Sexual Misconduct Charge

What to Do When You Face a Sexual Misconduct Charge

Even if acquitted, an accusation of sexual misconduct could have severe implications for the defendant’s life. However, a conviction will result in mandatory registration as a Missouri sex offender in addition to jail time and fines.

If you have been accused of being a sexual offender, you must contact an experienced attorney. Being charged with acting on an inappropriate sexual desire, exposing yourself to a child, or another inflammatory crime is complicated, with potential repercussions that can change your life for years. A strong attorney-client relationship with a qualified law firm like Carver & Associates can help you devise a strategy that can help you avoid prison.

Sexual Misconduct Charges for Unwanted Touching in the Workplace

For the many types of sexual misconduct charges, unwanted touching is probably the most difficult to understand. If a client, co-worker, employer, or manager touches or grabs you, you have been the victim of among the most common kinds of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects staff members from undesirable physical contact from others in the work environment. Actions include:

• Coercing another into sexually touching someone
• Grabbing
• Intentionally rubbing against another
• Hugging without permission
• Kissing without permission
• Touching, slapping, or pinching body parts
• Using force or threats to engage in unwanted touching

It is easier to prove physical misconduct than non-physical types. Physical harassment is any unwelcome touching that makes the recipient feel uncomfortable or at risk, and it is among the most pervasive kinds of unwanted sexual advances in the office. If you have been accused of harassing a co-worker or employee, a Missouri sex crime lawyer will help you plan your defense.

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Sexual Misconduct Meaning

Many people with good intentions can inadvertently make someone uncomfortable enough to require legal assistance for the defense and understand the sexual misconduct meaning better. Often, people believe they are showing affection or support on the job by giving a hug or placing their hand on someone, but without consent, they may find themselves accused of sexual misconduct.

Additionally, if a subordinate or co-worker feels that they are being coerced into a romantic relationship, they may think their job is at risk. Because of the significant difference of power, a person on the receiving end of the unwanted physical attention or verbal harassment may feel unable to speak up.

Other examples include when a school professional or employer engages in sexual activity with a student or underage employee or coerces them to engage in sexual activities with a contemporary who is also under the age of consent in Missouri.

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Missouri Misconduct Penalties

The misconduct penalties depend on the severity of the sexual conduct. The state might charge an individual with sexual misconduct with a minor if the alleged victim is sixteen or seventeen years of age and the alleged offender is at least five years older. The degree of the charge depends upon the type of offense.

A defendant can be charged with sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree if he or she has performed sexual intercourse with a minor. In addition to the traditional definition, the term “sexual intercourse” also means penetration with a foreign object. This is a class C felony with a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

Other cases of first-degree sexual misconduct would be classified as a class B misdemeanor. If convicted, a defendant faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Second-degree sexual misconduct is a class C misdemeanor. A conviction comes with a maximum sentence of 15 days and a fine of up to $750.

For information on how to fight a sexual misconduct charge in the United States, you should reach out to a reputable law firm knowledgeable of Missouri state laws to avoid facing jail time or hefty fines.

Avoid a Sexual Harassment Charge by Retaining an Attorney

You do not have to feel that you did anything wrong to be charged with the sexual harassment of another person. Although a criminal defense attorney is an obvious requirement for a Class C Felony sexual assault, if you engage in sexual intercourse with a minor as a minor, you can also be accused of sexual misconduct. If you have been aggressively pursuing a sexual relationship with a co-worker with unwanted hugs or otherwise touching them without consent, it may be considered a sexual contact offense.

As a defendant, you need legal advice, information, and representation. Contact the criminal law office of Carver & Associates for professional assistance.

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