Being accused of a sex offense can wreak havoc on a person's life. Most sex crimes are felonies and can result in a potential prison sentence. In addition, a person convicted of a sex crime in Iowa can be required to register as a sex offender, which can make it all but impossible to get a job or even a place to live. Accusations of sex offenses can have profound long-term consequences; they can destroy a person's reputation and cause him or her to lose his or her job and their family.
Recently a man was arrested in Iowa City and accused of performing a sex act on a woman while she was sleeping. Police say the 29-year-old defendant was acquainted with the victim. She claims she woke up and discovered him performing a sexual act on her. She has told police she did not consent to the act. Police claim the defendant admitted to another person that he had no basis to believe she consented to the act.
The man faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse. In Iowa, that is a Class C felony. If convicted, the man could face a maximum prison sentence of ten years.
Anyone facing sex crime charges in Iowa needs an aggressive defense strategy. In some cases, sex crime charges are based on false allegations or mistaken identity. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly investigate the case and seek out weaknesses and inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence. Whether the end result is a complete acquittal, or a reduction of the charges through plea bargaining, it is essential to fight to protect one's rights.
Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen, "Texas man charged with sexually abusing sleeping woman," Stephen Gruber-Miller, May 10, 2016