The Serious Legal Consequences of Child Molesters

The US criminal justice system takes a serious approach towards child molesters. Child molestation is a serious criminal offence punishable with severe penalties.

Jail Term

Child molestation is the non-penetrative sexual acts including inappropriate touching between an adult and a minor when the adult is in a position to exercise control over the minor. Child molestation is a felony in all 50 states. So if convicted, you will have to serve a jail term. The jail term varies from state to state and generally ranges from 1 year to 30 years for a first time offender. The factors that determine the jail term includes the age of the child and the criminal history of the adult. If the child is less than 14 years old, the jail term will be more. In some states repeat offenders can be sentenced to death or life in prison. In jail child molester are often targeted for attack by other inmates.

Other Penalties                       

Along with a jail term, a convicted child molester can be ordered to pay huge fines. The court can order a convicted child molester to do community service. Sometime if convicted, you may be ordered to undergo counseling. In some states, the child victim can file a civil lawsuit seeking damages from the child molester.

Consequences

Conviction for child molestation has serious consequences. First of all you have to live with the stigma for the rest of your life. You will be the object of media attention. Everything you do will be watched and analyzed. Your family and friends may not want to be associated with you. If you are convicted, you will have a criminal record which will show up every time someone does a background check on you. Because of your conviction, most employers will be reluctant to hire you. You will also face difficulties in renting an apartment. In a criminal trial one of the factors that determine the penalty is the defendant’s criminal record. So if you are charged for any other crime in the future, you will get a longer jail term. Many states have laws that prohibit a convicted felon from owning fire arms. Convicted child molesters must register themselves in the state sex offender database. Failing to do so is a criminal offense. This database can be accessed by everyone.

Getting Legal Help

Child molestation is a serious charge. Contact a child molestation attorney immediately if you are charged with child molestation. With the assistance of an experienced attorney you can avoid the serious legal consequences of conviction for child molestation.