Sex Crime Lawyers Des Moines, IA 

Expert Legal Support for Sex Crime Accusations in Iowa

While the consequences of different felonies and misdemeanors convictions can be severe, none are as damaging in the long run as those involving sex crimes. Every sex crime accusation needs to be handled with care and scrutiny by our Des Moines sex crime attorneys in Iowa. Fines and prison time are serious, but the quality of life you will face during and after the case can depend greatly on decisions during your case.

The penalties for sexual offenders are often secondary to the shame and embarrassment before, during and after a case. If convicted, sex offenders may be required to publicly register in a database where anyone can see the allegations and the offender’s home address. They may also face the negative stigma associated with sex crimes. This long-term damage is part of the consideration by skilled defenders like those at Branstad & Olson.

Call our Des Moines sex crime lawyers at (515) 329-3100 for help fighting against wrongful sex crime allegations.

Understanding Iowa's Sexual Abuse Laws

In Iowa, sexual abuse can be any allegation of a forced sex act where the victim did not consent or was incapacitated and could not consent. This can include a wide range of sexual acts. Penalties increase based on the presence of injuries, use of threats or weapons, or age of individuals involved.

A sexual abuse offense in Iowa where the victim was unable to give consent because of their age or because of their physical or mental state at the time includes:

• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
• Being mentally disabled,
• Being unconscious, or
• Lacking the physical ability or presence to state their consent to the sexual act

Sexual Abuse Classifications and Penalties in Iowa

In the State of Iowa, sexual abuse offenses can be categorized into three distinct classifications, which differ depending on the context and severity of the offense.

The penalties for sexual abuse are divided based on many factors:

• Class A felonies: Sexual abuse which causes a serious injury is a class A felony. The penalty for class A felonies is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• Class B felonies: Sexual abuse with a threat to use force, or with the actual use of force that could possibly create a serious risk of injury or death is a class B felony. Offenses involving the use of a weapon, offenses that involve assisting others in a sexual assault, and assaults against a minor younger than 12 years of age are also all class B felonies. Class B felony penalties include 25 years in prison, and may include mandatory minimum sentences prior to parole eligibility.
• Class C felonies: Sexual abuse involving a sex act against the will of another person is a Class C felony. Other Class C felonies include a sex act where the other person is incapacitated and could not give consent, or the other person is 12 or 13 years old. Class C felony conviction penalties include a 10 year prison sentence and may include mandatory minimum sentences.

Other sex acts may carry lesser penalties and shorter prison sentences, but could include requirements of mandatory parole sentences, completion of the sex offender treatment program and registry as a sex offender.

Compassionate Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Des Moines

Those accused of sex crimes may encounter scrutiny and bias. Des Moines sex crime lawyers from Branstad & Olson understand the sensitivity of the situation and the need to investigate and prepare your case to overcome these biases.

Our Iowa sex crime attorneys provide thoughtful defense. Contact us at (515) 329-3100 now.