If convicted of child molestation in Nebraska, you face a potentially lengthy prison sentence. Additionally, you may be required to register in the federal sex offender database.
No other crimes carry such a damaging social stigma as sex crimes against children. If convicted, the damage has far-reaching consequences for your reputation. Contact the experienced legal team at Petersen Law today to review your options when facing child molestation charges.
What Is Child Molestation?
Federal and state laws define child sexual assault. Federal law establishes minimum standards; however, each state creates its own definitions of child sexual assault.
In Nebraska, sex crimes include molestation charges. Child molestation charges involve a child under the age of 12 and a perpetrator 19 years of age or older, or a child 12 to 15 years old with a perpetrator 25 years of age or older.
Possible Defenses To Child Molestation
Work with an experienced criminal lawyer to reduce potential jail time for molestation charges. However, defenses to child molestation allegations are difficult to establish. Due to the sensitive nature of child molestation charges, it is crucial to counter any allegations and provide clear evidence invalidating the charges. Defenses to child molestation charges include the following:
Casting doubt on the prosecutor’s case;
Proving accidental contact with the child; or
Proving the accusation is entirely false.
Additional defenses may establish that any harm resulted from an act unrelated to child abuse.
Attorney Tom Petersen of Petersen Law works tirelessly to analyze the evidence against you and minimize the severity of charges you face.
Registration As A Sex Offender
Aside from jail time for molestation charges, one of the other potential consequences of a child molestation conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender. Individuals charged with sex crimes worry about placement on the sex offender registry. The National Sex Offender Registry is a federal database of all individuals accused of sex crimes. The database extends to offenders in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, United States Territories, and Indian Country.
While a prison sentence or probation eventually ends, requirements to register as a sex offender may last a lifetime. Failure to follow strict registration guidelines could result in severe consequences, including the possibility of a new felony charge.
How We Can Help
If facing child molestation charges, don’t wait to begin protecting your rights. The potential consequences in a child molestation case depend on the charges against you, your prior criminal history, and other factors. Tom Petersen of Petersen Law works diligently on behalf of all clients. Without judgment, Tom thoroughly investigates all the facts to determine the best path forward.