What penalties does a SVP face in PA?
A Sexually Violent Predator must register on PA Megan’s Law for life. A SVP must for his or her lifetime, at least monthly, attend and participate in mandatory sex offender counseling with a treatment provider approved by the SOAB. A SVP will undergo active community notification. Local law enforcement authorities will notify neighbors, county Children and Youth Agencies, local day care centers, school districts and institutions of higher education of the Sexually Violent Predator’s name, residential address and offense. With the notification will be a recent photograph of the offender.
When selecting which attorney to hire, please consider:
- Can you call anytime and talk to a live person?
- Do they offer payment plans with no credit checks?
- Will your attorney be attentive and explain what’s going on?
At The McShane Firm, we answer yes to all of these questions. We strive to provide you with a great customer service experience during this tough time.
How to solve your problem
On the sympathy scale that folks have for those charged with sex crimes is less than zero. They will probably assume you guilty without knowing a single thing about what happened or didn’t happen. We don’t we presume you to be innocent at all times. We demand the government do more than say you are guilty. The government has to put up or shut up in our world. Let us help you now. Put the government on the back foot for once. Hire us. The best sex crimes lawyer in Lancaster is The McShane Firm.
What our clients say
Read our 400+ client and peer reviews
When it comes to being charged with a sex crime in Lancaster, the government doesn’t fight fair. Neither should you. Make the situation totally unfair for the government by hiring the best sex crimes lawyer in Lancaster: The McShane Firm. There’s just too much on the line to go anywhere else.
Felony Conviction Consequences in Pennsylvania
Misdemeanor Conviction Consequences in Pennsylvania
Sexual Offenses (and Free Megan’s Law) Information
What is The McShane Difference?
- We take time to understand your personal needs and goals. Then we cater our legal strategy to fit you.
- We care about you. We listen and return phone calls. We will take time to explain things so you are not left anxious in the dark.
- We will make this as easy as possible. We will try to minimize the number of times you have to be in court which means less disruption of your work and family life.
Does this sound like what you are looking for in an attorney? If yes, then take the next step and call (717) 657-3900.
What is a Sexual Violent Predator in PA?
PA law creates a special label for certain types of sex offenders. They call these folks Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). To become an SVP is sadly rather easy. You have to be convicted of a qualifying offense. The law as to what is a SVP and the burden the government must show is very detailed. It is extremely nuanced.
In a nutshell, after examining factors including an assessment by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board (SOAB), a SVP is someone convicted of one of those outlined offenses above who has “a mental abnormality or personalty disorder” that makes the likely a repeat sexual offense. There is a separate trial like event called a SVP hearing where the government has to prove that you fit the SVP criteria.
The law defines “Predatory” as “an act directed at a stranger or person in order to establish a relationship in order to facilitate victimization.”
At this hearing the prosecutor must prove by clear and convincing evidence that you are a sexually violent predator.
Sexual Offenses (and Free Megan’s Law) Information
Sexual Offenses (Sex Crimes)
- Rape
- Statutory Sexual Assault
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault by Sports Official, Volunteer or Employee of a Nonprofit Organization
- Aggravated Indecent Assault
- Indecent Assault
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution
- Failure to Register Megan’s Law
- Conduct Related to Sex Offenders
- Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Image
- Female Mutilation
- Incest
- Sexual Abuse of Children
- Unlawful Contact with a Minor
- Sexual Exploitation of Children
- Open Lewdness
Will my job find out about me being charged with sex offenses?
Yes and no. It depends. First, if you are convicted then yes, your job will know about it because either you are in jail or the probation and parole department will seek to verify your employment from tie to time. Prior to conviction, anyone with internet access can look to see if anyone has or had criminal charges. Doubt us?
The PA UJS Public Web Docket Sheets option provides access to search, view and print the docket sheets for Pennsylvania’s Appellate Courts,Criminal Courts of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts and the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Will my neighbors be notified of my charges?
Prior to conviction, not by the court or court officials. But that doesn’t stop the newspaper from reporting on your arrest. IN fact, they frequently do. Also as we talked about above, the PA UJS has a public searchable database. Anyone can take that information and go to the local MDJ office that is prosecuting your case, ask for and get a copy of the charging documents (the criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause).
If you are convicted, then your neighbors will know in any number of ways. First, the newspaper publishes articles on people with these charges, not all the time, but enough. Second, if your conviction lands you on the Megan’s Law list than anyone can look up your details (where you live, where you work, what you look like, scars and tattoos, and the make and model of any car you own). Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law searchable database. Third, if the court determines you to be a Sexually Violent Predator, then the police will actively notify your neighbors about you.
Indecent Assault dismissed
I have never seen or heard of a more talented group of people and I believe if people really care about their life and future they’ll think real hard about hiring you guys.
SL
Agg Indecent Assault dismissed
Justin, I believe, is the best bar none. Not only just in the courtroom but also for just being a great guy. I’ve always been told not to trust an attorney but Justin I trust along with the whole firm.
Anonymous
Was able to take tension off of the situation, and able to explain what was going on. Also helped put my mind at ease knowing that they were helping me along the way
R.M.
I called at midnight the night before my hearing and spoke with Attorney Barrouk for almost an hour. He attended my hearing and got my charges dismissed.
T.M.
Everything
I felt your firm had everything under control. you were on top of things and most of all I knew I did not have to worry about anything – which was great.
ML
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
