Philadelphia Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Rights. Fighting for Your Future.

Being charged with a sex crime in Philadelphia is serious—and often devastating. These allegations carry severe consequences: mandatory prison time, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation. But a charge is not a conviction. You have rights, and I’m here to defend them.

At Thomas & Robbins LLC, I approach these cases with urgency, discretion, and a clear plan. Whether you’ve already been charged or are under investigation, I’ll fight to protect your future, your freedom, and your name.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges

Sex crimes are unlike most criminal charges. The emotional weight, media attention, and legal consequences make them some of the most difficult cases to navigate. But they also come with opportunities for strong legal defenses, especially when the facts don’t match the allegations.

What makes these cases complex:

  • They’re often based on one person’s word with little or no physical evidence.
  • Prosecutors move fast and often assume guilt before hearing your side.
  • Consent, mistaken identity, or false allegations are central to many defenses.
  • A conviction can bring decades in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.

That’s why it’s critical to have an attorney who knows how to strategically manage these cases from day one—before things spiral out of control.

Types of Sex Crime Charges I Handle

I represent clients facing a wide range of sex crime charges in Philadelphia, including:

01

Sexual Assault and Attempted Rape

Unwanted sexual contact or penetration without consent, often carrying felony charges and severe penalties.

03

Unlawful Contact with a Minor

Engaging in any form of communication or behavior with a minor for the purpose of committing a sexual offense.

05

Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography

Possessing, viewing, or sharing sexually explicit material involving minors, which is aggressively prosecuted in Pennsylvania.

07

Indecent Exposure or Lewd Conduct

Exposing intimate parts in public or behaving in a sexually explicit way in view of others, often charged as a misdemeanor.

02

Indecent Assault

Touching another person without consent for sexual gratification, typically without penetration, but still a serious criminal offense.

04

Statutory Sexual Assault

Consensual sexual activity that becomes illegal solely due to the age difference between the involved parties.

06

Corruption of Minors

Engaging in conduct that encourages or exposes a minor to criminal or sexual behavior, even without physical contact.

08

Institutional Sexual Misconduct

Sexual contact or harassment occurring in settings like schools, correctional facilities, or workplaces, often involving power dynamics or breaches of trust.

Sex Crimes Defense FAQ

Your Questions Answered

  • Do I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?

    Not always. While many Pennsylvania sex crime convictions require registration under Megan’s Law or SORNA, the exact requirements depend on the charge. In some cases, we can fight for plea deals that don’t trigger registration or avoid conviction altogether. Avoiding registration is always a priority in any sex crimes case I take on.

  • Can I be convicted if there’s no physical evidence?

    Yes—but that doesn’t mean the prosecution has a strong case. A single witness statement must still hold up under scrutiny, and if there are inconsistencies or gaps, I’ll use those weaknesses to challenge the case. Many sex crime allegations lack forensic or corroborating evidence, and I use that to push back hard in court. Your story matters, and I’ll make sure it’s heard.

  • What if I didn’t know the person was underage?

    Pennsylvania law treats many underage sex charges as strict liability crimes, meaning lack of knowledge isn’t always a defense. That said, the context—such as online deception, fake IDs, or misleading profiles—can be powerful in negotiating charges or shaping trial strategy. I’ve successfully helped clients reduce or avoid convictions in cases involving age-related misunderstandings.

  • Should I talk to the police to explain my side?

    No—at least not without an attorney. Anything you say, even if you believe you’re helping yourself, can be twisted and used against you. Police are trained to build cases, not to protect your rights. I’ll handle communication and step in early to stop small mistakes from becoming major problems.

  • Can these charges be expunged or sealed?

    Most sex crime convictions cannot be expunged or sealed, but if your charges are dismissed, withdrawn, or resolved through a diversion program, you may be eligible to clear your record. I always consider long-term consequences when negotiating or defending any sex offense charge.