St. Louis federal sex crime lawyer

Federal charges or investigations of any kind are serious and it is no secret that just an accusation of possession or distribution of child porn can be devastating to the accused. JCS Law understands you or your loved one needs aggressive, detailed, and experienced defense. Our St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer is ready to boldly and aggressively defend you on federal sex charges in Missouri.

What constitutes a federal sex crime?

We serve clients facing any of the following charges in Missouri:

• Possession, distribution, or production of child pornography
• Importation or transportation of obscene matters for sale or distribution
• Transfer of obscene material to minors
• Production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States
• Conspiracy
• Aggravated sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse of a minor or ward
• Sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion
• Sexual exploitation of children
• Coercion and enticement

Penalties of federal sex crimes

Penalties for federal sex crimes are covered in Title 18 Part 1 of the United States Code. While some sex crimes may be tried at the state level, any offense involving interstate actions or actions against children will be prosecuted as federal crimes. These carry mandatory minimums for incarceration in federal prisons upon conviction, such as a 15-year minimum for crimes involving children.

Additionally, you will serve a period of probation after your release. You will also be required to register with the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), which manages the sex offender registries and compiles information from all 50 states so that members of the public can have access to easily searchable databases.

Beyond a federal criminal case, you may also be at risk of civil lawsuits from individuals to recoup damages in personal injury claims. JCS Law can be by your side for these legal actions to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What should I do after being arrested for a sex crime?

If you or a loved one is facing pending or current charges, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Law enforcement can lie to you and back out on any offer made. Only an attorney working with a prosecutor can secure a deal for you.

How can a St. Louis federal sex crime lawyer help me?

Like many other federal crimes, sex offenses are extremely serious. Demonstrating your innocence will be difficult, and you must not try to manage your case on your own. You owe it to your freedom and future to work closely with a skilled St. Louis federal sex crime lawyer for the best chance at beating the charges against you.

At JCS Law, we are committed to offering you three vital elements for your defense.

Skill

Our lawyers continually develop their skills in research, preparation, and defense tactics to increase their abilities in their area of practice.

The government has a high burden of proof to meet to convict you. We hold them to that burden, making use of every technique to weaken their arguments and increase your ability to walk free.

Experience

Your federal sex crime attorney from JCS Law applies their understanding of crucial arguments and defense strategies to secure the desired result in your case.

Diligence

Our team of attorneys and legal support staff are dedicated to the success of your case, performing many hours of persistent hard work on your behalf.

Possible defenses to a federal sex crime charge

How was evidence gathered? Were warrants properly applied for? Was a torrent used to download images or videos by mistake? How many times were these alleged images downloaded? How long and how many times were they viewed? John Schleiffarth and the JCS Law team have access to the top forensic computer experts and have experience in fighting criminal cases.

When we understand all the information about your case and any part you played in it, we can prepare the strongest defense possible for your circumstances. Some common defense strategies our team of attorneys may employ for you include the following.

You obtained consent

You may argue that, although sex or sexual contact did occur, you received consent from the accuser at the time.

The accuser is unreliable

You may provide evidence showing that the accuser is biased against you or is working to achieve another motive for their charges.

False allegations

Similar to discrediting them, your attorney could argue that the accuser has created the accusations without evidence and that their claims are false.

Mistaken identity

You present evidence that you were somewhere else or that the police have mistaken you for the person who actually committed the crime in question.

Violation of your rights

Your attorney will closely examine every step of your arrest and handling by the police and prosecutors to determine whether your rights were violated, asking to have evidence removed and charges dismissed.

It is critical that you have an aggressive and tenacious federal sex crime attorney who will pursue every option for your case. Facing serious penalties when you do not have to can destroy your life. Our goal is to avoid punishment for you entirely, using powerful approaches that will benefit your defense.

Call our trusted St. Louis federal sex crime lawyer today

We offer free consultations and can even be present while your home or business is searched. Federal prosecutors have a huge team behind them, and you deserve the same. Call JCS Law today for compassionate, aggressive, and bold defense.

Commonly asked questions about federal sex crime charges

What federal crimes require sex offender registration?

Federal law under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) requires registration for crimes at both the state and federal levels. Sex offenses that qualify for mandatory registration include:

• Child sex trafficking
• Selling or buying children
• Sexual abuse of a minor or adult
• Sexual exploitation of children
• Domestic or foreign travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct
• Illicit sexual conduct in foreign places
• Child pornography offenses

With the increase in so-called dark websites and other social media platforms, child pornography charges are punished more harshly than ever. Even a first-time conviction for producing child pornography can result in substantial fines and sentences between 15 and 30 years in federal prison (under 18 U.S.C. § 2251).

Registration is also required if the defendant is convicted of attempting or conspiring to commit a federal sex crime, whether the crime was completed or not. Conspiracy can involve simply being aware of the criminal actions and failing to inform the authorities.

Where are federal sex offenders required to register?

SORNA requires that federal sex offenders register anywhere they live, work, or attend school. If they change jobs, homes, or educational institutions, they must update their information immediately or face failure-to-register charges with new penalties.

How often is a registered sex offender required to verify their information?

Depending on the severity of the crime, they may need to verify their details in the SORNA database as often as every three months up to every year.

The minimum length of time they must maintain their registration is 15 years, but it can be for the rest of their lives.

What if a sex offender fails to register?

Failing to register or update registration information can result in additional charges and face up to 10 years in federal prison.