Facing an accusation of child molestation in Louisville, KY, is devastating and life-altering for defendants. These charges carry intense stigma, hurt your reputation, and threaten your freedom, even before your side of the story is heard. If you’ve been arrested or find yourself under investigation, it is critical to remember that a charge is not a conviction, and you have the right to a fair defense.
Attempting to explain your situation to police or others on your own can often do more harm than good, and speaking immediately with a Kentucky criminal defense attorney is your strongest protection. Let Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers help you if you’re dealing with charges in Louisville, Kentucky.
Contact our firm today at (502) 371-7000 to schedule a free consultation with our Louisville child molestation lawyer.
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Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Arrested for Child Molestation in Louisville, KY?
Finding yourself accused of child molestation in Louisville, KY, puts your entire future at risk, making every decision—especially your choice of legal representation—absolutely critical.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers are prepared to help you navigate the complexities of such serious allegations with unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication, offering a beacon of hope in your darkest hour.
Here’s why clients continue to choose our Louisville sex crimes lawyers:
- Our attorneys bring 100+ years of combined experience to every criminal case
- Our legal team includes former law enforcement professionals and former prosecutors, so we know how the other side builds their case
- Members of our team have been recognized by some of the legal industry’s top honors, including National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and receiving a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating
Trying to navigate Kentucky’s legal system and defend your rights without the right lawyer won’t end well. Let us put our skills and experience to work for your criminal defense. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville child molestation attorney.
Overview of Child Molestation in Kentucky
Any sexual behavior between adults and children is strictly against the law in Kentucky. The severity of child molestation charges—which are officially referred to as sex crimes—is often amplified if the victim is significantly younger than the perpetrator or if the crime involves aggravated circumstances, such as the use of force or coercion.
Child Molestation in The First Degree
In Kentucky, child molestation in the first degree covers a range of situations and is among the most serious charges you can face.
You can be charged with this offense if:
- There is any sexual contact with a child who is less than 12 years old, no matter how old you are
- You are 21 years old or older and have had any form of sexual contact with someone younger than 16 (even if the child says they agreed because Kentucky’s age of consent is 16). You are 21 or older, and you masturbate where a child under 16 can see or hear it, which includes over video and the internet
- You are in a position of authority or trust, such as a teacher, coach, or family member with care duties, and have any sexual interactions with someone under 18
First-degree child molestation is usually treated as a felony, which means it carries long prison sentences and other severe consequences if you’re convicted.
Child Molestation in the Second Degree
Second-degree child molestation is for situations with smaller age differences between the people involved. Specifically, this crime applies when the accused is 18, 19, or 20 years old and is accused of having any kind of sexual contact with someone who is under 16.
A conviction still means serious penalties, so make sure you take these charges seriously and seek legal help from a Louisville criminal defense lawyer today.
What Are the Penalties of a Conviction for Child Molestation in Louisville, Kentucky?
If you’re convicted of child molestation in Kentucky, you can face serious penalties.
First-Degree Child Molestation Penalties
First-degree sexual abuse is either charged as a Class C or Class D felony, depending on the specifics of the case. If convicted of a Class D felony, you can face 1 to 5 years in prison, along with fines of up to $10,000. If prosecuted as a Class C felony, you could be sentenced to 5 to 10 years behind bars, with fines as high as $10,000.
Second-Degree Child Molestation Penalties
Second-degree child abuse is a Class A misdemeanor. If you’re found guilty, you can go to jail for between 90 days and one year and may be issued a fine.
In addition to jail time and fines, anyone convicted of child molestation in Kentucky must register as a sex offender.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Child Molestation?
Being arrested for child molestation in Kentucky is frightening, and the legal consequences are severe. However, everyone accused has the right to defend themselves in court, and several defenses may be available depending on the facts of the case.
Your Louisville sex crimes attorney can raise defenses such as:
- Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, police or alleged victims identify the wrong person, especially in cases with little or no physical evidence.
- False Allegations: A child, parent, or another adult may make a false claim due to misunderstanding, manipulation, or to gain leverage in custody battles.
- Alibi: If you were somewhere else when the alleged incident occurred, this is an incredibly strong defense that your attorney can raise.
- Constitutional Rights Violations: If police did not follow required procedures and violated your rights, any evidence they got as a result can be suppressed, which weakens their case.
To learn more about how our Lexington criminal defense attorney can defend you, schedule a free consultation to go over your legal rights and options.
Defending against child molestation charges is never easy, but you do not have to face the complexities of the legal system alone. You need to choose an attorney with experience in these types of cases who can build the strongest defense possible. With so much on the line for you and your future, obtaining reliable legal help is the most important step you can take.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you build a powerful defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. Our dedicated team understands the gravity of these accusations and is committed to protecting your rights and reputation. We offer compassionate, aggressive representation designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t wait; contact us now to discuss your options with our Louisville child molestation lawyers.
