WESTMORELAND COUNTY SEX CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
The Presumption of Innocence protects every person accused of a crime. You are not guilty unless the Commonwealth proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty. That being the case, anyone accused of a sexual assault, indecent assault, or rape is treated as if they are guilty the second they are charged. Our criminal defense team understands that just because you are being accused of a crime, does not mean that you are guilty.
Fighting to Clear Your Name
An accusation of rape or sexual assault has severe consequences. The general public doesn’t know how good or bad the Commonwealth’s case is against you. The moment your name is in the newspaper, you are labeled a predator. At Bononi and Company, we know that defending clients charged with sex crimes means fighting to clear their name.
Sexual and Indecent Assault Defense Attorneys
The severity of Sex Crimes ranges. Whatever the charge, the Commonwealth has to provide evidence of each element of the offense. Sex Crimes are nuanced. Its important for your attorney to be experienced in sexual assault cases and know the difference between the charges of Rape, Sexual Assault, and Indecent Assault. Not every sex crime is the same. Details matter. Credibility matters. The facts in sexual assault cases are critical.
Preliminary Hearing
DO NOT GO TO THE PRELIMINARY HEARING WITHOUT A PLAN. Once someone is charged with a sex crime, their case begins at a Magisterial District Court. The district judge will conduct a Preliminary Hearing. At this hearing, the arresting officer and the District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case against you. The Preliminary Hearing is a critical stage in these cases and is a defense attorney’s first chance to challenge the evidence. You have a right to an attorney. The Commonwealth puts a lot of resources in prosecuting a rape or sexual assault case. Don’t go to the Preliminary Hearing alone. It’s important for you and your attorney to have a plan for handling the preliminary hearing.
Sex Crimes Penalties
Jail, Probation, and fines are all possible punishments for being convicted of a sex crime. Additionally, based on the specific offense, there may be mandatory sex offender registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Being convicted of a Tier III offense under SORNA will require LIFETIME registration and quarterly verification. Further, certain convictions could require a Sexually Violent Predator Assessment (SVP Assessment). A SVP Assessment could result in more requirements and counseling. Overall, the punishment for sex crimes is severe.
Should I Talk with the Police?
Do not speak with the police. With sex offense cases, the police typically try and call the person accused of the crime and set up either an interview or polygraph test. There is very little that you can say that will help you. If the police call you, speak with an attorney that handles sex crimes IMMEDIATELY. The police are investigating what they believe to be a crime that was committed by you. By the time they call you, they already have evidence against you. Do not think you can just “outsmart” the police.
DEFENDING YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Defending our client’s rights is critical in sex offense cases. The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the constitution are designed to hold the Commonwealth accountable. Police must act lawfully and cannot obtain evidence without following the law. Did the police have reasonable suspicion? Did the police have probable cause? Did the police read you your Miranda rights? Did the police have valid consent to search? The Supreme Court has made it clear that evidence obtained in violation of someone’s rights should not be used against them. The Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Pennsylvania protect you. The Defense Team at Bononi and Company is here to make sure your rights are protected.
Bononi & Company, Defense Attorneys
When you hire our firm, you will work directly with our Defense Team. This includes a Defense Attorney that works directly with you through every step. Our Defense Team will guide you through the criminal process and make sure you understand what is happening in your case. Our team will review every detail in your case to help achieve the best result possible. Whether your case is resolved at trial, plea hearing, or a dismissal, you will work with our Defense Team from start to finish. If you have questions, your Sex Crimes attorney can meet with you in person at our Greensburg office, Latrobe office, or Johnstown office.
Do I need a Defense Attorney?
Our firm believes that you need an advocate in your corner. Your rights, freedom, and livelihood are at stake. As discussed above, being convicted of rape, sexual assault, or other sex crime can have a tremendous impact on your life. The Commonwealth, by and through the District Attorney’s Office of State Attorney General’s Office, will use all the resources they have against you to prosecute a serious sex offense. An attorney fighting for you will help protect your rights.
The Bononi & Company Team
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED – Our attorneys have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association and by Super Lawyers
LOCALLY RESPECTED – Our Firm was chosen as one of Westmoreland County’s Best Law Firms by the Tribune Review
PROVEN RESULTS – Marco F. Sylvania, Esquire was selected as a Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (MDAF). The MDAF only extends membership to attorneys who have won a judgment or settled a case in the amount of ONE MILLION DOLLARS or more
Do Not Wait To Contact Us, Free Consultations
A sex offense can have major consequences. Get an experienced attorney’s advice to help you determine your defense.
Call the lawyers at Bononi & Company, P.C., today at 724-832-2499 or contact us online. We will be happy to sit down and speak with you at our Greensburg office, Latrobe office, Irwin office, or Johnstown office.
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