A sex crime refers to unlawful actions which can fall in either immoral, elicit, or unethical categories. As an individual can carry out these unlawful actions in regards to sexuality, the laws relating to such are categorized and tackled in different manner depending on the state. Sentences relating to sex crimes differ depending on the classification of the sexual crime as well as the cruelty and guilt of the offender.
Provided as a reference and for educational purposes only, contact an experienced Sex crime lawyer in Dallas for additional details.
The age of consent is an important aspect that influences the classification and sentence. The age of consent is defined differently in each state. Normally, the age of consent is 18; in some states, this is a main factor that affects the decisions. It is considered that a person under the age of consent is not capable of lawfully agreeing to sexual actions with an adult; thus, this action against a person under 18 is categorized as non-consensual.
There are two kinds of sex crimes: forcible and non-forcible. A forcible sex crime is performed with threat of violence. It may be the case when the victim was severely threatened or when a weapon was used. Even if the consequence to the victim is severe injury and not death, this act is still considered as forcible sex crime.
Forcible sex crime is also referred to as sexual assault. Normally, as long as there is threat of violence, any sex crime is forcible, except in cases when there are no victims.
Rape is the most familiar sex crime. Rape is the case in which the offender engages in a sexual act with a person who did not consent the action. There are various categories of rape. Statutory rape is one, where the offender is an adult and the victim is a minor. As the minor is under the age of consent, then he or she is not capable of giving consent to the sexual act.
Most of the time, people think that rape happens among strangers; however, the cases are not very common. Actually, statutory rape (which was previously mentioned), marital or spousal rape, and date rape are the usual cases of rape. These cases happen when a person engages in sexual actions without consent from their romantic partner, spouse, or a date.
Non-forcible crimes, on the other hand, are sexual crimes such as possessing, distributing, and producing illegal pornographic material. Voyeurism is also a form of non-forcible crime.
Note: The information in this article is not intended nor should be considered legal advice, provided by The Law Offices of Michael Lowe, which provides legal services in the area of sex crimes and associated offenses.