ADULT SEX CRIMES

Seattle Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers

Charged with an "Adult" Sex Crime...

Most people associate the words "rape" or "sexual assault" with adult sex crime. In real terms, adult sex crime includes criminal offenses such as public indecency, indecent liberties and prostitution-related crimes as well as date rape, marital rape and various other forms of sexual misconduct. These are complicated cases that often involve circumstances and motivations that are challenging to prove. What all of them have in common is that a conviction for any one of them can lead to a lifetime of trouble.

This is What We Do

At Rhodes & Meryhew we represent individuals in the Seattle area and from throughout the State of Washington who have been charged with committing an adult sex crime. Some of the cases we handle involve charges such as 1st degree rape or burglary-rape that in certain circumstances, can mean a life sentence. We have experience investigating these cases and trying them to a jury, with proven results.

Allegations of an Adult Sex Crime

The law office of Rhodes & Meryhew counsels and defends clients charged with the following kinds of adult sex crimes:

• Rape
• Date rape
• Sexual assault
• Indecent exposure
• Molestation
• Solicitation of a prostitute

We also handle "less serious" charges that carry minimal jail time but still have lifelong consequences such as sex offender registration and limitations on where you can live and who you can have contact with. There are no sex-related charges you can afford to take with anything less than the utmost seriousness.

Evidence - few cases, if any, are given the "CSI" treatment

Few sexual assault or rape cases receive the kind of treatment portrayed on police dramas like "CSI," "Bones," and "Law and Order." Police officers don't always secure a crime scene properly and may inadvertently taint evidence. While DNA evidence is strong evidence, it can also degrade under certain conditions, making it unreliable.

Additionally, consent is an essential element in sexual assault and date rape cases. Does the alleged victim have a history of psychological problems? Drug or alcohol abuse? Does he or she have a personal animus against the accused? Has he or she alleged being rape in the past? Our attorneys work with investigators, forensic experts, and psychologists in building our client's case.

We Advocate AND Counsel Our Clients

While everyone who is charged with a crime can use strong legal representation - what most people do not receive are the real answers and information they need to make informed decisions. We don't hide behind the law. Here, you and your attorney will have the chance to talk at length about the charges and about what can be done to resolve them in a way that works for you. As attorneys we also recognize that serving the clients' best interests may mean talking with family members and loved ones about what's happening and likely to happen in the future so that they understand and can be more supportive. We do this routinely whenever clients ask and have actually found it very useful in helping us to tell our clients' stories more effectively.