Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Luzerne County

Types of Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law covers a wide range of sex offenses, each carrying distinct elements and penalties. Common charges include:

• Rape is the most serious sex crime charge in Pennsylvania. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121, rape is defined as sexual intercourse with a complainant by forcible compulsion, by threat of forcible compulsion, when the complainant is unconscious or unaware, when the complainant’s capacity has been substantially impaired, or when a mental disability renders the complainant incapable of consent. Rape is a first-degree felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (18 Pa.C.S. § 3123) involves deviate sexual intercourse, including oral or anal intercourse, committed under the same forcible or incapacitating circumstances as rape. This charge also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
• Sexual assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1) is a second-degree felony that applies when sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse occurs without the complainant’s consent but doesn’t meet the forcible compulsion threshold required for rape or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
• Statutory sexual assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1) occurs when an adult engages in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 to whom they are not married. When the age difference is four to ten years, it is graded as a second-degree felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. When the individual is 11 or more years older than the complainant, the charge escalates to a first-degree felony.
• Indecent assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126) involves nonconsensual touching or fondling for purposes of arousal or gratification. Depending on the circumstances, including the alleged victim’s age and the defendant’s prior record, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Aggravated indecent assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3125) involves penetration of the genital or anal openings without consent. It is charged as a second-degree felony, elevated to a first-degree felony when the alleged victim is under 13.
• Institutional sexual assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.2) applies when a person in a position of authority, such as a corrections officer, teacher, or coach, engages in sexual contact with someone under their supervision or care.
• Indecent exposure (18 Pa.C.S. § 3127) involves exposing one’s genitals in public under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm. It is charged as a first- or second-degree misdemeanor depending on whether a minor is present.
• Internet sex crimes involve using technology to commit a sex offense, including online solicitation, possession or distribution of child pornography (18 Pa.C.S. § 6312), unlawful contact with a minor (18 Pa.C.S. § 6318), and sexual exploitation of children (18 Pa.C.S. § 6320). Many of these offenses carry federal exposure in addition to state charges.
• Failure to register as a sex offender (18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1) is itself a criminal offense. A Tier III offender who fails to comply with registration requirements can face a first-degree felony charge.

If you’ve been accused of any sex offense, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Contact a Luzerne County sex crimes attorney who can protect your rights from the start.

Contact Abraham Law by calling (570) 762-9988 or filling out our online contact form today.

Sex Crime Defense in Wilkes-Barre & Luzerne County

A charge under Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code Chapter 31 demands a defense built around the specific facts of your case. As a sex crime defense attorney serving Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County, Attorney Abraham begins by examining the allegations, the circumstances of any arrest or interrogation, and the conduct of law enforcement throughout the investigation. Cases proceed from arraignment before a Magisterial District Court through preliminary hearings and, if necessary, trial at the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. We handle every stage of that process.

Defense Strategies We Use

Defense strategies vary by case but commonly include challenging the credibility of the allegations, presenting evidence of consent, identifying mistaken identity, and attacking the admissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures; the Fifth Amendment protects against compelled self-incrimination. When law enforcement violates either, we work to suppress the resulting evidence or statements. Our firm can also hold government officials accountable for civil rights violations that occur during a sex crime investigation.

Local Court Knowledge & Trial Preparation

Sex crime cases in Pennsylvania frequently proceed to jury trial, making thorough preparation and skilled cross-examination central to the defense. Attorney Abraham has a keen understanding of local prosecutors and court procedures in Luzerne County, developed over more than two decades of courtroom experience. He carries a flawless disciplinary record and handles every case to the highest standards of ethical responsibility. At every stage, we provide honest assessments of case strengths and resolution options so clients can make informed decisions about their defense.