Sex Crimes

Spokane Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Few events are more devastating personally and professionally than being accused of a sex crime such as rape or child molestation. Even if you are not convicted, the fact that you've been charged  can be devastating not only to you but also your loved ones. If you are found guilty, you face a long prison sentence, plus the stigma of being classified and registered as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

My name is Christian Phelps, and I am an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Spokane, Washington. With over ten years of experience, I have defended criminal cases in Washington, that include charges of rape, child rape, date rape, child molestation, and Internet sex crimes such as possession of child pornography.

What is commonly known as statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a person 15 years of age or younger. The law does not take into consideration whether you are in a relationship with the person or if they were a willing participant, since the age of consent is Washington is 16.

You can also be charged with a sex crime even if there was no sexual intercourse. Child Molestation is any sexual contact with a child that doesn't rise to the level of rape. Many child rape and child molestation charges are cases of alleged incest involving siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, step-parents, or other relatives.

If you have been accused of any sex crime, you should never talk to police before you have spoken with an attorney. Investigating officers will often use the tactic of wanting want to just give you a chance to explain your side of the accusation. However, if you say anything, you could end up giving the officers the corroborating evidence they need to arrest you.

There are defenses your lawyer can use against an accusation of a sex crime. If you retain me as your attorney, I will challenge the veracity of the witnesses and the credibility of the evidence against you.

If the state's case against you is strong, sex offender alternative programs might be an option. If the total sentence for a conviction would be 11 years or less, and the court grants you the alternative program, you would spend up to six months in jail and serve the rest of your sentence on probation. You must commit to attend three years of sex offender treatment classes and you must register as a sex offender. However, you would avoid a lengthy prison sentence. I can help you determine if this option is best for you given the strength of the state's case and help you determine the best option for you.

Contact us for your free consultation: if you are facing sexual assault charges in Washington or Oregon, DON'T talk to police or anyone else until you have talked with me, Spokane criminal defense attorney Christian Phelps.