Virginia Beach Sexual Assault Attorney

If you have recently been charged with sexual assault in the state of Virginia, you need to seek legal counsel immediately. In many cases, an experienced Virginia Beach sexual assault attorney can help reduce the consequences associated with sexual assault charges, as well as alleviate much of the confusion and frustration you may feel during this harrowing time.

Virginia law classifies any sexual conduct that occurs without a person’s consent as sexual assault. As a result, any act that involves nonconsensual touching or sexual penetration can be considered sexual assault. Some examples of sexual assault crimes include rape, sodomy, sexual battery, and child molestation. The mere attempt of committing any of these offenses can also warrant a sexual assault charge.  

Depending on the nature of the crime, sexual assault can be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor offense. If you are facing additional charges, such as stalking or domestic violence, you may be penalized more severely. The maximum penalty for sexual assault includes a fine of no more than $100,000, life imprisonment, and death. However, these penalties are reserved for the most severe cases of sexual assault (a Class 1 felony), and typically require extreme violence.

Unfortunately, anyone can claim that he or she has been sexually assaulted by another person, and little or no evidence is required to bring forth such charges. Many sexual assault charges are unwarranted, and simply filed for attention or out of anger—often by a former friend or lover.

If you have been charged with sexual assault, you must be prepared to defend yourself in court. Despite the Constitution’s assurance that you are innocent until proven guilty, this privilege does not always apply to sexual assault cases. Most individuals tend to believe the victim is telling the truth, and immediately assume the person accused of the crime is guilty.

An experienced attorney can evaluate the facts of the case and determine the best defense strategy for your situation. Whether proving the allegations against you were filed out of vengeance, or that the act in question was consensual, having a strong defense is critical to your case.

Attorney Michael C. Tillotson has over a decade of criminal defense experience, and is well-versed in the complexities of Virginia’s sexual assault laws. Along with his expertise in the subject, Mr. Tillotson’s eye for detail allows him to see many aspects of the case that attorneys who do not specialize in sexual crimes may not find. Don’t let unwarranted allegations affect your personal life. Contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation.