Tennessee Sex Crime Lawyer

Aggressively Defending Against Sex Offense Allegations in Tennessee

The damage to your reputation is severe when accused of a sex crime in Tennessee. The mere accusation of such a crime before it has been legally decided in a court of law can have devastating effects on your family, career, social relations, and more. You may find yourself ostracized in the court of public opinion before your defense has even been heard. However, if you are convicted, the consequences can be even worse with potential harsh prison time, fines, and the possibility of having to become a registered sex offender.

At the Law Office of Michael Auffinger, our Tennessee sex crime attorney knows the stakes are extremely high in sex crime allegations. Attorney Auffinger operates on the fundamental principle that you are innocent until proven guilty and he will leave no stone unturned in providing you with the strongest defense possible. He is completely dedicated to protecting your legal rights, ensuring you have fair treatment throughout the criminal court process, and that you have the advocate on your side that you need through this ordeal. He has years of experience in the criminal justice system, including fighting sex crimes throughout Tennessee. He knows how judges think and how to present compelling defenses during litigation.

Get the representation you need as soon as possible in sex crime allegations. Contact the Law Office of Michael Auffinger online or at (615) 258-6575 for trusted legal help from a Murfreesboro sex crimes attorney.

Sex Crimes & Penalties in Tennessee

The majority of sex crimes in Tennessee are classified as felonies, although some are considered misdemeanors. These crimes are punished based on the activity involved, mitigating and/or aggravating factors that either decrease or increase the severity of the offense, as well as its sentencing if you are convicted.

Examples of sex crimes include but are not limited to the following:

• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, and sexual battery by an authority figure
• Rape, statutory rape, statutory rape by an authority figure, spousal rape, and rape of a child
• Child pornography possession and distribution
• Criminal sexual contact
• Sexual exploitation of a minor
• Solicitation of a minor
• Kidnapping
• Accessory after the fact (assisting in the commission of a sex crime)

Many of these crimes have as their underlying basis that the actions taken against the alleged victim were done without his or her consent. For example, sexual battery includes forcing the alleged victim to engage in an action of a sexual nature against his or her will. It also includes sexual contact with a victim who does not have the capability of giving consent, such as a person who is unconscious from drugs or alcohol, or a person who is mentally incapacitated. Sexual battery is charged as a Class E felony punishable by one up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

Examples of aggravating circumstances in sexual battery include causing bodily injury, using a weapon during the crime, committing the crime with the aid of one or more individuals, or committing the crime against someone less than 13 years old. These factors will raise the offense to “aggravated” sexual battery which is charged as a Class B felony punishably by eight up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

Sex Offender Registry

Many sex crimes also carry mandatory registration with the Sex Offender Registry. This provides online access to the public about your identity and information. Being a registered sex offender can affect where you live and work as well as provide other restrictions. In Tennessee, the Registry has three tiers based on such factors as whether your conviction is for a first or subsequent offense.

Tier 1 is registration for 10 years after which you can request to be removed. Tier 2 is registration for 25 years, while Tier 3 requires registration for life. Contact our Tennessee sex offense attorney to help you.

Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Tennessee

Not every lawyer has what it takes to represent a sex crime case and, frankly, many law firms refuse to represent them. Attorney Auffinger not only takes sex crime cases, but is thoroughly committed to aggressively defending them. He wants you to have a chance to tell your side of the story. He also wants to ensure that your defense is as aggressive and comprehensive as the prosecution’s case against you. You will not receive half-hearted or lackluster service when he is onboard. When accused of such serious allegations, you need to be proactive. Turn to the Tennessee sexual assault lawyer at the Law Office of Michael Auffinger as soon as possible for the representation that can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.

Set up a consultation with our Tennessee sex crime defense lawyer online or at (615) 258-6575 today.