Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Lawrence, Kansas

Any criminal charge can impact your life and future. Unfortunately, the penalties and consequences of a sex crime allegation are even more severe. A sex crime conviction could jeopardize your personal and professional reputation, ability to secure a job, housing, loans, and public benefits. With your future on the line, it's natural to feel terrified.

If you have been arrested and charged with a sex crime, you need to retain a highly-skilled Kansas criminal defense attorney to help craft your defense strategy. For over two decades, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and defending individuals wrongfully accused of sex-related crimes. As your legal counsel, I can investigate the facts surrounding your unique situation and strategize a strong defense to fight your sex crimes charges in pursuit of the best possible outcome.

My firm—Chahine Legal LLC—proudly serves clients across Lawrence, Kansas, and throughout Kansas and Missouri, including Olathe, Lenexa, and Overland Park.

Types of Sex-Related Crimes

In the state of Kansas, sex crimes involve all kinds of non-consensual sexual acts or misconduct—including sexual battery, rape, criminal sodomy, or other sexual behaviors—exhibited to another person without the consent of the victim. Here are some of the most common sex-related offenses in Kansas:

Rape

Rape can be described as knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse with a victim who does not consent to the sexual intercourse when he or she is unconscious, overcome by force or fear, physically powerless, incapable of giving consent because of mental deficiency or disease, or overcome by force or fear. Under Kansas law, sexual activity with a consenting child below 14 years of age is also considered rape.

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery can be described as the touching of a victim who is not the spouse of the defendant, who is 16 or more years of age, and who does not consent, with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the offender or another person.

Indecent Liberties with a Child

Under Kansas law, indecent liberties with a child involve engaging in any of the following acts with a child who is 14 or more years of age but less than 16 years of age:

• Any lewd fondling or touching of the person of either the child or the offender, done or submitted to with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the offender, or both

• Soliciting the child to engage in any lewd fondling or touching of the person of another with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the child, the offender, or another

Lewd and Lascivious Behavior

Lewd and lascivious behavior, according to Kansas law, involves:

• Publicly engaging in otherwise lawful sexual intercourse or sodomy with the knowledge or reasonable anticipation that others are viewing the participants

• Publicly exposing a sex organ or exposing a sex organ in the presence of a person who is not the spouse of the offender and who has not consented, with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desires of the offender or another

Defining Consent Under Kansas Law

Consent can be described as an agreement—clear and freely communicated—between two persons to engage in sexual activity. In Kansas, the age of consent is 16 years. An individual aged 15 or below in Kansas cannot legally consent to sexual activity. Any sexual activity without consent may be considered as sexual battery or rape.

Possible Penalties

Sex-related offenses often carry devastating and possibly life-changing ramifications. Depending on the circumstances, being convicted of a sex crime could potentially result in any of the following penalties and consequences:

• Massive fines

• Significant time in prison (ranging from months, years, or decades)

• Loss of your rights to possess or carry a firearm or gun

• A criminal record/history

• Registration as a sex offender

• Increased difficulty in finding employment or housing

• Loss of personal freedom and social prospects

If you or someone you know has recently been charged with a sex crime, you need to reach out to an aggressive criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can determine the best defenses to help you avoid the devastating consequences of a criminal conviction.

Possible Defenses

When facing sex crimes accusations in Kansas, the possible defenses to fight your charges include:

• The sexual activity was consensual

• A claim of actual innocence

• Mistaken identity

• You were under extreme mental or emotional distress

• Victim of a false accusation

• Insanity or mental incapacity

• No sexual contact occurred

• Insufficient evidence

• You acted under duress while dominated by someone else

A skilled Kansas sex crimes defense lawyer can outline an effective defense strategy to fight your charges and enlighten you on how consent may apply to your case.

What to Do if You Are Accused of a Sex Crime

If you've been accused of a sex crime charge, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Seek legal representation immediately

• Avoid giving any statement or talking to the police

• Gather necessary evidence and documentation

• Create a list of witnesses

• Do not confront or contact your accuser

• Do not post on social media

• Do not give any evidence to law enforcement

A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate every last detail of your case and determine the best defenses to fight your charges.

Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Trying to defend your sex crimes allegations without experienced representation could easily expose you to the risks of suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted of any sex crime, you may face devastating punishments, such as lengthy incarceration, massive fines, registration as a sex offender, and more. When facing these possibilities, retaining a highly-skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney is imperative. At Chahine Legal LLC, I am absolutely devoted to defending and protecting my clients. I will fight vigorously to defend your rights, attempt to establish your innocence, and help you seek a brighter tomorrow.