The accusation of sexual assault carries the threat of significant legal consequences if convicted. Even a charge of third-degree sexual assault can put someone in jail for up to 10 years and leave them with fines going as high as $100,000. Charges of sexual assault in the second degree might mean 25 years behind bars. And if the charge escalates to first-degree sexual assault? A lifetime in prison is the result.

What all of this means is that everything in a sexual assault case is important. The specific charges brought will determine the sentencing parameters outlined above. Police and prosecutors may use the threat of more serious charges to try and get a defendant to plead out to a lower charge. A defendant feeling understandable fear and will be best served by calling their Des Moines sex crimes lawyer and allowing the attorney to lead the way on any discussions of a plea.

If, after the arraignment, the case goes to trial, a reliable defense has to be built on detail-oriented investigative work, strong cross-examination of witnesses and an astute understanding of jury dynamics. In the event of a guilty verdict, the defense lawyer can still work through the pre-sentencing investigation to secure a fair sentence that will allow the defendant to rebuild their life after their sentence is over.

A harsh reality is that even sexual assault charges–to say nothing of a guilty plea or conviction–can leave a defendant being branded as a “rapist” by the community around them. Perhaps nothing underscores that more than Sex Offender Registry.

How Does the Sex Offender Registry Work in Iowa?

Those convicted of sex crimes have to register with the state of Iowa. The registry is then visible to the public. Even if someone was unjustly convicted or coerced into a confession. Even if someone has since reformed their life. The stigma can follow them around, and even after release from prison, there can be consequences that include being unable to being around one’s own children without supervision.

A Des Moines sex crimes lawyer can work with someone on the possibility of sex offender registry modification. It is possible for a defendant to get their name off this list and begin restoring their reputation. There are conditions that must be met and the process of obtaining modification can involve jumping through legal hoops. But doing that work is why lawyers are here, and we can help.

Clark & Sears Law believes that second chances are for everyone. So are fair trials and the right to a presumption of innocence. We don’t shy away from handling difficult sex crimes cases, and we give our clients the strong representation they need. From our Des Moines office we serve all of Polk County, along with Story, Boone, Warren, & Dallas Counties.

Call Clark & Sears Law today at (515) 200-2787 or contact us online to set up a consultation.