damage to Your Future

In addition to these criminal penalties, there are also collateral consequences to a West Chester indecent assault conviction:

Don’t risk your liberties by choosing an overworked public defender to handle your case. When your reputation is on the line, you need an attorney to give your defense the attention it deserves.

Contact an Indecent Assault Lawyer in West Chester

Due to the severe nature of a charge for indecent assault, you may avoid unfair treatment or complications by working with a qualified attorney from the very beginning of your case.

Our sex crimes defense lawyers help clients in West Chester, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, Downingtown, Oxford, Coatesville, Exton, and Chester County.

Contact Skinner Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation if you have been arrested or accused of indecent assault. Call (610) 436-1410 or use our online contact form, and we’ll reach out to discuss your defense strategy.