Sex crime charges not only carry severe criminal penalties but also the potential to destroy your reputation, career, and relationships. Whether you are facing allegations of rape, sexual assault, child molestation, or any other sex-related offense, you need an attorney on your side. The prosecution will be building its case against you from day one, and every moment you wait puts your freedom and future at greater risk.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides aggressive, discreet defense representation for individuals facing sex crime charges throughout Pierce County. Our Lakewood sex crimes lawyer knows how to challenge evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. When your reputation and freedom are on the line, contact us today to protect your future.
If you are also facing allegations of sexual misconduct, our Tacoma, Washington sex crimes lawyers provide discreet and strategic defense to safeguard your future.
Common Types of Sex Crimes in Washington State
Washington takes sex crimes seriously, with prosecutors pursuing these cases aggressively and courts imposing severe penalties upon conviction. Each type of sex crime carries its own definition, potential penalties, and defense strategies that require an attorney’s assistance to navigate successfully.
Some of the most common sex offenses include:
- Rape: This crime involves engaging in sexual intercourse with another person through forcible compulsion or without their consent. Washington law recognizes different degrees of rape based on factors such as the victim’s age, the relationship between parties, and whether weapons or violence were involved in the alleged offense.
- Child Molestation: These charges involve any sexual contact with a minor under the age of consent. The law distinguishes between different degrees based on the child’s age and the nature of the alleged contact, with prosecutors often building cases around testimony from young and impressionable witnesses.
- Indecent Liberties: This offense involves engaging in forcible sexual touching without the victim’s consent. Charges arise when the perpetrator uses forcible compulsion or when the victim cannot consent to the sexual contact due to a physical, mental, or developmental disability.
- Voyeurism: This offense involves secretly observing, photographing, or recording another person without their knowledge or consent when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Revenge Porn: Also known as non-consensual distribution of intimate images, this crime involves sharing private, explicit photos or videos of another person without their permission. These cases often arise from relationship disputes where one party seeks to harm or embarrass their former partner.
- Prostitution and Solicitation: Prostitution involves offering or engaging in sexual conduct for money or other compensation, while solicitation involves attempting to pay someone for sexual acts. Both the person offering services and the person seeking to pay can face criminal charges under Washington law.
Sex Crime Penalties and Registration Requirements in Washington
The penalties for sex crimes in Washington are among the most severe in the criminal justice system. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. First-degree rape carries the possibility of life imprisonment, while other felony sex crimes can result in decades behind bars. Even misdemeanor sex offenses can lead to significant jail time, hefty fines, and long-lasting consequences for your reputation and future.
Most people convicted of a sex crime are required to register as a sex offender. If you are required to register, you must notify your Lakewood, WA sheriff’s office within three business days. You will need to be fingerprinted, photographed, and provide detailed personal information that will be made available to the public. Registration periods range from 10 years to life, depending on your conviction and criminal history, and these requirements follow you even if you move to another state.
Why You Need a Lakewood Sex Crimes Defense Attorney on Your Side
When you are facing sex crime allegations, you are not only fighting criminal charges—you are fighting for your entire future. The moment accusations surface, your reputation begins suffering damage that can persist long after legal proceedings conclude. Prosecutors begin working immediately after charges are filed, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and crafting narratives designed to secure a conviction.
You need an equally committed advocate who understands both the legal complexities and human elements involved in sex crime defense. The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz brings decades of experience protecting clients from these serious allegations, and we leave no stone unturned in building a robust defense in your favor.
Our firm knows that behind every case is a human being whose life has been changed by allegations that may be false, exaggerated, or based on misunderstandings. We are committed to providing the aggressive defense you deserve while treating you with dignity and respect throughout the process. Anything you say during these proceedings can be used against you, which is why we work diligently to protect you from self-incrimination while ensuring your constitutional rights are preserved at every stage.
Our Lakewood domestic violence lawyers have years of experience handling domestic violence cases in Lakewood and throughout Pierce County, we understand the tactics prosecutors use and how to build a defense strategy designed to safeguard your freedom and future.
What to Expect After an Arrest in Lakewood, Washington
After an arrest for sex crimes, the legal process begins with booking at the local jail. You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into the system, while law enforcement may attempt to question you about the allegations. Do not answer their questions—exercise your right to remain silent and repeatedly request an attorney.
Within a few days of your arrest, you will appear before a judge for your initial court appearance, called an arraignment. During this hearing, the charges against you will be formally read, and you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
After arraignment, your case will move through the pre-trial phase, during which your attorney will review evidence, interview witnesses, and file necessary motions to protect your rights. You may also enter into plea negotiations with the prosecutor if your lawyer believes it is in your best interest. If your case does not resolve through plea bargaining, it will proceed to trial, where your attorney will aggressively defend your interests and a jury will determine your guilt or innocence.
Your Life and Future Are on the Line – Call The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz Today
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides aggressive, confidential representation for clients facing sex crime allegations in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. We examine every aspect of the case, challenge questionable evidence, and fight to protect your constitutional rights. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 now for your private consultation.