Nashville Sex Crime Lawyer

Nashville Sex Crime Attorney

If you have been accused of or charged with a sex crime or sex offense in the Nashville area, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and frightened over what the future holds for you. This is an understandable place to be, as the penalties that can come about as the result of a successful conviction can be both devastating and life-altering. If you are facing these circumstances, you need the legal representation and guidance of an experienced Nashville sex crimes lawyer.

In the state of Tennessee, the punishments that follow a successful sex crime conviction can be extremely harsh and include things like lengthy prison time, substantial fines that could leave you financially destitute, and being required to register as a sex offender, which can harm your chances at future employment or housing opportunities. With so much at stake, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled Nashville criminal defense lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, and the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez is here to provide the support you need.

Common Sex Crimes Cases in Tennessee

Sexual criminal activity can take many different forms. The Music City Defender can assist you no matter what kind of charge you are facing and has the experience necessary to fight for the protection of your rights, future, and freedoms. The most common cases of sex crimes we have represented in the greater Nashville area include the following:

• Rape of a Child: This charge is defined by incidents in which there has been unlawful sexual penetration by an adult to a child who is between the years of 3 and 13. Aggravated rape of a child occurs when that child is 3 years old or younger. Both of these offenses are considered a Class A felony, and the defendant can face serious penalties, including prison time, while not eligible for parole or probation.
• Rape: This charge is defined as unlawful sexual penetration by an individual to another person who does not consent to the sexual penetration or is forced to suffer this penetration. This crime is classified as a Class B felony, and though probation can be allowed in these cases, the judge and prosecution rarely allow it to take place, causing the alleged offender to serve their full sentence.
• Aggravated Sexual Battery: This charge can be defined as any sexual or physical contact with a victim by force with a weapon or with a child who is under the age of 13 years old. It can also include sexual contact with a physically or mentally incapacitated victim. It is considered a Class B felony, and individuals who are successfully convicted of this charge are not typically eligible to receive probation and must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence.
• Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure: This charge can arise when there has been alleged sexual contact with a child between the ages of 13 and 18 by an individual who has disciplinary or supervisory authority over that child. It can include the touching of the buttocks, breasts, or genitals of the child in question. It is considered a Class C felony, and individuals convicted can be eligible for probation. They will register as a sex offender.
• Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure: This charge occurs when there has been alleged sexual penetration of a child between the ages of 13 and 18 by an adult who has authority of some type over the child. This is considered a Class C felony charge, and often, individuals convicted are not eligible to receive probation and will be required to register as a sex offender in the state of Tennessee.
• Sexual Battery: This charge is brought when there has been an alleged incident of sexual touching between two adults, where one of the individuals was forced to take part in the touching, or it happened without their consent. It can include the touching of the breasts, genitals, or buttocks. This is considered a Class E felony, and individuals convicted can be eligible for probation but will be required to register as a sex offender.
• Solicitation of a Minor: In Tennessee, it is illegal for an individual over the age of 18 to intentionally have communication with any person under the age of 18, whether through written, oral, or digital means, in an effort to perform or engage in sexual activity with that minor which is prohibited under state law. The classification of this charge depends on the circumstances of the incident.
• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: This charge can arise when individuals possess any kind of depiction that involves minors engaged in sexual activity that is considered to be offensive. Depending on the number of depictions in the individual’s possession, the classification of these charges can increase, as can the penalties associated with it. The offense may also be elevated to an aggravated charge if certain circumstances are present.
• Indecent Exposure: This charge can occur if an individual is allegedly found to be intentionally exposing their genitals or buttocks to another person or exposing them to unwilling bystanders, which can include any sexual contact in a public space. These are usually charged as a Class B misdemeanor but may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if certain circumstances are involved in the incident, such as the age of those involved.
• Spousal Rape: This charge can arise when a married person engages in sexual activity with their spouse that involves the unlawful penetration of that individual because a deadly weapon is being used, serious bodily harm done, or one of the partners has filed for divorce or separation. This charge can be increased to an aggravated charge if the behavior is deemed to be especially vile, cruel, or otherwise inhumane.
• Spousal Sexual Battery: A charge of this nature can arise if there is any form of unwanted sexual contact between a married couple. If the incident included the use of a deadly weapon or the victim suffered serious bodily harm, the charge may be elevated to aggravated battery. If not aggravated, it can be considered a Class E felony.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Nashville

There are several penalties individuals can face when charged with sex crimes in Nashville. Often, these punishments will vary based on the exact form and nature of the charges being brought against them. The common penalties for sex crimes in Nashville can include:

• Class A Felony: These are often the most serious charges, and individuals successfully convicted can face prison time lasting anywhere from 15 to 60 years and fines of up to $50,000. Aggravated rape is one example of a Class A Felony.
• Class B Felony: These charges are punished with prison time lasting anywhere from eight to 30 years and fines of up to $25,000. Aggravated sexual battery is one example of a Class B Felony.
• Class C Felony: Individuals facing these kinds of charges can be imprisoned between three to 15 years and face fines up to $10,000. This can include sexual battery by an authority figure.
• Class D Felony: These charges can include penalties of fines totaling no more than $5,000 and imprisonment of up to 12 years. The use of children in the manufacturing of pornography is one example.
• Class E Felony: These are the least serious of felony offenses, but individuals can still face up to six years in prison and fines of up to $3,000. Statutory rape is one example.
• Class A Misdemeanor: These charges can be punishable by fines of up to $2,500 and jail time of up to 11 months. Some cases of indecent exposure may be considered a Class A misdemeanor.
• Class B Misdemeanor: These charges are typically punished with fines totaling up to $500 and jail time of no more than six months. Certain forms of indecent exposure can be classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Depending on the seriousness of your charge, the penalties you can face can change the entire course of your future. This is why having an attorney on your side who is willing to fight aggressively for your legal protection is necessary.

The Music City Defender: Defending You Against a Sex Crime Conviction

When you hire The Music City Defender in Nashville, TN, you are essentially hiring a legal professional who will put your future, freedoms, and rights at the top of their list. We can ensure that everything is done in our power to seek a desirable outcome for your case, whether that be a reduction, lighter sentence, or case dismissal.

For almost a decade, the team at The Music City Defender has been working hard to secure positive case outcomes for our clients facing a litany of sex crime charges. Whatever sex crime charge you are dealing with, our firm is here to help. We have the experience and resources necessary to take the following actions in your defense:

• Review the details of your case during an initial consultation and case evaluation to determine the right defense strategies and any weaknesses in the case brought against you
• Investigate and gather any evidence as it pertains to your case, such as police reports, eyewitness statements, or surveillance or security camera footage, which can establish an alibi for you
• Negotiate with the prosecution to seek a reduction in the charges you are facing, a lighter sentence, or, in some cases, a complete dismissal of the charges brought against you
• If negotiations are not possible, we can confidently bring your case to court and argue our defense before a judge and jury.

Time is of the essence when it comes to charges of sex crimes in Tennessee. As soon as you are accused or charged, contact an attorney who can begin to build a solid defense strategy for you. Remember, under the United States Constitution, you have both the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Do not waive either of these rights until you have spoken with an attorney from The Music City Defender.