Chattanooga Sex Offense Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in Tennessee

Being accused of a sex crime is one of the toughest and most stressful experiences in criminal law. Not only do they come with devastating penalties, but the associated stigma can linger for years, seriously affecting your life across many areas. Your reputation, your family, and your job or career can all suffer. You may lose your professional license and, if you are convicted, you may face years in prison, heavy fines, lengthy probation, and the potential for mandatory sex offender registration. Your ability to find future employment and housing may be jeopardized as a criminal conviction follows you into the future.  

With stakes this high, you need a criminal defense lawyer you can trust. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, you can turn to a team of lawyers with 60 years of combined experience. Our team can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case in search of weaknesses and inconsistencies that could cast doubt on the charges. We can aggressively represent you at trial or negotiate with prosecutors for a plea deal that can reduce charges and penalties, where applicable. Throughout your ordeal, we will be by your side, providing you with the counsel and support your need, including utmost confidentiality in these sensitive matters. 

Request a free case evaluation with a Chattanooga sex offense attorney at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss by contacting a team member via our website or at (423) 264-2206.

Defending You Against ​​​​​​Sex Offenses in Tennessee

Our firm defends clients in all types of sex crime charges. We have taken on and won cases involving sexual offenses that include:

• Child Enticement/Molestation/Sexual Abuse
• Child Pornography
• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Battery
• Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Penalties for Sexual Offenses in Tennessee

Child Sexual Abuse (Tennessee Code § 39-13-522)

Child sexual abuse includes any form of sexual activity with a person under the age of 18, and the penalties are much more severe due to the vulnerability of the victim. Sexual activity with minors, including sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse, is treated as an especially serious offense under Tennessee law.

Convictions for child sexual abuse or exploitation can result in a range of penalties, including mandatory prison sentences, long-term registration as a sex offender, and the possibility of life imprisonment in extreme cases. 

Possession of Child Pornography (Tennessee Code § 39-17-1003)

Possessing child pornography in Tennessee is a felony offense. The penalties depend on the amount and nature of the material found in the defendant's possession. For a first offense, the offender may face a prison sentence of 3 to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the defendant has a prior conviction for a similar offense, they could face a longer prison sentence of 8 to 30 years in prison.

Rape (Tennessee Code § 39-13-503)

Rape occurs when one person engages in sexual penetration (oral, vaginal, or anal) with another person without their consent. It is classified as a Class A felony in Tennessee, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 60 years. This is a very serious offense that requires the legal support of a Chattanooga sexual offense lawyer from our firm.

Sexual Assault (Tennessee Code § 39-13-505)

It occurs when one person touches another person in a sexual manner without their consent. Sexual assault can include unwanted groping, touching, or fondling, and can involve both adults and minors. It is classified as a Class D felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years, depending on the circumstances and prior criminal history. 

Statutory Rape (Tennessee Code § 39-13-506)

Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse between an adult and a minor who is under the age of 18. It is a Class E felony in Tennessee, which can result in a sentence of up to 6 years in prison. However, penalties can increase significantly if the minor is particularly young or if the defendant has prior convictions.

Additional Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

Tennessee has some of the harshest penalties for sexual offenses in the United States. Convictions can result in long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and parole restrictions. Some of the most severe consequences of sexual offense convictions include:

• Sex Offender Registration: These are offenses that are often charged as serious felonies resulting in sex offender registration. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to register for a specific time period or for life. 
• Probation and Parole: After serving prison time, convicted sex offenders may face long periods of probation or parole, which come with restrictions on where they can live, whom they can associate with, and whether they are allowed to have contact with minors.
• Fines: In addition to prison time, many sexual offense convictions carry heavy fines that can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Impact on Family and Personal Life: Beyond the legal consequences, a conviction for a sexual offense can damage relationships with family and friends, disrupt your career, and cause lasting harm to your reputation.

If you are facing charges of child sexual abuse, it is critical to seek the counsel of a skilled Chattanooga sex crimes attorney who can help protect your rights, build a strong defense, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

What Do You Need to Know in Sex Offense Allegation Cases?

Prior to your initial court date, we recommend that you abide by the following:

• Do not talk to the police or child protective services without an attorney present.
• Avoid making the mistake of waiting and hoping that accusations will fade or that the police will drop the charges before speaking with a skilled attorney.
• Consider hiring a sex crimes lawyer as opposed to a general practice attorney. When you are charged with a sex crime, it’s a good bet that your opponent will be a prosecutor who deals with sexual abuse cases regularly. You want experience in this area of law on your side, which is what you will get with our criminal defense team at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss.

Being accused of a sex crime can be a life-changing experience. That’s why it’s important to team up with a criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight for you. Don’t wait until you are convicted to contact us. Let us be on the offensive and work to protect you from being wrongly convicted.

Why Choose Cavett, Abbott & Weiss?

When facing charges of a sexual offense in Chattanooga or the surrounding areas, securing an experienced and dedicated legal team is critical. Cavett, Abbott & Weiss is committed to providing strategic legal defense for individuals facing sexual offense charges. 

With a comprehensive understanding of Tennessee's criminal justice system, our team is prepared to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Speak with a Chattanooga sex offense attorney for a free case review. Reach out via our website or call (423) 264-2206 now.