Sex Crimes Attorney in Owensboro, Kentucky

Sex crimes carry harsh penalties. If you have been accused of a Kentucky sex crime, there is a lot at stake—including possible prison sentences and the possibility of registering as a sex offender. When your freedom is on the line, you should never settle for anything less than legal representation with a proven track record of aggressive defense. 

At Evan Taylor Law Office PSC, we believe quality legal representation shouldn’t cost you a fortune. No matter the circumstances surrounding the charge, you are innocent until proven guilty. When you work with us, you'll get honest and practical legal guidance, coupled with efficient and aggressive representation. With over two decades of experience in both state and federal courts, we have the knowledge needed to serve your legal needs, whatever they may be.

Types of Sex-Related Crimes in Kentucky

The term sex crime generally refers to a wide range of criminal offenses that have a sexual component. Evan Taylor Law Office PSC understands the broad categories of sexual charges as well as the unique distinctions for the specific charge you face. 

In Kentucky, the primary categories of sexually related crimes include:

• Pornography — A pornography charge typically stems from crimes related to sexually explicit videos, photographs or images, and more. In addition, using or distributing explicit content of children may result in a sex crime accusation. Lastly, emailing or texting sexual content may fall within the scope of a pornography charge as well as the circulation of “revenge pornography” after a relationship has ended. 

• Sexual Assault — Generally, these charges stem from instances when a victim may have been violently abused sexually without intercourse. The victim may have been forced to perform a sexual act or engage in unwanted sexual behaviors. 

• Rape and date rape — In Kentucky, rape is an act of sexual aggression where a victim has not given consent to sexual intercourse or is unable to give consent because of their age, physical state, or mental capacity. 

Defining Consent

The basic definition of consent is the agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent is an ongoing process that centers around communication between the participants involved. Consenting to one activity one time does not imply consent for other actives or occasions. 

Additionally, age is always a frequent question. Under Kentucky law, a person must be 16 years old to consent to a sexual act. Although this law may seem simple to understand, there are multiple restrictions that can remove the ability of a 16-year-old to consent to engage in a sexual act.  

Both age and perception of consent are often the linchpins when facing a sex-crime charge. Because the determination of consent may be subjective and the complexity of understanding age consent laws is difficult, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is a wise choice. Prosecutors in Kentucky take sex crimes seriously and you should never tackle the system alone or assume a judge will side with your opinion of consent. 

Registering as a Sex Offender

The sexual offender registry is an online, public database that stores the names, convictions, and other important information of convicted offenders. If you are convicted of a sex crime in Kentucky, you may be required to register as a sex offender. Depending on the nature of the conviction, those registered as a Kentucky sex offender may experience restrictions to online activities, inability to live in certain areas, loss of career or job opportunities, and relational abandonment. 

Possible Penalties

Sex crimes in Kentucky can be a misdemeanor or a felony. The charge type typically depends on:

• Previous criminal record and/or history of sexual offense

• Injuries or degree of harm incurred to the alleged victim

• Intent and consent 

• Age of individuals involved

Regardless of whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, a sex crime conviction can carry severe penalties that include a jail or prison sentence, costly fines, probation, mandatory counseling, or treatment.