Haughton, LA Sex Crimes Lawyer

The very experience of being accused of a sex crime can be overwhelming, intimidating, and devastating. Even if the accusations have no validity to them, you can still face irreparable damage to your personal and professional reputation. Whether you’ve been accused of molestation occurring on a property along South Elm Street or an act of sexual assault at Joe Delaney Memorial Park, you need a Haughton, LA, sex crimes lawyer to protect you. 

Protect Your Future With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC

When you stand accused of a sex crime, it is crucial that you hire a defense attorney who has experience fighting for individuals facing these kinds of criminal offenses. For over 32 years, the attorneys at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, have been doing just that, and we pride ourselves on a proven track record of success when it comes to fighting for our clients. We are here to provide you with a strong defense strategy and protect your future livelihood. 

Depending on the nature of your charge, your case will be handled through one of two court systems. For state offenses, you will likely need to make appearances at the Bossier Parish Courthouse on Burt Boulevard in Benton.

However, in certain other cases, such as child pornography charges, your case will likely be handled through the federal court system at the United States District Courthouse in Shreveport. Our attorneys are familiar with the judges and prosecutors operating in both of these court systems and can use that knowledge to benefit your case.

Understanding Your Sex Crime Charges in Haughton

In Bossier Parish, sex crimes can include a wide variety of charges. However, almost all convictions can result in some combination of prison or jail time, fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. All of these consequences can do lasting harm to your personal and professional life, which is why it is so crucial that you have an attorney present in your case. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we defend clients facing the following charges:

• Sexual assault. This includes any kind of non-consensual sexual contact or touching of a victim’s genitals or other private areas against their will. It can also be charged in cases where the victim was forced to touch the private parts of the offender without the victim’s consent. Keep in mind that up to 10% of sexual assault allegations turn out to be false. 
• Rape. This charge covers any kind of non-consensual intercourse or the statutory rape of a minor, or a person under the age of consent. These cases often result in severe, life-ruining consequences. Over the last year, Bossier Parish has experienced a 2% increase in rape cases. 
• Child pornography. These crimes relate to the creation, distribution, or possession of any materials or content that involves minors engaging in any kind of sexual act or sexual behavior. These are serious charges and are often prosecuted at the federal level. 
• Internet sex crimes. These crimes can include charges for the online solicitation of a minor, enticement, solicitation for prostitution, and any other kind of inappropriate digital communications. 
• Indecent exposure. While this is a less severe charge than other sex-related offenses, intentionally exposing yourself in public can still result in jail time, significant fines, and having to register as a sex offender in the state of Louisiana. 

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, or know someone who has, the first step in your defense will be hiring an attorney who can help you better understand the consequences you could face if convicted. The process of a sexual offense case can take several months to over a year, depending on the circumstances, and it is essential that you have an attorney on your side the entire time. 

The Legal Process for Sex-Related Offenses 

If you find yourself charged with a sex-related crime in Louisiana, it is important to be aware of the way in which your case will likely be handled. In most cases, the legal process will include the following steps:

• Arrest and formal charges. Following your official arrest, you will be formally charged. During this time, you maintain your right to remain silent and need to ask for your attorney. Having an attorney on your side during this step will be essential for the protection of your rights. 
• Investigations and evidence collections. The prosecution will then begin to officially collect evidence and build its case against you. This will likely include digital records like videos or photographs, and statements made by alleged eyewitnesses. 
• Pre-trial motions. At this time, your attorney will be given the power to file motions in order to suppress certain evidence or dismiss charges. This can allow your attorney to strengthen your defense before your case even goes to trial. 
• Trial. During the official trial for your case — only around 2% of criminal cases actually reach trial — your attorney can counter any of the prosecutor’s claims, present evidence that supports your defense, and question witnesses in order to seek the most favorable outcome available. 
• Sentencing. If you are convicted of a sex crime in Haughton, you will likely face serious consequences, including fines, jail or prison time, and being required to register as a sex offender. The team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, is here to do whatever is possible to mitigate those outcomes. 

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer Serving Bossier Parish Residents

Being arrested or having a loved one arrested for a sex crime is a terrifying experience. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Instead, you can hire a sex crimes lawyer to fight for you and protect your rights. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we are here to do just that. Let us work to uphold your rights and limit the potential consequences you could face. To learn more about our criminal defense services and schedule your initial consultation, call us at 318-377-1555 or contact us via our online form. We have devoted the last three decades of our careers to defending the accused of North Louisiana and are here to help you now in whatever you are facing.