Lynnwood Child Molestation Lawyers

Aggressive Defense Against Child Molestation Charges in Washington 

At The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear, we will put our 25+ years of experience to use as we strategize a strong defense for you in trial. We will challenge the assumptions anyone may have about defendants charged with child molestation charges and use a human-based approach to put up a strong and caring fight for your defense. We know that no one is going to punish you more than yourself in the face of such charges, so we will do our best to support you throughout the legal process, especially when child molestation charges are serious crimes in Washington that have no statute of limitations to bring forward a case.

Schedule a free initial consultation with The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear to learn more about how we can fight your charges. Call (425) 224-7075 or contact us online.

Understanding Child Molestation Charges in Washington

According to RCW 9A.44.083, a person is guilty of child molestation in the first degree when they have, or knowingly caused another person under the age of 18 to have, sexual contact with another who is younger than 12 years old and not married to the offender who is at least 3 years older than the alleged victim. The law defines “sexual contact” as any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person done for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either party or a third party. Additionally, individuals are considered “married” under this statute if they are legally married to one another, but they will not be considered married if they are living separate and apart from their spouse or have filed for legal separation or dissolution.

First degree child molestation is a Class A felony, the most serious class of felony in the state of Washington. Class A child molestation felonies are punishable by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

Second-Degree Child Molestation

RCW 9A.44.086 states that an individual commits child molestation in the second degree if they have, or knowingly cause another under the age of 18 to have, sexual contact with an individual who is 12-14 years old and not married to the offender who is 3 years or older than them.

Child molestation in the second degree is charged as a Class B felony that can result in up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

Third-Degree Child Molestation

Third degree child molestation is when, according to RCW 9A.44.089, the defendant has, or knowingly causes another minor under the age of 18 to have, sexual contact with another who is 14-16 years old and not married to the perpetrator, who in turn is at least 4 years older than the alleged victim.

Child molestation in the third degree is charged as a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges 

Child molestation accusations are very serious charges that can lead to years in prison and hefty fines. The state of Washington has several statutes addressing the severity of such an offense depending on the age of the alleged victim, so it is important to prepare the facts of your situation for your defense attorney to build an effective case for you. For instance, they may argue for mitigated charges due to the alleged victim’s age that has been misrepresented to you. 

Contact Our Lynnwood Child Molestation Attorneys Today

Our team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear are tried and true professionals who know how to navigate the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to sex-related crimes like child molestation. We understand the consequences of such a conviction, and we will do our best to fight for your defense and argue for mitigated charges from if possible. 

Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your case in more detail and explore your defense options. Call (425) 224-7075 or contact The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear online.