Juvenile sex crime allegations in Washington State can result in sex offender registration requirements and detention. An attorney who has experience negotiating with the Sex Offender Unit and Juvenile Court prosecutors should be contacted as early as possible, to prevent the mishandling of the case.
A sex offense lawyer can begin working on a mitigation package to prevent your child from being removed from their home and from being charged as an adult. If charges have not been filed, negotiations can sometimes prevent criminal charges from being filed or result in the filing of a less serious charge.
Minors should not speak to the police, investigators, or Juvenile Court representatives until they have first consulted with an experienced juvenile sex offense attorney. At Beckwith Juvenile Law, we have been defending juvenile sex crime allegations in Puget Sound courts since 2007.
Can my child be tried as an adult?
If your child is over the age of 12 and they are accused of a felony sex crime in WA State, the prosecutor can ask the court to try the juvenile as an adult. If your child has reached the age of 16 and the accusations are very serious (e.g., Rape of a Child or Child Molestation), the risk of having the case transferred to adult court increases. At this decline hearing, your attorney will have an opportunity to present a case for why your child should not be charged as an adult.
What can we do if the evidence is not in our child’s favor?
In situations where there has been an admission of guilt to police or there is strong evidence that is not in your child’s favor, it is not time to give up. It is time to demonstrate to the court that treatment and rehabilitation are much better alternatives than detention.
What restrictions will be on my child while the case is pending?
Even though your child is innocent unless proven otherwise, WA State Juvenile Courts will often restrict a minor’s freedom while the case is still pending. A sex offense accusation can result in a court order that requires a minor to be under the constant supervision of an adult and have no contact with children of a specified age.
This can be a significant burden for families with multiple children or with working parents. Due to circumstances at home (such as the presence of younger siblings), the child may need to stay with another family member for the duration of the case. A skilled juvenile sex crime attorney can work with the prosecutor to minimize the impact of these conditions.
What is considered a juvenile sex offense in Washington?
Common felony juvenile sex crimes include:
- Rape or Rape of a Child
- Child Molestation
- Indecent Liberties
- Voyeurism
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor
- Any felony with a Sexual Motivation Enhancement
- Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor
- Attempt/Conspiracy/Solicitation to commit a felony sex offense
- Sending depictions of a minor engaged in sexual conduct (i.e. “sexting”).
If convicted of any of the above offenses, the consequences may include sex offender registration, jail time, electronic home monitoring, probation, fines, and treatment requirements.
Can my child be charged with a sex offense against another child, even if they are the same age?
In WA State, a minor can be charged with a sex offense regardless of the age of the alleged victim. For example, a juvenile could be charged with rape if both parties are the same age; or rape of a child or child molestation if the alleged victim is statutorily younger.
Will my child have to serve time in jail or is there an alternative program?
If your attorney is unable to dismiss the case or have it reduced to a less serious charge, detention may be ordered by the Juvenile court. However, first time juvenile sex offenders may be eligible for the Special Sexual Offender Disposition Alternative (SSODA) program. SSODA is a community supervision program that focuses on treatment and rehabilitation as opposed to jail time.
To determine SSODA eligibility, a probation officer will prepare a social history of the juvenile. A Washington State certified sex offender therapist will then evaluate the minor for risk to the community and for receptiveness to treatment. Juveniles who are determined to be safe to remain in the community and are receptive to treatment are eligible for the program.
Some of the requirements may include registering as a sex offender, periodic meetings with probation and/or a sex offender therapist, restricting contact with specified individuals, and being subject to adult supervision. The SSODA program has a promising success rate for juveniles convicted of sex offenses in King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, & Kitsap County.
The Best Possible Result for your Child
Juvenile sex crime accusations can result in life changing consequences. It is a good idea to work with an attorney who can dedicate the time and resources needed to defend your child, while also having the skill and experience needed to generate the best possible outcome.
At Beckwith Juvenile Law, your child is not a file or a number. Your child is a person with a bright future. As advocates, we do everything in our power to protect and defend minors, regardless of the circumstances. We understand that teenagers can be impulsive and that good kids make mistakes.
We have office locations in Seattle & Tacoma, and we also represent juveniles in areas that include Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Federal Way, Olympia, & Bremerton.
You can call us any day of the week (including after-hours) for a free consultation.