Iowa City Sex Crime Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Sexual Charges in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Quad City, Scott County & All of Eastern Iowa

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a sex crime, you need a team of skilled criminal defense attorneys who can act quickly and aggressively on your behalf. This can be beneficial in helping you to avoid penalties, such as fines and imprisonment, and keep the charge from staining your record.

At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, our Iowa sex offender lawyers understand the seriousness of a sex crime allegation and can help you build an effective defense. With over 53 years of combined experience, our Iowa sex crime attorneys are well-equipped to defend against the most severe charges in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and all of Easter Iowa.

To schedule your free consultation, reach out to our Iowa City sex crime attorneys today at (319) 499-5524 or contact our firm online. 

What is the Age of Consent in Iowa?

The age of consent is the minimum age at which a person is considered legally of age to consent to sexual intercourse and other related activity. While the age of consent is most states is 18 or 17 years old, the minimum age in Iowa 16 of age. Therefore, a minor who is 16 years old can legally engage in a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old adult or older.

Anyone who is 15 years of age or younger cannot legally consent to sexual activity. However, there is a close-in-age exemption that allows teenagers who are 14 and 15 to consent to sex with partners who are fewer than 4 years old.

But no matter what age, a school employee cannot engage in sexual activity with a current or former student (within 30 days of the violation). Thus, an 18-year-old teacher cannot have consensual sex with a minor student who is 17 years of age.

What are the Penalties For Sex Crimes in Iowa?

Being accused of any crime can be a terrifying experience. When the allegation pertains to a sex crime, the level of fear and anxiety only increases. Our criminal defense lawyers provide quality representation to help protect the rights of our clients and minimize the repercussions they face.

Possible penalties for a sex crime in Iowa include:

• Significant prison sentences
• Large fines
• Lifelong sex offender registration

When you hire our Iowa sex offender lawyers, we will investigate all of the details surrounding your case, including how your property was searched. Regardless of what sex crime you have been accused of, we can help you build a strong defense case.

Types of Sex Crimes

Our knowledgeable lawyers have extensive experience defending against all types of sex crimes in Iowa, including:

• Sexual abuse
• Rape
• Child pornography
• Internet pornography
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Incest 
• Lascivious contact with a minor
• Sexual exploit by counselor/therapist
• Sexual exploitation of a minor
• Elder sexual abuse
• Assault with intent of sexual abuse

Iowa Sex Offender Registry

In Iowa, convicted sex offenders must register with a public database where anyone can learn the details of their past crime. The duration of the registry requirement will depend on the severity of the crime. While registered, individuals will be restricted as to where they can live and what type of employment they can obtain.

How to Defend Yourself Against False Allegations

Facing false allegations of a sex crime can be incredibly distressing and challenging. It's essential to approach the situation carefully and take appropriate steps to defend yourself. 

Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Remain calm and composed. Emotional reactions could potentially be misinterpreted, so it's important to stay calm throughout the process.
• Seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in sex crime cases. They will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help build a strong defense strategy.
• Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. This includes friends, family, and even on social media platforms.
• Work closely with your lawyer to gather any evidence that can support your innocence. This might include text messages, emails, phone records, or any other form of communication that can refute the allegations. Additionally, if there were witnesses present during the alleged incident, their statements can be crucial for your defense.
• Create a timeline of your activities leading up to and after the alleged incident. Note down specific dates, times, and locations, along with any supporting evidence, such as receipts, photos, or electronic records, that can help establish your whereabouts.
• If the allegations involve digital communication, it's important to preserve any relevant electronic evidence. Take screenshots, save emails, text messages, or any other forms of digital communication that may be pertinent to your case.

For advice on your particular situation and how you can avoid the life-altering effects of being required to register as a sex offender, reach out to Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger. Our Iowa City & Davenport sex crime lawyers are prepared to skillfully guide you through the criminal justice system from start to finish.

Defending those accused of sex crimes in:

• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Quad City
• Scott County
• All of Eastern Iowa

Get the legal representation you need today, by calling our Iowa City sex crime lawyers at (319) 499-5524.