Being accused of a sexually based offense comes with a heavy stigma. The accused might find challenges that follow him for the rest of his life. While it might feel as though there is no sympathy for someone accused of a sexually based crime, it is important to remember that everyone deserves fair treatment under the law.
Dan Carman and Attorneys strive to ensure that all of our clients are treated fairly, no matter what charges they face. We realize that many of our clients have nowhere else to turn but to their attorney, so our support is of the utmost importance.
Sexually Based Crime in Kentucky
In 2014, there were 4,779 forcible sex offenses (forcible rape, sodomy and fondling) reported in Kentucky. Here are some examples of offenses by county:
- Harlan County: 44 forcible sex offenses
- Pike County: 37 forcible sex offenses
- Carter County: 27 forcible sex offenses
- Knox County: 34 forcible sex offenses
- Taylor County: 74 forcible sex offenses
- Bullitt County: 47 forcible sex offenses
- Logan County: 540 forcible sex offenses
- Calloway County: 52 forcible sex offenses
- Boone County: 154 forcible sex offenses
- Butler County: 49 forcible sex offenses.
Types of Sexually Based Offenses in Kentucky
- Rape/Date Rape – There are three degrees of rape charges in Kentucky, all of which are considered felonies. First-degree rape occurs when someone forces another to have sex, or if the victim was under the age of 12. Second-degree rape occurs when someone 18 years of age or older has sex with someone age 14 or younger or who is mentally incapacitated. Third degree rape can cover many different scenarios, including sex with an intellectually disabled person, or if an offender uses a position of authority to have sex with someone else.
- Sexual Assault – In Kentucky, sexual assault other than rape and sodomy is known as sexual abuse. Sexual abuse in the first degree is a Class D felony in Kentucky, while second and third degree sexual abuses are Class A and Class B misdemeanors, respectively.
- Incest – Incest is the act of sex with an ancestor, descendant, uncle, aunt, brother or sister, either by blood or by law. Incest can be charged as Class A, Class B or Class C felonies in Kentucky.
- Pornography – Pornography charges in Kentucky can apply to a wide range of crimes, from the distribution of obscene matters to sexual exploitation of minors. These charges can range from misdemeanors to Class A felonies.
Sex Offender Registry In Kentucky
The Kentucky Sex Offender Registration Act requires a person 18 years or older at the time of their offense—or any offender under the age of 18 who has committed a sex crime or criminal offense against a victim who is a minor—and sexual “predators” to register with the probation and parole office in the county where they intend to live after they are released from prison.
Lifetime registration is required for persons who have one or more convictions for crimes including those against a victim who is a minor, who have one or more prior sex crime convictions, who were convicted of first degree rape or sodomy, or who are sexually violent predators. Persons convicted of other crimes related to sexual offenses are required to register for a period of 20 years following release from confinement or discharge from the requirements of early release, whichever period is longer.
Failing to register or knowingly providing false, misleading, or incomplete information is a felony in Kentucky.
Information on the registry, which is maintained by the Kentucky State Police, is made public. This means that anyone can search the registry, including neighbors or future employers.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense in Kentucky, Dan Carman and Attorneys can help. We know how serious it is to be accused of one of these crimes, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to make sure that you are treated fairly. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.
