Hampton Roads Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Call (757) 209-2328 for Aggressive Defense

As a long-time prosecutor and defense counsel, Attorney Shawn M. Cline has prosecuted and defended countless sex crime cases. These cases are typically fact-specific, and winning comes down to solid investigation and interview of the witnesses. You need an attorney who is willing to put in the effort and has the experience to know what to look for when dealing with these charges.

There are two sides to every story; you deserve an experienced and aggressive Virginia Beach sex crimes attorney who can tell your side. At the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, we stand ready to provide our clients with the representation that they deserve to ensure that they receive a favorable resolution to their case.

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Do I Need A Sex Crime Attorney For My Case?

After an arrest, you need to work with a trusted criminal defense attorney who will diligently fight for you at every stage of the case. Oftentimes, these issues can be favorably dealt with early in the process with the help of a skilled Virginia Beach sex crimes lawyer. The consequences for those facing these types of charges often go far beyond jail time. Conviction of a sexual offense will usually result in having to register as a sex offender.

Besides the obvious stigma of having such a label, this can impact where one is able to live and work for many years after they finish their sentence. Virginia prosecutors are tough on sex crimes, and the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC is experienced in defending against such serious charges.

What Is the Virginia Sex Offender Registry?

One of the most enduring effects of a conviction for a sex crime in Virginia, and really throughout the entire country, is the sex offender registration that follows. Virginia, like most states, maintains an online database of individuals who have been convicted of certain sexual offenses. The registry includes the individual's home and work addresses, their picture, as well as the convictions that triggered registration. Citizens can search this registry with ease, using zip codes as a search term.

The registry is maintained by the Virginia State Police, and according to the website, its purpose is to "make information more easily available and accessible, not to warn citizens about any specific individual." That is all well and good, but the practical effect is that individuals on the registry who may have little to no likelihood to reoffend are forced to endure a lifetime of ridicule and harassment. And you can't avoid this scorn simply by leaving the state, as each state requires registration regardless of where the conviction occurred.

Certain offenses trigger registration, and registration is typically a lifetime requirement. However, depending upon the nature of the offense, an individual may petition the Circuit Court for removal from the registry after either 15 or 25 years.

Sex offender registries in Virginia and throughout the country are political gold for politicians. Any measure that seeks to make life more difficult for people convicted of these sorts of offenses is sure to receive widespread approval from voters. What these people fail to understand is that the risk of reoffending in most cases is quite low. Meanwhile, individuals on these registries find it impossible to secure employment and maintain any degree of normalcy.

If you or someone you love is facing a sex charge, you must contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. We handle every type of sex crime, from possession of child pornography to the most serious crimes involving physical contact with minors. Please call; we are here to help.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late. Get Your Free Consultation Today!

The Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC understands how difficult it can be to face a sex crime charge. We are dedicated to attacking whatever charges you face and protecting your rights. With the representation of our firm, you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands. When you work with the dedicated legal professionals at the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, we will take immediate action to determine what strategies can be implemented to provide you with the best possible outcome to your case.

Our firm is not afraid to challenge evidence, and we will work to settle your case as quickly as possible. If a case cannot be settled outside of court, you can be assured that our representatives will tenaciously litigate on your behalf.