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Sexual Abuse Attorney in Lexington, KY

Experienced Sex Crime Lawyers

Sexual abuse is a serious offense among sex crimes, and one that requires a serious attorney who knows how to advocate for you. If you have been charged with sexual abuse, let Bleile & Dawson help you avoid the penalties of a conviction, including massive fines and extensive jail time. With over 50 years of collective experience, our Lexington sex crime defense attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and reputation in court. Sexual

What to Know About Sexual Abuse Law

Under U.S. law, sexual abuse is usually defined as the sexual mistreatment of a minor. Sexual abuse may include the use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in or assist another person in sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct in the pursuit of creating a visual depiction. Statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other kinds of sexual exploitation of a minor may also be characterized as sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may constitute incest or rape in cases involving a family member, caretaker, or guardian.

In Kentucky, sexual abuse may or may not involve a minor under the definition of the law. The law does define sexual abuse involving a minor as more severe and, therefore, is usually accompanied by more severe punishments.

In Kentucky, sexual abuse in cases may lead to:

  • A Class C felony charge, carrying a possible sentence of 5-10 years in prison in cases where the victim is under 12.
  • A Class D felony charge, carrying a possible sentence of 1-5 years in prison.
  • A Class A misdemeanor charge, carrying a possible sentence of up to 12 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
  • A Class B misdemeanor charge, carrying a possible sentence of up to 90 days in prison.

Even in cases of consensual sexual activity with a minor, a person may be found guilty of sexual abuse on a statutory charge, since under Kentucky state law, consensual sex with someone younger than the state-wide age of consent is still considered a crime.

Consequences of Sexual Abuse

In addition to prison time and expensive fines, a conviction of sexual abuse under Kentucky state law means you will have to register as a sex offender. Sex offenders are required to register in counties where they work, live, and attend school, and being on a sex offender registry may also preclude you from certain employment opportunities, or from participating in local organizations and activities.

Several areas where sex offenders’ rights are limited include:

  • Housing: A sex offender must have their residence approved by a corrections officer. Offenders are also forced to register before leaving the state and within 24 hours of picking a new residence.
  • Neighborhoods: Sex offenders cannot live too close to schools or daycares.
  • Jobs: Sex offenders must have their jobs approved by a corrections officer, and are barred from holding certain employment, such as positions that involve working with children.
  • Medical Evaluations: Sex offenders are required to undergo psycho-sexual evaluations by state-approved deviancy counselors.
  • Personal life: Sexual offenders are not allowed to have any contact with victims, under any circumstances, and often have to seek court supervision before being around any children.
  • Firearms: Sex offenders are not allowed to purchase firearms and may face legal consequences if they are found to own any.
  • Alcohol: Sex offenders are not allowed to drink alcohol and must report to a corrections officer for regular drug and alcohol-use evaluations.

Let Bleile & Dawson Help You

If you are facing sexual abuse or other sex crime charges in Kentucky, Bleile & Dawson may be able to help you. Our Lexington sex crime lawyers have been recognized by Avvo, Super Lawyers®, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 50 Under 50. We offer strategic defenses and a positive outlook when taking any case. Don’t let a sexual abuse charge ruin your reputation. Contact Bleile & Dawson and start fighting to get your life back now. Also serving clients located in Campbell, Boone and Kenton Counties.

You can talk to one of our experienced attorneys on the phone at (859) 951-3112 or get in touch with us online for a free consultation—available 24/7 for your legal needs!

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