Crimes that involve sexual misconduct are among the most serious offenses, which is why they are so often reported and discussed in the media, community discussions and other outlets. If you are caught up in one of these crimes, it may not be long until your name, reputation and alleged offense become a topic of conversation.
As bad as these crimes already are, there are certain elements that can make them even more serious, not just in the eyes of the public, but also in the eyes of the law. In this post, we will look at some factors that can affect sentencing for a sex offense.
For example, if you are charged with a crime involving sexual assault, there are certain factors that can lead to escalated charges and more severe punishment. These factors include:
- Violence
- Assault against a vulnerable person, like an elderly person or someone mentally or physically disabled
- History of similar offenses
- The extent of a person’s role in a crime
- The severity of the crime
These can all be considered aggravating factors that, if confirmed, can result in harsher penalties for conviction.
On the other hand, there are also mitigating factors, which may support a more lenient sentence. These factors might include:
- Having been under duress or forced to engage in criminal activity
- Lack of a criminal record
- No intentional violence
- Age
- Show of genuine remorse
If you are facing charges involving sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, you need to take your situation seriously and understand that there are numerous factors that can affect the outcome of your case.
Working with an attorney to defend yourself can be a good way to highlight mitigating factors and challenge aggravating factors.