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College Students Sex Crime Defense

Any accusation of a criminal sex act is serious and life-altering. Like any other crime, a conviction of a sex offense involves serious prison time and heavy fines. Sex offenses include much more, where the punishment seeks to shame you and hinder you long after you have paid your fines and served prison time. In some extreme cases, the punishment from a sex crime can last a lifetime.

Convictions for sex crimes can ruin your reputation, and jurors may already have prejudices before the case makes it to court. A skilled attorney can help you fight unfair prejudices and point out the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.


Lawyer for Student “Sex Crime” in Des Moines, Iowa

The criminal defense attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have almost 50 years’ worth of combined experience defending clients in tough cases. A capable Des Moines sex crime lawyer who works with college students should defend your rights. We will. Seek to expose every weakness, every false accusation and every exaggerated claim in the case against you. We will challenge the evidence and see to have your charges are reduced or dismissed. Call us today at (515)279-9700 for a free consultation.

We represent students accused of sex crimes at Drake university and Grand View University. Our attorneys also represent students at Des Moines Area Community College, the two satellite facilities of The University of Iowa, Des Moines University (an osteopathic medical school) and AIB College of Business. The attorneys also represent clients from William Penn University, Upper Iowa University, and Simpson College.

Call (515) 279-9700 to discuss your case today.


Student Sex Crimes Information

  • Common Sex Crimes in College
  • Defenses Against Sex Crimes
  • Additional Resources

Common Sex Crimes in College

Typically, most students will encounter very specific sex crime allegations. Young people living away from home for the first time with all new people can lead to certain challenges and accusations. Here are some of the most common sex crimes that are alleged in college:

Sexual Assault: This is also called rape and is referred to as sexual abuse under Iowa’s Code. A person can be found guilty of third-degree sexual assault if the sex act was committed upon another person by force and did not/was unable to give consent. In some instances, students may use date rape jokes, which is an odorless and tasteless drug that can disorientate or incapacitate the victim.

This class C felony is punishable with 10 years in prison and possible restitution costs. The charge increases to a second degree if it includes an aggravated charge. Committing a sex act with a dangerous weapon in your possession and/or if the victim is under the age of 12 are two ways to get an aggravated sex charge. This class B forcible felony has a mandatory required prison sentence of 25 years. If the victim has a mental illness or if there was a substantial risk of death during the sexual assault, the accused can be charged with sexual assault in the first degree. This class A felony can lead to a lifetime imprisonment without parole.

Prostitution and Solicitation: Prostitution is considered an aggravated misdemeanor, which is punishable by two years imprisonment and fines of $675 to $6,250. Anyone who sells or purchases services as a partner in a sex act can be charged with prostitution.

Internet Sex Crimes: A great deal of internet sex crimes involve explicit media of children and underage teenagers. Possessing and distributing child pornography can lead to federal charges. College students sexting and coercing a minor for explicit videos or photos can be charged with internet sex crimes too. “Revenge porn,” where one person keeps sexual photos and videos of another person for exploitation can also face internet sex crimes. Depending on the severity of the material and age of the victim involved, a conviction can lead to a year in prison to life incarceration. Fines can get as much as $25,000 for the distribution of child pornography.


Defenses Against Sex Crime Accusations

In any criminal case, the burden of proof lies on the prosecution. The attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., will scrutinize every piece of evidence and challenge any timeline for the alleged sex crime. If any part of the investigation was handled improperly, our attorneys may be able to get some evidence dismissed, ultimately weakening the prosecution’s case against you.

Jury members may have prejudices against people who are charged with sex crimes. Our lawyers will fight to remind jurors that the accusation doesn’t always fit the accused. No matter the outcome, having smart and reliable defense attorneys is one of the strongest things you can do for your case.


Additional Resources

Rainn – This nonprofit group that advocates for victims of sexual abuse has detailed information about the threat of sexual violence women face on college campuses.

The Realities of Sexual Assault on Campus – Pertinent information about reporting sexual assault and how some colleges have handled accusations in the past.


Finding Attorneys for Student Sex Offenses in Polk County, IA

Any student facing accusations of any kind of sex crime should call McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. at (515)279-9700 to learn what our lawyers can do for his or her case. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys take on tough sex offense cases and represent students accused of several different crimes. Call today for a free consultation.