Lynnwood Sexual Abuse Lawyers

25+ Years of Experience with a Caring Approach to Representation

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear are the caring and dedicated legal advocates you need to combat your sexual abuse accusations. We have over 25 years of professional experience and aim to take a human-based approach to all our cases, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and confident in us to handle their defense. Sexual abuse charges are serious allegations, and our attorneys will take a triple-prong defense plan to combat the prosecution’s case against you.

Crimes of Sexual Assault

In Washington, sexual abuse may refer to certain sex crimes like rape. Rape is defined as forcible sexual intercourse without the other person's consent, where the force used can be physical or emotional (threat, intimidation, pressure, coercion). Note that sexual intercourse here is defined as penetration (anal, oral, or vaginal) by a penis, tongue, finger, or inanimate object. Consent refers to the words during the act of sexual intercourse that indicate freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or contact. 

Be aware that convicted sex offenders must register in the Sex Offender Registry. Offenders who do not comply with mandatory registration by failing to register or providing false information will face serious penalties, including a return to prison or further jail time.

First Degree Rape

First degree rape is when a person engages in forcible sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent, where the perpetrator:

• uses or threatens to use a weapon; 
• kidnaps the victim; 
• inflicts serious physical injury; or
• enters a building/car where the alleged victim is located.

This offense is a Class A felony punishable by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

Second Degree Rape

A person can be charged with second degree rape if they engage in forcible sexual intercourse without the alleged victim’s consent, where:

• the perpetrator uses forcible compulsion; or
• the alleged victim is incapable of giving consent because they are physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or developmentally disabled.

Second degree rape is charged as a Class A felony punishable by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

Third Degree Rape

A crime of third degree rape involves engaging in forcible sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent, where:

• the alleged victim expressed by words or conduct that they did not consent; or
• the perpetrator threatens substantial harm to the alleged victim’s property.

Such an offense is charged as a Class C felony, which carries up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Indecent Liberties

A class of sexual abuse not classified as rape is indecent liberties. This could be when a person engages in forcible sexual contact without the alleged victim’s consent, where:

• the perpetrator uses forcible compulsion; or
• the alleged victim is incapable of consent because they are physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or developmentally disabled.

Crimes of indecent liberties are generally Class A felonies punished by up to life in prison and/or fines up to $50,000.

Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual misconduct with a minor, or child sexual abuse, is also seriously punished in Washington. According to Chapter 9A.44 RCW, sexual misconduct with a minor of the first degree involves sexual intercourse and, of the second degree, involves sexual contact with an individual 16-18 years old, unless the intercourse or contact is committed upon a person younger than 21 by a person who holds a supervisory position over the alleged victim, such as a teacher or foster parent. Note that sexual contact refers to any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person done for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire.

Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree is a felony punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000, and sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Conviction on either level requires sex offender registration. Note that RCW 4.16.340 states that cases of child sexual abuse in Washington may be brought forward until 3 years have elapsed since the act or since discovering an injury caused by the act. 

Contact The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear for Legal Representation

If you have been charged with sexual abuse in Lynnwood, Washington, do not hesitate to speak to an experienced sexual abuse defense attorney immediately about your defense options. Our team at The Law Offices of Lance Fryrears have decades of litigation experience and take a human-based approach to our legal practice. We will work personally with you to hear your side of the situation and develop a compassionate defense strategy against unfairly harsh sexual abuse allegations.

Contact The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear online or at (425) 224-7075 to get started today.