Penalties for Sexual Offense Crimes
Updated: 2 days ago
Sexual offense crimes carry some of the heaviest penalties in the criminal justice system, both in the immediate and the future. While the immediate penalties can include jail sentences, future penalties can include registration as a sex offender and a loss of privacy.
Definition and Penalties
The State of Tennessee defines sexual assault crimes as unlawful sexual contact accomplished by force, coercion, non-consent, or incapacity. In the eyes of the law, anyone under the age of 18 qualifies as a child, which prohibits them from consenting to sexual conduct.
Class A Felony - Sexual assault crimes classified as a Class A felony carry a penalty of prison time ranging from 15 to 60 years and a maximum fine of up to $50,000. For aggravated rape of a minor, this classification can also lead to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Class B Felony - Prison time for a Class B felony ranges from 8 to 30 years and a maximum fine of up to $25,000.
Class C Felony - Class C convictions carry a prison stretch of 3 to 15 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Note: Convicted Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure offenders aren't eligible for probation or judicial diversion.
Class D Felony - Two to 12 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
Class E Felony - Prison time ranges from one to six years and up to a $3,000 fine.
Some Clarifications Regarding Crimes Against Children
Tennessee law imposes stricter penalties on individuals convicted of sexual offenses involving minors. For example, an adult found guilty of child rape may face a life sentence, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or even death. If the defendant was a juvenile when the crime occurred, the sentence range from 25 to 60 years in prison.
Additional Penalties
In addition to jail time, any individual convicted of a sex crime may face further consequences. Besides having a lifelong criminal record, they will likely be required to register as a sexual offender wherever they live.
Registration as a sex offender mandates that the convicted person disclose certain personal information in a publicly accessible database. This typically involves providing their name, address, and crime committed in a database overseen by law enforcement or another public safety agency. Not registering can lead to additional criminal charges for the person.
Additionally, the offender may be required to undergo a mental health and/or substance abuse treatment program, if the authorities decide they would benefit from such treatment. The defendant may be responsible for covering the costs of those treatments out-of-pocket.
If you have been accused or charged with a sexual offense crime, contact Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney, David L. Clarke, for a consultation regarding your specific case.
