JUVENILE SEX CRIMES

Seattle Juvenile Sex Offenses Defense Lawyers

More and more juveniles are charged with sex crimes as our society's sexually permissive attitude toward teen sex collides with a zero-tolerance policy regarding sex offenses. Kids are constantly bombarded with sexualized messages in film and music. When they act according to the attitudes and messages promoted by the media, the State is there, ready to prosecute them as sex offenders. Additionally, in many cases, the consequences for a teen convicted of a sex offense are the same as for an adult.

If your child is facing allegations of a juvenile sex crime, you need competent and experienced counsel immediately to protect your child from potentially lifelong consequences. If an allegation is new and an investigation has just begun we can help to protect your child's rights during the CPS investigation, as well as during any police investigations. Don't wait until juvenile sex crimes charges are filed to get an attorney involved.

Juvenile Sex Offenders must Register as Sex Offenders

Juvenile offenders must register as sex offenders until a Court removes that requirement. Jail sentences of months and even years can be imposed. Their lives will never be the same unless the right outcome can be found.

Cell Phones And Nude Photos

Recently, underage teenagers have been charged with distributing and receiving child pornography after sending nude photos of themselves to some of their friends. While it isn't clear how the courts will handle this issue in the state of Washington, teens arrested on charges of child pornography could be charged as an adult or find themselves with a permanent criminal record. However, depending on how the photos were discovered - by a teacher at school, a parent, or unintentionally posted on a MySpace page - other important legal issues may come into play as well.

Family Involvement is the Key to Effective Representation

At Rhodes & Meryhew we are experienced at working with juveniles charged with sex crimes and their families. We believe that a good decision by a child often requires that there parent's be involved. We work to make sure that everyone understands the process.

Psychological Evaluations

A psychological evaluation of a juvenile charged with sexual misconduct can be an opportunity to demonstrate the good qualities of the child, or it can set the child up for severe consequences. At Rhodes & Meryhew we work with some of the best evaluators in the State. We take the time to work with the juvenile before the evaluation so that they are fully prepared to participate. We are committed to taking whatever time is necessary to insure that our client understands the process and is prepared to fully participate in the evaluation.

Juvenile Sex Offender Sentencing Alternatives

For some juveniles the law provides for a treatment alternative to incarceration for sex offenses. In order to qualify for the treatment alternative a juvenile must be evaluated and found to be willing to admit their offenses, be interested in receiving treatment, and be a low risk to the community. A juvenile given this sentencing alternative, called the Sexual Offender Dispositional Alternative of SODA, remains in the community and participates in treatment for up to two years.