Have you been accused of a sex crime in Beaver County? Pennsylvania’s laws carry severe penalties, long sentences, and sex offender registration that can follow you for years. Our Beaver County criminal defense lawyers help people in and around Beaver, Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, and Ambridge. We can help you understand the charges, protect your rights, and move forward with your life.
If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, call 724-488-7572 for a confidential consultation.
Sex Crimes in Beaver County, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code covers a range of sexual offenses from misdemeanor indecent exposure to serious felonies like rape and aggravated indecent assault. The grading (misdemeanor or felony) affects the maximum prison time a judge can impose:
- Up to 20 years for a first-degree felony (F1)
- 10 years for a second-degree felony (F2)
- 7 years for a third-degree felony (F3)
For misdemeanors, the maximums are:
- 5 years (M1)
- 2 years (M2)
- 1 year (M3)
Fines and Costs
In addition to prison time, Pennsylvania law allows judges to impose steep fines for sex crime convictions. The maximums follow the grading of the offense:
- Up to $25,000 for felonies (F1, F2, F3)
- Up to $10,000, $5,000, or $2,000 for misdemeanors (M1, M2, M3)
While the fines and costs of a conviction can be overwhelming, hiring an experienced defense lawyer can save you money in the long run.
A lawyer can fight to reduce charges, negotiate alternatives, and challenge evidence, which may lower fines, avoid extended supervision, and prevent lasting consequences on your job and reputation.
What Crimes Are Considered Sex Offenses in Beaver County?
Sex offenses in Beaver County are prosecuted under Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code, with charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Each offense has its own legal definition, grading, and potential penalties, which can include long prison terms, steep fines, and mandatory registration. Below are some of the most common sex crime charges filed in Beaver County courts.
- Rape (18 Pa.C.S. § 3121): Sexual intercourse by force, threat, or when the person cannot consent. Typically an F1.
- Sexual Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1): Sexual intercourse without consent, not meeting the elements of rape. Typically an F2.
- Statutory Sexual Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1): Intercourse with a complainant under 16 when the accused is at least four years older and not married to the complainant. Generally an F2.
- Aggravated Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3125): Penetration of genitals or anus under certain circumstances; usually F2, upgraded to F1 when the complainant is under 13.
- Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126): Indecent contact without consent, by force, or involving minors; graded from M2 up to F3 depending on facts.
- Indecent Exposure (18 Pa.C.S. § 3127): Exposing genitals under circumstances likely to offend; M2 typically, M1 if minors are present.
- Unlawful Contact with a Minor (18 Pa.C.S. § 6318): Contacting a minor (or decoy) for prohibited sexual purposes; the grading depends on the severity of the underlying offense.
- Sexual Abuse of Children / Child Pornography (18 Pa.C.S. § 6312): Covers possession, distribution, and production of sexual depictions of minors; grading varies by conduct and count.
- Failure to Comply with Registration (18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1): Missing required updates & verification can be charged as an F3 or F2 based on criminal history and conduct.
Unsure how serious your charge is? Our Beaver County attorneys can explain your situation.
What is Megan’s Law & SORNA?
Many sex crime convictions trigger sex offender registration with the Pennsylvania State Police. The length of registration depends on the tier:
- Tier I requires 15 years
- Tier II requires 25 years
- Tier III requires lifetime registration
How often you must verify your information with the Pennsylvania State Police depends on your classification. Tier I registrants generally verify annually, Tier II registrants every six months, and Tier III registrants quarterly. These in-person check-ins are mandatory and missing one can result in new criminal charges.
Failing to update your information within three business days after an address or employment change can lead to separate felony charges for non-compliance.
Tier I Example (15 years)
An individual convicted of indecent exposure to an adult may be classified as Tier I. This means they must register as a sex offender for 15 years and verify their information with the Pennsylvania State Police once a year.
Tier II Example (25 years)
A conviction for possessing or distributing child pornography often falls under Tier II. A person in this tier must remain on the registry for 25 years and verify in person every six months.
Tier III Example (Lifetime)
More serious offenses, such as rape, are Tier III offenses. A Tier III conviction requires lifetime registration with quarterly check-ins to update personal information.
Beaver County Sex Crime Penalties & Consequences Reference Chart
These sentencing ranges reflect the maximum penalties in Beaver County.
Rape
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121
- Typical Grade: Felony 1 (F1)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 20 years
- Possible Registration: Often Tier III (lifetime)
Sexual Assault
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1
- Typical Grade: Felony 2 (F2)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 10 years
- Possible Registration: Tier varies; depends on Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) offense list
Statutory Sexual Assault
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1
- Typical Grade: Felony 2 (F2)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 10 years
- Possible Registration: Tier depends on circumstances and statute subsection
Aggravated Indecent Assault (Victim 13 or Older)
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3125(a)
- Typical Grade: Felony 2 (F2)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 10 years
- Possible Registration: Often Tier II or Tier III depending on subsection
Aggravated Indecent Assault (Victim Under 13)
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3125(b)
- Typical Grade: Felony 1 (F1)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 20 years
- Possible Registration: Often Tier III (lifetime)
Indecent Assault
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 2 (M2) up to Felony 3 (F3), depending on facts
- Maximum Prison: 1–7 years
- Possible Registration: Some subsections require registration; depends on statute list
Indecent Exposure
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 3127
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 2 (M2) or Misdemeanor 1 (M1)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 2–5 years
- Possible Registration: Not typical unless paired with a qualifying offense
Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography)
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 6312
- Typical Grade: Felony 3 (F3) to Felony 2 (F2) or higher
- Maximum Prison: Up to 7–10 years per count
- Possible Registration: Tier depends on conduct (production often Tier III)
Failure to Comply with Registration
- Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1
- Typical Grade: Felony 3 (F3) or Felony 2 (F2)
- Maximum Prison: Up to 7–10 years
- Possible Registration: N/A (this is a separate offense)
The Beaver County Legal Process for Sex Crime Cases
Most criminal cases move through a series of steps, from the initial arrest to potential trial and sentencing. At each stage, there are opportunities to challenge the evidence, negotiate outcomes, or push for reduced charges. A strong defense depends on using these opportunities strategically.
Investigation & Arrest
Sex cases often start with a report, a forensic interview, or a sting. Police may call you “just to talk.” You don’t have to give a statement. Instead, ask for a lawyer. If arrested, you’ll see a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) for a preliminary arraignment and bail. MDJs handle warrants, bail, and preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor cases in Beaver County.
We step in immediately to shield you from questioning, protect your rights during bail hearings, and start gathering evidence before it disappears. Early intervention can shape the rest of the case.
Preliminary Hearing
The Commonwealth must show a prima facie case (basic evidence that a crime occurred and you likely committed it). Some cases can be negotiated here to reduce charges or bail conditions. If the case is “held for court,” it moves to the Court of Common Pleas in Beaver.
We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the strength of the state’s evidence, and press for dismissals, reductions, or improved bail terms. This is often the first real chance to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Formal Arraignment & Pre-trial
At the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas (810 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009), you’ll receive formal charges and deadlines. Pre-trial motions can challenge illegal searches, unreliable identifications, or statements. Discovery (police reports, lab results, device extractions) is reviewed and tested.
We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, demand complete discovery, and work with experts to analyze forensic reports or digital extractions for errors. Our goal is to exclude flawed evidence and strengthen your defense strategy.
Plea Negotiations
In appropriate cases, negotiations can address grading, counts, and registration exposure. Some charges are not registrable, and small wording differences matter. Your attorney’s job is to press the legal and factual weaknesses to improve terms.
We identify leverage points in the evidence, highlight weaknesses to the prosecution, and push for reduced charges or alternatives that minimize registration and sentencing exposure.
Trial
If the Commonwealth won’t dismiss or reduce charges, a judge or jury decides the case. Sex-offense trials often involve hearsay rules, expert testimony, and sensitive evidence handling. Your lawyer should prepare you for direct and cross-examination and manage protective orders.
We craft a clear defense narrative, prepare you for testimony, and use expert witnesses when needed to explain forensic or psychological issues. We also handle sensitive trial matters to limit prejudicial evidence.
Sentencing & Registration
If convicted, Pennsylvania’s guidelines apply. For qualifying offenses, the court also orders a Sex Offender Assessment Board evaluation to determine whether the Commonwealth can seek a “Sexually Violent Predator” (SVP) designation. SVP status triggers lifetime registration and additional conditions.
We advocate for lenient sentencing by presenting mitigating evidence such as treatment progress, work history, or family obligations. If registration applies, we guide you through compliance requirements and fight against SVP designation whenever possible.
Beaver County Courts, Resources, and Contacts
- Beaver County Court of Common Pleas
810 3rd St., Beaver, PA 15009
724-728-5700
Website - Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
810 3rd St., Room 207, Beaver, PA 15009
724-770-4586/-4590
Website - Beaver County District Attorney
810 3rd St., Beaver, PA 15009
724-773-8550
Website - Public Defender
810 3rd St., Beaver, PA 15009
724-770-4500
Website - Magisterial District Judges (MDJs)
Jurisdiction over warrants, bail, and prelims; see Beaver County MDJ directory.
Website
Law Enforcement & Custody
- Pennsylvania State Police, Troop D
Beaver Station: 3800 Dutch Ridge Rd., Beaver, PA 15009
724-773-7400
Website - Beaver County Jail
6000 Woodlawn Blvd., Aliquippa, PA 15001
724-378-8177
Website
Support & Information
- Pennsylvania Megan’s Law / Sex Offender Registry
Registration rules, verification frequency, and tiers.
Website
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Beaver County?
- Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer. Even “informal” interviews can be used against you later.
- Don’t contact the complainant or discuss the case on social media. Violating a no-contact order can create new charges.
- Save as much evidence as you can. Keep texts, DMs, app logs, travel data, and names of witnesses.
- Follow bail and no-contact terms exactly. Your compliance helps your defense.
Defenses We Explore in Sex Crime Cases
Identity and reliability
One of the first questions in any sex crime case is whether the identification was accurate. We examine whether photo lineups, in-person identifications, or interviews were conducted fairly. We also look for corroboration beyond the accusation itself, such as physical evidence, witness accounts, or digital records.
Consent and capacity
In cases involving adults, the key issue may be whether consent was freely given. In cases involving younger complainants, we carefully analyze ages and the specific requirements of Pennsylvania’s statutory sexual assault law (§ 3122.1). Even small differences in age or circumstances can change the grading of the charge and the available defenses.
Forensic issues
Sex crime cases often rely heavily on forensic evidence, such as DNA, toxicology, or data from phones and computers. We scrutinize the chain of custody, lab testing protocols, and whether device extraction and metadata analysis were done correctly. Any errors in these steps can weaken or exclude critical evidence.
Scope of “contact” charges
For offenses like unlawful contact with a minor (§ 6318), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has clarified how the law defines “contact.” We apply the latest case law to the specific facts of your situation to challenge whether the alleged conduct meets the legal definition required for a conviction.
Registration exposure
Not every conviction automatically leads to sex offender registration, and the exact subsection charged makes a major difference. We compare the specific statute against the Pennsylvania State Police’s tier lists to determine whether registration applies. Where possible, we argue for outcomes that reduce or avoid registration entirely.
Why Choose Worgul Sarna & Ness for a Sex Crimes Case in Beaver County
Local insight
We handle matters across Beaver County’s MDJs and at the courthouse on 3rd Street. With over 25 years of combined experience, we know the local timelines, procedures, and the expectations of judges and prosecutors.
Focused criminal defense
Sex offenses require careful motion practice, discovery review, and witness preparation. We build tailored defense strategies that account for complex forensic evidence, digital data, and sensitive testimony.
Clear communication
We’ll give you straight answers about charges, penalties, and real-world consequences. We make sure you understand each step of the process so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Crisis management
We help you comply with bail terms, manage media attention, and protect employment and family life while the case proceeds. Our approach reduces stress and safeguards your reputation during a difficult time.
Office & Service Area
We serve clients throughout Beaver County and surrounding communities. Our office is available for confidential consultations, and we are committed to quick, responsive service wherever your case is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes in Beaver County
Will I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?
It depends on the statute and subsection. Pennsylvania uses Tiers—15 years (Tier I), 25 years (Tier II), or lifetime (Tier III). The PSP lists which offenses fall into each category and how often you must verify. We analyze your exact charge and subsection to estimate exposure.
What is the Sex Offender Assessment Board (SOAB) and an SVP hearing?
After conviction for certain offenses, the court orders an SOAB evaluation. A judge later decides—on clear and convincing evidence—whether to designate someone a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). SVP status adds lifetime registration and other conditions.
Can a sex crime charge be reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes. Results depend on evidence strength, legal errors (searches, interviews, identifications), digital forensics, and credibility issues. Strategic motion practice and negotiation can change grading, registration exposure, or counts. No lawyer can promise results, but preparation matters.
Is “consent” a defense?
For adult-to-adult charges like sexual assault, consent may be a defense. For “statutory” offenses involving someone under 16, consent is not a legal defense, and age differences under § 3122.1 control.
What happens if I miss a Megan’s Law verification?
Missing required verifications or failing to update information within the statutory window can lead to a separate felony case under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1. If you think you missed a deadline, call a lawyer immediately.
Talk to a Beaver County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today
If you’re facing a sex offense in Beaver County, get informed, protect yourself, and act quickly. Our sex crimes lawyers have over 300 five-star reviews. Call 724-488-7572 or send a message through our secure form. We’ll review your situation and explain your best next steps.
