Protect Your Rights: Bellingham Criminal Attorneys for Sex Crime Cases
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Bellingham or another part of Whatcom County, Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC, is ready to help. Our Bellingham criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals accused of rape, indecent liberties, voyeurism, and other sex crimes.
The police can use your words against you, making it incredibly important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. One of our Washington criminal defense attorneys can sit in on any police interviews, ensuring that you don’t say anything that could make it more difficult to defend yourself against a sex crime charge. We’ll also help you decide whether to take your case to trial or try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor’s office.
Bellingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Represent Clients Accused of Sex Crimes
Chapter 9A.44 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) lists more than a dozen sex offenses. The most serious is rape in the first degree, which is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person under one of these conditions:
- Forcible compulsion: Forcible compulsion is the use of physical force to overcome another person’s resistance. Under RCW 9A.44,010, forcible compulsion includes the use of a deadly weapon, threats of a deadly weapon, kidnapping, inflicting serious injury, or breaking into a building.
- Drug use: It also qualifies as rape in the first degree if you have sexual intercourse with another person after giving them a controlled substance without their knowledge or consent.
The RCW also prohibits child molestation, indecent liberties, rape of a child, sexually violating human remains, failure to register as a kidnapper or a sex offender, voyeurism, sexual misconduct with a minor, custodial sexual misconduct, and trespass against children.
Our Bellingham criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources to defend you against one of these charges.
Whatcom County: Home to Experienced Bellingham Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our Bellingham criminal defense lawyers are proud to represent individuals throughout the Greater Puget Sound area. Although Bellingham has a population of under 100,000 people, it’s one of the most vibrant cities in Washington State. Residents spend their leisure time visiting local breweries, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, and boating on Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, and Lake Padden.
Bellingham also has a strong economy, supported mostly by healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and retail shops. Locals love the vibrant arts scene, bustling shops, and museums, but if you want to explore other parts of the Evergreen State, you can easily hop aboard one of the buses operated by the Whatcom Transportation Authority.
However, like any other community, it faces its own set of legal challenges, including addressing serious matters like sex crimes.
What You Need to Know About Sex Crime Charges in Whatcom County
Types of Sex Crimes in Bellingham
Chapter 9A.44 of the Washington Criminal Code prohibits the following:
- Rape in the first, second, and third degree
- Rape of a child in the first, second, and third degree
- Child molestation in the first, second, and third degree
- Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first and second degree
- Indecent liberties
- Sexually violating human remains
- Voyeurism
- Failure to register as a kidnapper or a sex offender
- Custodial sexual misconduct in the first and second degree
- Criminal trespass against children
All of these offenses have one thing in common: They involve some type of illegal sexual activity. This makes them sex crimes according to state law.
Sex Crimes Classification in Whatcom County
Almost all of the sex crimes listed in 9A.44 of the Washington Criminal Code are classified as class A, class B, or class C felonies. A class A felony is the most serious, so a conviction results in the harshest penalties.
Here’s how Washington law classifies each type of sex crime:
- Rape in the first degree: Class A felony
- Rape in the second degree: Class A felony
- Rape in the third degree: Class C felony
- Rape of a child in the first degree: Class A felony
- Rape of a child in the second degree: Class A felony
- Rape of a child in the third degree: Class C felony
- Child molestation in the first degree: Class A felony
- Child molestation in the second degree: Class B felony
- Child molestation in the third degree: Class C felony
- Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree: Class C felony
- Sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree: Gross misdemeanor
- Indecent liberties: Class B felony
- Sexually violating human remains: Class C felony
- Voyeurism: Class C felony for a first-degree voyeurism charge; gross misdemeanor for a second-degree voyeurism charge
- Failure to register as a kidnapper or a sex offender: Class B felony for failure to register as a sex offender; class C felony for failure to register as a kidnapping offender
- Custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree: Class B felony
- Custodial sexual misconduct in the second degree: Class C felony
- Criminal trespass against children: Class C felony
Potential Penalties for a Sex Crimes Conviction in Bellingham
In Whatcom County, judges have to follow state sentencing guidelines when determining the penalties for a sex crimes conviction. Some offenses, including rape in the first degree, have mandatory prison terms.
Depending on the circumstances, a class A felony conviction may lead to a sentence of life in prison. A conviction for a gross misdemeanor usually leads to a jail term lasting up to 364 days.
If you’re convicted of a sex crime in Whatcom County, you may also have to pay a significant fine. The highest fines are reserved for the most serious crimes. For example, rape in the first degree has a maximum fine of $50,000.
The maximum fine for a class B felony is $20,000, while the maximum fine for a class C felony is $10,000. If you’re convicted of a gross misdemeanor, the judge may order you to pay a fine of up to $5,000.
The Importance of Working With Bellingham Criminal Defense Lawyers
A sex crimes conviction results in serious penalties, making it critical to find a team of experienced Bellingham criminal defense lawyers to support you. When you have a defense attorney on your side, you don’t have to face a jury alone.
Your Bellingham criminal defense lawyers can help by reviewing evidence, identifying potential witnesses, and helping you prepare for trial. If you don’t want to go to court, an attorney may even be able to help you negotiate a plea deal.
Protect Your Rights With Experienced Bellingham Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, your freedom and your reputation are at stake. Don’t face the legal system alone. Contact our experienced Washington State defense lawyers. We’d be happy to discuss your case and help you decide the right course of action.
