Tennessee Sex Crimes Against Children Attorney

Protect Your Reputation with our Child Sex Crimes Lawyer in Tennessee

Being accused of a sex crime against a child is an extremely serious matter that can have severe consequences for your personal and professional life. In the state of Tennessee, offenses such as child sexual assault, sexual battery, child pornography, and online solicitation of a minor are often prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you or someone you know is facing charges related to these crimes, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand the potential defense strategies that may be available.

At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand the ways you may be affected by accusations that you have committed a sex crime against a child. Unfortunately, people accused of these offenses are often considered to be guilty by the general public, and their reputations may be ruined, regardless of the outcome of a criminal case. We can help you determine the best ways to proceed in these situations, and we will help to protect your good name as you respond to accusations and demonstrate your innocence.

The Seriousness of Child Sexual Assault

The offense of sexual assault or rape generally involves engaging in sexual intercourse with a person without receiving consent. However, children are considered to be incapable of giving consent, and those who engage in sexual intercourse with minors could be charged with statutory rape. Tennessee identifies several categories of statutory rape and child sexual assault:

• Mitigated statutory rape - If the alleged victim was at least 15 years old but under the age of 18, and the alleged offender was between four and five years older than the child, the person may be charged with a Class E felony.
• Statutory rape - This charge may apply if an alleged victim was between 13 and 15 years old, and the alleged offender was between four and 10 years older than the victim. If an alleged victim was between 15 and 18 years old, and the alleged offender was between five and 10 years older, statutory rape charges may also apply. This offense is a Class E felony.
• Aggravated statutory rape - If the alleged victim was between the ages of 13 and 18, and the alleged offender was 10 or more years older than the victim, the person may be charged with a Class D felony.
• Statutory rape by an authority figure - If the alleged victim was between the ages of 13 and 18, the alleged offender was at least four years older than the victim, and the offender was a person in a position of power or trust, they may be charged with a Class C felony.
• Rape of a child - Engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 13 may result in Class A felony charges.

Sexual Battery Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee law defines sexual battery as engaging in sexual conduct other than sexual intercourse with a person without their consent. While sexual battery against an adult is usually charged as a Class E felony, sexual battery against a child between the ages of 13 and 18 is a Class C felony if the alleged perpetrator was an authority figure such as a teacher or coach. Aggravated sexual battery charges may apply if the alleged victim was under the age of 13, and this offense is a Class B felony.

In other situations where a person is accused of engaging in sexual contact with a minor, they may be charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct. This charge may apply if the alleged victim was under the age of 13 or if a child was between the ages of 13 and 16 and the alleged perpetrator was at least three years older than the alleged victim. This offense is a felony that may be punished by a prison sentence of two to 15 years.

The Consequences of Child Pornography Offenses

Offenses involving explicit images depicting minors engaging in actual or simulated sexual activity may result in child pornography charges. The severity of these charges will depend on whether a person is accused of possessing, distributing, producing, or promoting child pornography. The specific charges related to child pornography can vary from a Class D felony to a Class B felony.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

A person may be charged with the offense of soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor if they hire, persuade, or otherwise cause a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. This offense is generally charged as a Class B felony. In other cases, the offense of solicitation of a minor may involve communicating with a child online and seeking to engage in conduct that would constitute a child sex crime. The charges for this type of online solicitation of a minor can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony.

Contact Our Knoxville Child Sex Crimes Attorneys

If you or someone you know is facing accusations of sex crimes against children in Tennessee, it is crucial to seek legal representation. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, our dedicated team understands the complexities surrounding these types of cases. We have extensive experience defending clients accused of serious criminal offenses in Tennessee. We believe in providing compassionate support while aggressively fighting for our clients' rights at every stage of the legal process. Contact us today at 865-281-1000 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.