If you were to ask us what is the number one charge that folks plead to where their attorneys don’t fight enough for them leaving with a lifetime of problems, it would be PA Corruption of Minors charges. It is a criminal charge in PA that can under certain circumstances land you on Megan’s Law or as a Sexually Violent Predator if you are not careful. It can carry with it a lifetime of problems…. if you choose the wrong attorney. When it comes to finding the best Pennsylvania Sex Crimes attorney, we are it.
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
The Law
You can read the entirety of the law here: 18 Pa.C.S. § 6301
There are three different types of Corruption of Minors charges. The difference surrounds what the person over 18 is looking to have the minor do. Here are the three different types:
- Committing a crime or facilitating a violation of the law,
- Of a Sexual Nature, and/or
- Truancy
We will look at each type in turn.
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.
Proof is required
Ultimately, the government must prove its case and prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Corruption of Minors-Committing a crime or facilitating a violation of the law
The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- the accused
- being of the age of 18 years and upwards,
- by any act corrupted or tended to corrupt the morals of any minor less than 18 years of age, or
- who aided, abetted, enticed or encouraged any such minor in the commission of any crime, or
- who knowingly assisted or encouraged such minor in violating his or her parole or any order of court
Corruption of Minors of a Sexual Nature
The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- the accused
- being of the age of 18 years and upwards,
- by any course of conduct in violation of Chapter 31 (relating to sexual offenses) corrupted or tended to corrupt the morals of any minor less than 18 years of age, or
- who aided, abetted, enticed or encouraged any such minor in the commission of an offense under Chapter 31
Corruption of Minors-Truancy
The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- the accused
- knowingly aided, abetted, enticed or encouraged a minor younger than 18 years of age to commit truancy
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.
Maximum Penalty and Fines
If you are convicted or plead to Corruption of Minors
- For committing a crime or facilitating a violation of the law. It is a misdemeanor of the first degree. That carries with it a maximum penalty of five years in jail and $10,000 maximum fine.
- Of a Sexual Nature. It is a felony of the third degree. That carries with it a maximum period of jail of bot more than seven years and $15,000 maximum in fines,
- Truancy. It is a summary offense. That carries with it a maximum period of incarceration fo 90 days and a maximum fine of $300. But any person who violates the truancy corruption of minors charge within one year of the date of a first conviction commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. That carries with it a maximum of one year in jail and max fine of $2500.
Following you for life
In addition to the Maximum Penalties and Fines, one type of Corruption of Minors (of a Sexual Nature under18 Pa.C.S. § 6301(a)(1)(ii)) charge carries with it a Tier I Megan’s Law mandatory reporting requirement which is a 15 year registration and the possibility of being designated as a Sexually Violent Predator. If you are found to be an SVP, there comes a lifetime of Megan’s Law registration, monthly counseling and neighborhood notification.
Misdemeanor Conviction Consequences in Pennsylvania
Felony Conviction Consequences in Pennsylvania
Is a summary offense the same as a misdemeanor?
Defenses that work
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.
Credibility
Infrequently in these types of charges is there dispositive and irrefutable DNA or video evidence. In such a case, it may be very difficult for the government to prove that any corrupting event happened or that you folks were ever in the same room together. This is why Lawyer Up, if the police come asking about what happened it so important.
For the government to win, the jury must find the witness’s story credible or consistent. It is all dependent on how the sides frame that story in court. How this determination comes out is highly dependent on the facts. But this isn’t the Maury Povich Show. It isn’t a referendum. The government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused has to prove nothing.
Frequently, two people experience things very differently.
Statute of Limitations for Corruption of Minors
In short, there is a 2 year statute of limitations from the date of the offense. So, the government has to start prosecution within those two years. If not, they cannot prosecute you.
Mistake as to age
The law allows for certain wiggle room when it comes to folks who lie to you about their age or hold themselves out as being of age. But the burden shifts to you to prove it. And if you do, then it is not guilty. The law says:
(1) Whenever in this section the criminality of conduct depends upon the corruption of a minor whose actual age is under 16 years, it is no defense that the actor did not know the age of the minor or reasonably believed the minor to be older than 18 years.
(2) Whenever in this section the criminality of conduct depends upon the corruption of a minor whose actual age is 16 years or more but less than 18 years, it is a defense for the actor to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he reasonably believed the minor to be 18 years or older.
