In Fairfax City, and across the nation, a sexual assault charge can lead to a long series of problems for those who have been accused and convicted. There is a public stigma surrounding sex offenses that can affect a person’s life forever. When sex crimes are alleged and there is a conviction in a criminal trial, not only will the defendant possibly face jail time, but there is the likelihood that the convicted must be part of the sex offender registry. This means that a conviction will follow the person around for an extended period, if not forever.
A man who is facing a series of charges for an abduction in another county is also facing charges for sex crimes after an alleged rape and attempted murder in Fairfax nearly 10 years ago. The 32-year-old man is being held on the other accusations and appeared at an arraignment via video. For this particular allegation, he is said to have grabbed a 24-year-old woman in 2005 and dragged her to a grassy area. He allegedly attacked her and fled when people came into the vicinity. The trial for these charges is expected to begin in six months.
No matter the circumstances, a sexual assault charge and conviction can have massive ramifications on a person’s life. There is the obvious issue of having to go to jail. But, even after the debt to society has been paid, it is likely that the person will have to be part of a sex offender registry. The name will show up on background checks, so it will be known what happened in the past. It can influence a person’s ability to get a job, enter a university and do a great number of things. Formulating a strong legal defense can be the difference between jail time and sex crimes being a major part of a person’s past and being acquitted.
In this case, the man is confronted with numerous allegations in several areas of the state. The sexual assault charge in Fairfax is added to the list of issues he faces. When there is a sexual assault charge, the most important thing the accused can do is find a qualified legal representative. For that, it is imperative to discuss the matter with a legal professional experienced in sex crimes.
Source: The Roanoke Times, “Jesse Matthew arraigned in Fairfax rape case,” Dani Kass, Oct. 31, 2014
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