Dedicated Defense Against Serious Sex Crime Charges

A sex offense accusation can profoundly alter your life path. If convicted of a sexual crime, you will likely be sent to prison. After you get out, your job and housing options could be very limited. You might have to register as a sex offender for decades or the rest of your life and deal with the damage to your reputation.

Muth Atwood, PLLC, is dedicated to helping individuals who have been charged with serious sex offenses against adults. The firm is led by adult sex offense attorneys Amy Muth and Jennifer Atwood, whose years of experience include many notable successes for their clients, involving reduced sentences, dismissals and acquittals. Our approach to legal representation focuses on highly responsive client service, and unmatched case analysis and preparation. We confidently guide our clients through what can often be a frightening, anxiety-ridden experience, working closely with them to help them avoid navigating life-changing consequences like incarceration, public scorn and life as a registered sex offender.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, contact us today to begin working on your defense.

What Have You Been Charged With?

The Muth Atwood, PLLC, maintains a small caseload to ensure that each client receives individualized attention, and thorough case analysis and preparation. We represent people accused of a wide range of sex offenses, including:

• Sexual assault/rape — Sometimes men and women who know each other have radically different understandings of what happened during a sexual encounter. We can help you develop a strong defense against date rape charges.
• Indecent liberties — A sexual incident may seem to be consensual at the time, but the other party can later claim they were too inebriated to give consent. We can represent you against an indecent liberties charge.
• Sex crimes associated with domestic violence
• Sexually motivated assault — Sex crime charges can be enhanced when the perpetrator is accused of threatening the victim with bodily harm. We will work strategically to defend you against this type of charge.
• Charges against trusted figures — Trusted figures, such as teachers, coaches or ministers, may face especially serious consequences for sex offenses. We are skilled at defending authority figures against such charges.

Confidential, Reliable Representation That Does Not Judge

The factors leading up to an accusation of sexual assault are unique in every client’s case. Perhaps a bad breakup is to blame, or a difficult divorce and a vindictive spouse. Perhaps alcohol or drug use played a role. Or perhaps there are problems you haven’t been able to discuss with anyone else.

You need to be able to have an open conversation with an attorney who does not judge you and listens carefully and with compassion. You also need to work with an attorney who has the experience and abilities to provide outstanding representation and do everything possible to get the right outcome for your case. Our Seattle sexual abuse defense lawyers take the time to work closely with every client in assessing the circumstances of the case and determining the best course of action. We care deeply about the impact a criminal conviction has on an individual’s life and take great satisfaction in seeking the best outcome for his or her case.

Aggravating Factors That Can Increase The Sentence

The sentence that you end up with if convicted of a sex crime can go up if the prosecution proves that one or more scenarios called aggravating factors were involved. These include:

• The victim being a minor when the crime was committed
• The use of violence
• The use of a firearm to threaten or coerce the victim
• Revenge porn
• Sex trafficking

These factors can add years to a prison sentence and increase how long you must spend on the sex offender registry. It is vital that your defense refutes claims of aggravating factors from the prosecution. We know how prosecutors operate and what it takes to reveal what really happened to the judge or jury.

Washington Sex Crime Charges FAQ

We have the information about Washington sex crime laws you need to know where you stand.

Will I need to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Everyone convicted of a sex offense in Washington state must register with the sheriff of the county where they live, work or go to school. The registry requires you to provide your name, date of birth, location of birth, home and workplace address, and Social Security number, along with a photograph, fingerprints and the date and location of your conviction. If you move, you must update your address on the registry within three business days.

Do I have to disclose an allegation to my school or employer?

You do not have to disclose an accusation in a job or school application unless you are currently under investigation, a prior investigation resulted in a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct, or the job involves direct contact with individuals whose safety would be at risk unless the disclosure is made.

What if my accuser is my former spouse?

Decades ago, Washington law contained a martial exception as a defense to rape charges. Essentially, the law considered it impossible for a married person to rape or sexually assault their spouse. This is no longer the law. You can be found guilty of a sex crime against a current or former spouse or sexual partner.

Get The Help You Need Against Sexual Assault Charges Anywhere In Washington

To discuss your situation with an experienced defense lawyer, call 866-235-0030 or complete the brief online form. We work with clients throughout the state, including Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue.