Manassas Sex Crime Attorney
If you’re looking for a Manassas sex crimes lawyer, Morrison Brown PLC provides strategic, well-informed defense in the face of some of Virginia’s most serious criminal allegations. Based in the heart of Manassas, our attorneys represent clients across Prince William County who are dealing with the weight of a system that moves fast, hits hard, and leaves lasting scars.
Common Sex Crimes We Defend
In Virginia, sex crimes include a wide spectrum of charges, and at Morrison Brown PLC, we craft strategic defenses to build a strong case, whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony. We understand the gravity of these cases and work tirelessly to defend the rights of our clients.
Some of the most common sex crimes we defend against include:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery
- Child sexual abuse
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Indecent liberties with a minor
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Failure to register as a sex offender
Each of these charges carries its own sentencing guidelines, evidentiary standards, and burdens. Some are felonies punishable by decades in prison; others are misdemeanors that still involve registry requirements or mandatory counseling. In many cases, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is nuanced and hinges on factors like age difference, physical evidence, or consent disputes.
Local Justice, Local Pressure
As a local law firm, the Prince William County-based team at Morrison Brown PLC is intimately familiar with the General District and Circuit Courts, both of which regularly handle sex crime charges. Many cases are tried at the Prince William County Judicial Center, where prosecutors aggressively pursue these kinds of crimes, especially when minors are involved or when cases gain public attention.
If you’re facing a charge in Manassas or beyond, you need a defense team that understands how the local bench thinks, how prosecutors build their narratives, and what local jury pools tend to react to.
Defending Against the Accusation
The defense strategy in a sex crime case must be tailored to the facts, the personalities involved, and the evidence (or lack thereof). Some of the potential approaches that a sex crime lawyer from Morrison Brown PLC could employ include the following:
- Challenging witness credibility, especially in cases where conflicting statements or delayed reporting are a factor
- Uncovering ulterior motives of the alleged victim, including custody disputes or revenge
- Contesting forensic evidence, like DNA, cell phone records, and computer data
- Fighting illegal searches or coerced confessions under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments
- Negotiating charge reductions or pursuing alternative resolutions to avoid trial
Every detail matters. A comment taken out of context, a misunderstood image, or the mischaracterization of a past relationship can drastically alter how you’re perceived. That’s why Morrison Brown PLC takes a granular approach to defense. We investigate from the ground up so that we don’t have to react to the prosecution’s version of the story.
Registry and Long-Term Consequences
If convicted, you could be added to Virginia’s Sex Offender Registry after completing your sentence. Registered offenders face restrictions when it comes to where they can live, work, and travel. In Manassas, that often means being blocked from employment in city departments, schools, and even some private-sector roles.
Many offenders face daily check-ins with probation officers, limits on internet usage, mandatory sex offender treatment, and unannounced home inspections. These restrictions can go on for years, which makes it feel less like rehabilitation and more like ongoing punishment. As of 2023, there were over 26,000 offenders listed on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
The Impact of a Conviction: Beyond Court
The emotional and psychological toll of a sex crime conviction can affect more than just the incarcerated individuals. Families get torn apart, relatives can face guilt by association in social settings, and children can become collateral damage in custody or divorce proceedings. Your entire support system can be tested or disappear entirely.
Post-incarceration, things may not get better. Between registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry, over 30% of released offenders reporting new or worsening depression, and permanent criminal records leading to a 27% unemployment rate for those who were incarcerated, a strong defense isn’t just about your day in court.
With the help of Morrison Brown PLC, you can reclaim your voice, defend your freedom, and ensure that one accusation doesn’t define your future.
FAQs
Can I Get Fired From My Job Just for Being Accused of a Sex Crime in Virginia?
While you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty, Virginia is an at-will employment state. This means employers can terminate workers for any lawful reason, including damage to reputation or company image because of a criminal charge, even without a conviction. Many professionals are suspended or fired before trial if the accusation becomes public or disrupts workplace operations.
How Does a Protective Order Affect My Ability to Parent or See My Kids?
Protective orders can temporarily bar you from contact with your children, even if the allegation doesn’t involve them. In Virginia, this includes removal from the shared home and potential supervised visitation restrictions. Violating an order, intentionally or accidentally, can result in criminal contempt or new charges. Courts tend to err on the side of caution in these emotionally charged cases.
What Happens if the Accuser Recants the Allegation?
Even if the alleged victim changes their story or admits to making a false claim, prosecutors may still pursue the case. Once a criminal complaint is made, it’s up to the Commonwealth’s Attorney to decide whether the case is worth pursuing. However, a recantation can provide leverage during negotiations or a trial, especially if it is supported by inconsistencies or a lack of evidence.
Can a Sex Crime Charge Be Expunged From My Record in Virginia?
If convicted, sex crimes aren’t eligible for expungement in Virginia. Expungement removes the conviction from your criminal record. However, if your arrest didn’t lead to a conviction, or if the charges were dropped, you could be eligible to have it removed. It’s important to consult with an experienced sex crime lawyer to talk through your options and understand your circumstances.
Don’t Let a Charge Define You
Facing a sex crime accusation in Virginia demands a serious, informed, and immediate response.
Contact the team at Morrison Brown PLC to schedule a consultation today.
