Sex Crimes Attorney in Council Bluffs, Iowa

In Iowa, a person may be arrested and charged with a sex-related crime, such as sexual abuse, rape, indecent exposure, or child pornography. Unfortunately, allegations of sexual offenses can be devastating, and a criminal conviction might jeopardize your personal reputation, liberty, career, and future opportunities. In addition, you must register as a sexual offender upon your release from custody. Whether you believe you are innocent or guilty, you deserve an advocate by your side.  

If you're under investigation for a sex-related offense, retaining an aggressive Iowa criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your case. At Jay W. Mez, Attorney At Law, I'm dedicated to offering skilled representation and detailed legal counsel to clients facing sex crime charges.

My firm—Jay W. Mez, Attorney At Law – proudly serves clients across Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County, Cass County, Pottawattamie County, Fremont County, Mills County, Shelby County, and Page County. 

Types of Sex-Related Crimes in Iowa

Sex crimes comprise various criminal offenses of a sexual nature, non-consensual sexual conduct, or unlawful sexual activity or contact that can be prosecuted and punished by the state court. Some of the most common sex-related offenses in the state of Iowa include abuse, indecent exposure, and more. 

Sexual Abuse 

Sexual abuse can be described as any sexual act committed against another person using force, against the victim's will, or when the victim is unable to consent. 

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree 

According to Iowa law, a person commits first-degree sexual abuse if he or she—in the course of committing the sexual abuse—causes serious injury or harm to the victim. 

Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree 

Under Iowa law, a person commits second-degree sexual abuse if he or she commits sexual abuse under any of these circumstances: 

• The victim is under 12 years of age. 

• The defendant used or threatened the victim with force or a dangerous weapon. 

• Another person assisted the defendant, and the sexual act was committed forcefully or against the victim's will. 

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree 

According to Iowa law, a person commits third-degree sexual abuse when he or she performs the sexual abuse act under these circumstances: 

• The sex act was committed using force or against the victim's will. 

• The victim was unable to consent due to a mental defect or incapacity. 

• The victim is only 14 or 15 years old, and the perpetrator is a family or household member. 

• The victim was under the influence of a controlled substance, drugged, or incapacitated. 

• The defendant is four or more years older than the victim. 

Indecent Exposure 

According to Iowa law, a person may be charged with indecent exposure if they expose their genitals or pubic area to another person for their sexual gratification while knowing that the act would be offensive to the victim.  

Others 

Some other sexual-related offenses that are prosecuted in Iowa include: 

• lascivious acts with a child; 

• sexual harassment; 

• stalking; 

• sexual offenses committed against a minor; 

• pimping; 

• pandering; 

• dissemination or exhibition of obscene material to minors; 

• receipt or possession of child pornography; and, 

• solicitation of a minor to engage in an illegal sex act. 

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for a sex crime, you need to reach out to a reliable criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can investigate the nature of your charges, determine whether there was consent, and help strategize a solid defense. 

Defining Consent

According to Iowa law, "consent" between two or more people can be described as an affirmative agreement—using clear actions or words—to engage or participate in a sexual activity. In the state of Iowa, the legal age of consent for sexual acts, conduct, or intercourse is 16 years old. 

Registering as a Sex Offender

Furthermore, individuals who have received deferred judgments, deferred sentences, or have been convicted of a qualifying sex offense are subject to a sex offender registration in the state of Iowa.  

Depending on the sexual crime the person was convicted of, the sex offender registration may either be for a duration of 10 years or for life. Unfortunately, registering as a sex offender in Iowa may cause increased difficulty in securing a new job, scholarship, financial loans, housing, and other opportunities. 

Possible Penalties

In the state of Iowa, sex crimes are often prosecuted and punished aggressively. A defendant convicted of a sexual-related offense may be subject to the following penalties and consequences: 

• Lengthy incarceration (ranging from months, years, or decades). 

• Massive fines and court fees. 

• Probation. 

• Mandatory registration as a sex offender. 

• A criminal record/history. 

• Loss of your rights to possess or carry a firearm or gun. 

• Increased difficulty in securing government assistance or public benefits. 

• Loss of personal freedom and social prospects. 

• Increased difficulty in getting certain financial loans. 

• Damage to personal and professional relationships. 

• Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States. 

• Increased difficulty in getting accommodation, employment, scholarship, and educational opportunities. 

A reliable Iowa sex crimes defense attorney can intervene quickly, prevent charges from being filed against you, or strategize a solid defense to help mitigate the far-reaching consequences of a criminal conviction. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Defending your sex crime charges without skilled representation can expose you to the risks of suffering the maximum punishments. If convicted, you may be subject to lengthy imprisonment, huge fines, a criminal record, mandatory sex offender registration, and other life-changing ramifications. Therefore, when arrested for a sex-related offense, you need to hire a reliable criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to uphold your rights. 

Since 2003, I have been handling criminal cases and protecting individuals arrested and charged with sexual crimes from the worst possible penalties. With my extensive knowledge, I can help you navigate the Iowa criminal justice system. In addition, I will represent you diligently in your case, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and seek to establish your innocence.