Special Victims

Being accused of a special victim can have devastating consequences, lasting a lifetime, for both you and your family. The social ramifications and judgement from the community can be overwhelming for anyone. If, the government chooses to charge you with a special victim crime, the potential penalties, if convicted, include lengthy incarceration, intensive sex offender specific supervision, registration under the Sex Offender’s Notification and Registration Act (“Megan’s Law”), restrictions on being in the presence of minors, even if they are your own children, and restrictions on where you can seek education or employment. At Much Law Offices, we believe in aggressively defending our clients when faced with a special victim crime. It is important to be represented by experienced counsel at every stage, to provide you with the best chance of diminishing or eliminating the charges against you.

Types Of Special Victim Crimes

Special Victim Crimes involving Adults

  • Rape
  • Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse
  • Sexual Assault 
  • Aggravated Indecent Assault 
  • Indecent Assault 
  • Failure to Register as Sex Offender 
  • Invasion of Privacy 
  • Sexual Extortion 
  • “Revenge Porn” (Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Image) 
  • Aggravated Assault – Domestic Related 
  • Simple Assault – Domestic Related 

Special Victim Crimes involving Children

  • Rape of a Child 
  • Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child 
  • Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child 
  • Indecent Assault (victim under 13) 
  • Indecent Assault (victim under 16) 
  • Statutory Sexual Assault 
  • Unlawful Contact with a Minor 
  • Corruption of Minors 
  • Aggravated Assault (victim under 6) 
  • Aggravated Assault (victim under 13) 
  • Endangering Welfare of Children 
  • Interference with Custody 

Potential Penalties

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania demands harsh penalties for special victim offenses: 

 

Specially Graded Felony (i.e., Rape of child): 40 years in prison and $25,000 fine

Second Degree Felony: 10 years in prison and $25,000 fine

Third Degree Felony: 7 years in prison and $15,000 fine

First Degree Misdemeanor: 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine

Second Degree Misdemeanor: 2 years in prison and $5,000 fine 

Third Degree Misdemeanor: 1 year is prison and $2,500 fine

Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA – “Megan’s Law”) 

Tier I: 15 years on the sexual offender registry 

Tier II: 25 years on the sexual offender registry 

Tier III: Lifetime on the sexual offender registry 

SVP (Sexually Violent Predator): Lifetime on registry, lifetime treatment and active notification paid for by the offebnder

 

Sex Offender Specific Supervision – State and County 

 

All general conditions of adult probation and parole services (i.e., no illegal drug use or new arrest) 

Individual, offense specific, Therapy Sessions – paid by offender

Group, offense specific, Therapy Sessions – paid by offender 

Therapeutic and maintenance polygraph examinations – paid by offender 

Restrictions on residence and employment based on location 

Restrictions on being in the presence of persons under 18 years old 

Restrictions on legal pornography 
Registration of residence, employment, email, vehicle and social media with the state police

 

Special Victim Crime Defense

Whatever your situation may be, a successful defense requires a swift, comprehensive and individualized approach. Our team of experienced defense attorneys are able to protect you and your reputation within and outside the courtroom. Mark Much Law clients put their trust in us because we provide the most effective and aggressive defense possible. A successful defense must include: 

Using extensive courtroom experience, as well as our trial success, we will effectively cross-examine witnesses that testify against you, including expert witnesses. 

Contesting and limiting evidence against you, through the use of strategic motions, on a factual and legal basis

Conducting investigations that are thorough and fair, in order to admit evidence that contradicts and discredits the Commonwealth’s case, which can include utilizing pretrial subpoenas and protective orders

Making use of the most highly regarded digital forensic experts to discredit and exclude information retrieved from a computer, smartphone or tablet

Advocating aggressively in court against attempts by the Commonwealth to introduce evidence of previous crimes, wrongs, acts or other harmful evidence

Offering compassionate consultation on all aspects of your case while also effectively communicating with you throughout the process so that you can [relax] knowing that your rights are protected

Experienced Delaware County Special Victim Defense Lawyers

Navigating an accusation of a special victim crime can be overwhelming and frightening for an individual to face alone. The consequences of having your likeness, residence and employment available through an internet search can be devasting for potential employment, education, financial considerations or relocation opportunities. These consequences are also usually felt by your closest family, friends and children. If you or someone you know is facing a special victim crime allegation it is essential to align yourself with an experienced defense attorney. Call us today so we can begin to protect you or your loved one’s rights.