Virginia Federal Internet Sex Crime Lawyer
Virginia Federal Internet Sex Crime Attorney
Technology is constantly evolving and creating new opportunities for interaction. We live in an age of information and limitless access to all sorts of content available on the internet. The rise of social media and various online platforms has made it easier to find yourself in a situation where you are charged with an internet sex crime. Make no mistake, these crimes are taken very seriously. If you are charged, reach out to a skilled Virginia federal internet sex crime lawyer at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC today for the legal representation and guidance you need.
What Is an Internet Sex Crime?
An internet sex crime is a broad term that encapsulates virtually any sexually motivated crime that occurs through the internet. Many of these kinds of virtual sex crimes are prosecuted at the federal level due to the internet being an entity that crosses state lines and federal borders. Many of these types of crimes are aimed at children, who may be too naive to understand what is being asked of them over the internet.
There are many kinds of computer crimes, but internet sex crimes are different. The internet is always growing, and it is becoming increasingly easier to manipulate victims online. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of an internet sex crime charge, you should immediately reach out to a sex crime lawyer who can help you establish a strong defense and build a strategy to fight these charges.
You should never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty, and no matter how much the police may try to intimidate or guilt you into admitting something, you don’t have to say a word to them if you don’t want to. You are afforded certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. These include your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. If you exercise these rights, you can start protecting your own interests. A criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and helping you build a strong defense.
Common Internet Sex Crimes
Since technology is always changing and the nature of the internet is getting harder and harder to define, the federal legislation in place to protect victims of internet sex crimes is also constantly changing. Largely, this legislation is in place to protect the primary victims of internet sex crimes, which are children. Here are some examples of internet sex crimes that you could end up getting charged with:
- Child Pornography: In Virginia, child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of a minor under 18 years old engaging in sexual activity. The federal law is virtually the same. In certain corners of the internet, you may find people engaging in child pornography distribution, creation, and possession. If you are ever charged with any connection to child pornography, contact a lawyer immediately. Additionally, a minor can be charged with sexual abuse if involved in such offenses, which can carry severe legal consequences.
- Sex Solicitation: The act of two consenting adults chatting online and meeting up to have sex is not illegal. It becomes solicitation when it becomes transactional. If one person offers money in exchange for sexual favors, it is considered prostitution, and that is a felony in Virginia. Solicitation of a minor online is even worse, and if done online, it is considered an internet sex crime.
- Underage Sexting: It is not a crime to send sexually explicit text messages or emails to a consenting partner of legal age. However, if the person you are sending these messages to is under the age of 18, it is considered illegal sexting. You could be facing very high penalties for engaging in such behavior, and you should contact a sex crime lawyer as soon as you can.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Federal Sex Crime?
A federal sex crime is considered any sexual offense that directly violates federal law and would be prosecuted in a federal court. For a sex crime to violate federal law, it would have to involve an activity that crosses state lines or takes place on federal property. Some examples of federal sex crimes include sex trafficking, child pornography distribution, internet sex crimes, and child sexual abuse. If you’re facing charges of a federal sex crime in Virginia, it is crucial to seek the help of a skilled attorney to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the case.
Why Are Some Internet Crimes Also Federal Crimes?
Some internet crimes are also considered federal crimes because of the far-reaching and apparently limitless reach of the internet itself. The internet is not a local or state entity. It’s not even federal. It’s a global means of constant communication among nearly the entire human race. Every time you use a computer, you are leaving a cyber trail of your activities. The government entity that has jurisdiction over the internet is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
What Are the Five Types of Federal Sex Crimes?
There are many different types of sex crimes that are prosecuted at the federal level. Five of the most frequently prosecuted ones include child sexual exploitation, child sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, and sexual crimes on federal property. Being charged with any of these crimes could derail your life and result in hefty penalties. It is vital that you hire a lawyer immediately to help you deal with them.
What Constitutes a Federal Crime?
For a crime to be considered federal, it must be in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution, as well as federal law. This includes crimes that occur across state lines, crimes that affect interstate commerce, crimes that occur on federal property like national parks or military bases, crimes that violate a specific federal law like tax evasion, and crimes that involve federal agencies like the DEA, ATF, or FBI.
Get Help with Your Federal Internet Sex Crime Case Today
Being charged with an internet sex crime can be a confusing and overwhelming experience that has the potential to cause untold devastation throughout your entire life. Sex crimes are not to be taken lightly, even ones that occur on the internet. It is vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself by hiring an experienced sex crimes lawyer for your case.
The legal team at Johnson/Citronberg can help you figure out a strong defense strategy for your case. We can help you build your case up, gather the right kind of evidence, and never stop advocating for your freedom. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case today.
