Pennsylvania’s sex-offense laws carry harsh penalties, including long-term sex offender registration. Our Butler County sex crimes lawyers act quickly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and guide you through the local courts. With over twenty-five years of combined experience, our team is prepared to protect your rights and mount a defense.
If you were arrested, questioned, or learned you’re under investigation, call 878-888-0311 or contact us online.
Sex Crimes Charges in Butler County, PA
Sex-offense cases in Butler County are prosecuted in the 50th Judicial District. They often originate from Magisterial District Courts in Cranberry Township, the City of Butler, and surrounding municipalities before moving to the Court of Common Pleas.
Our lawyers are familiar with the local courts and can guide you through the process.
Pennsylvania Sex Crime Law
These are the common charges we see in Butler County. We’ve included plain-English explanations and links to the underlying laws:
- Rape (18 Pa.C.S. § 3121) – sexual intercourse obtained by forcible compulsion, threats, when a person is unconscious, or similar prohibited circumstances; graded as a felony of the first degree (F1).
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) (18 Pa.C.S. § 3123) – deviate sexual intercourse under prohibited circumstances; also an F1 offense.
- Sexual Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1) – intercourse or oral/genital contact without consent, F2.
- Aggravated Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3125) – penetration, however slight, without consent or when the person cannot consent; typically F2 (higher when a child is involved).
- Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126) – indecent contact without consent, M2/M1 depending on factors (e.g., age, impairment).
- Indecent Exposure (18 Pa.C.S. § 3127) – exposing genitals likely to offend/ alarm; M2, elevated to M1 if minors are present.
- Sexual Abuse of Children / “Child Pornography” (18 Pa.C.S. § 6312) – photographing, disseminating, possessing images of minors in sexual acts; gradings range from F2 to F3 depending on subsection.
- Unlawful Contact with a Minor (18 Pa.C.S. § 6318) – contacting a minor (or undercover officer posing as a minor) for sexual purposes; typically F1/F2 depending on underlying offense.
- Institutional Sexual Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.2) – sexual contact where the accused has authority over a person in an institution, school, or similar setting; grading varies by subsection.
- Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Images (“Revenge Porn”) (18 Pa.C.S. § 3131) – sharing intimate images without consent to harass/annoy/alarm; grading varies with factors.
- Failure to Register / Megan’s Law Violations – separate charges related to Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) duties. Pennsylvania uses Tier I–III classifications with 15-year, 25-year, or lifetime registration periods.
Age of Consent & “Statutory” Sex Offenses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s age of consent is 16. Children under 13 cannot consent; teens 13–15 cannot consent to sexual activity with someone four or more years older.
There are special laws for relationships involving authority (e.g., teachers) known as Institutional Sexual Assault.
Penalties & Consequences in Butler County
Below are the maximum sex crime penalties set by statute. Actual sentences will depend on the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines and the specific facts of your case.
Rape (§3121)
- Common Grading: Felony 1
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 20 years
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Tier III (lifetime registration)
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – IDSI (§3123)
- Common Grading: Felony 1
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 20 years
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Tier III (lifetime registration)
Sexual Assault (§3124.1)
- Common Grading: Felony 2
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 10 years
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Often Tier II
Aggravated Indecent Assault (§3125)
- Common Grading: Felony 2 (varies by subsection)
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 10 years
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Tier II or Tier III (depends on case)
Indecent Assault (§3126)
- Common Grading: Misdemeanor 1 or 2
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 5 years (M1) or 2 years (M2)
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $10,000 (M1) or $5,000 (M2)
- SORNA Tier: Tier I or II (depends on circumstances)
Indecent Exposure (§3127)
- Common Grading: Misdemeanor 1 or 2
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 5 years (M1) or 2 years (M2)
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $10,000 (M1) or $5,000 (M2)
- SORNA Tier: Typically no registration, unless the victim is under 18 (then Tier I may apply)
Sexual Abuse of Children (§6312)
- Common Grading: Felony 2 or 3
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 10 years (F2) or 7 years (F3)
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Tier II for possession/dissemination subsections
Unlawful Contact with a Minor (§6318)
- Common Grading: Felony 1 or 2
- Maximum Imprisonment: Up to 20 years (F1) or 10 years (F2)
- Typical Fine Cap: Up to $25,000
- SORNA Tier: Tier II
Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Images (§3131)
- Common Grading: Misdemeanor or Felony (varies by facts)
- Maximum Imprisonment: Varies depending on circumstances
- Typical Fine Cap: Varies
- SORNA Tier: Typically not tiered unless combined with other sex offenses
Failure to Register (SORNA Violations)
- Common Grading: Felony (varies)
- Maximum Imprisonment: Varies
- Typical Fine Cap: Varies
- SORNA Tier: Can extend or change registration requirements
Statutory caps
Pennsylvania sets maximum imprisonment for felonies F1 (20 years), F2 (10 years), F3 (7 years); and for misdemeanors M1 (5 years), M2 (2 years), M3 (1 year). Fines can reach $25,000 for felonies.
Sex Offender Registration
Tier I generally means 15 years, Tier II 25 years, Tier III lifetime. In-person verification frequency increases by tier.
Megan’s Law
Many sex-offense convictions require Megan’s Law registration maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. Registration duties and durations are set by statute and depend on the exact offense, date, and case facts. You can read more about Megan’s Law on the official website.
Bail Conditions (No-Contact, Internet, Treatment)
In sex-crime cases, bail conditions often include no contact with the complainant or minors, device & internet restrictions, travel limits, and sometimes evaluation & treatment as a condition of release. If you violate your bail conditions, the court can send you back to jail.
Worried about prison time or sex offender registration? Get a case-specific assessment before you make any statement or decision.
The Butler County Legal Process for Sex Crime Cases
Investigation to Preliminary Hearing
- Investigation / Detention: Many cases begin with a PSP Troop D (Butler) investigation or a local police department referral. If you get a call, don’t give an interview without counsel. Troop D’s station is at 200 Barracks Road, Butler, PA 16001.
- Charges & Bail: After a complaint is filed, you’ll be processed and scheduled before a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ). Your MDJ depends on your district; for example, District 50-3-04 (Cranberry Township) or 50-3-05 (City of Butler). The MDJ handles bail, initial conditions (no-contact orders, internet restrictions), and the preliminary hearing.
- Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must present a prima facie case (enough evidence to show that a crime was likely committed and that the accused was probably involved) in order to send charges to the Court of Common Pleas. This is a critical opportunity to challenge the evidence and negotiate changes to the number and severity of charges.
Formal Arraignment to Resolution
Once held for court, your case moves to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas at 124 W. Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. You’ll receive formal arraignment dates, pre-trial conference/hearing dates, and motion deadlines through the Clerk of Courts.
Our approach to Court of Common Pleas defense includes:
- Motions to suppress statements, search & seizure evidence, and electronic data.
- Expert-driven challenges to digital forensics, DNA testing, and the way police conducted interrogations.
- Negotiations aimed at avoiding sex offender registration.
Butler County Courts & Resources
- Butler County Court of Common Pleas / Government Center
124 W. Diamond St., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-285-4731
Website: https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/butler-county - Clerk of Courts (filings, dockets, formal arraignment notices)
Government Judicial Center, 124 W. Diamond St., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-5233
Website: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/393/Clerk-of-Courts - Butler County District Attorney (charging decisions, victim/witness unit)
3rd Floor, Government Center, 124 W. Diamond St., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-5222
Website: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/416/District-Attorney - Butler County Prison (custody, visiting, legal mail)
202 S. Washington St., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-5256
Website: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/164/Prison - Pennsylvania State Police — Troop D, Butler Station
200 Barracks Rd., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-8100
Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/contact-psp/psp-troop-directory/troop-d.html - Magisterial District Court 50-3-04 (Cranberry Twp.)
9028 Marshall Rd., Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Website: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/742/District-50-3-04 - Magisterial District Court 50-3-05 (City of Butler)
107 Woody Dr., Butler, PA 16001
Website: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/743/District-50-3-05 - Pennsylvania Megan’s Law Registry (PSP) — registration rules, offender lookups
Website: https://www.meganslaw.psp.pa.gov/
Unsure which court you’re assigned to or how to check your docket? We’ll look it up and explain your next steps. Call XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Sex Crimes Case in Butler County
- Trial-first mindset. Many firms push pleas to save time and effort. We get the most out of plea negotiations, but we also prepare cases as if they’re going to trial. That extra leverage can lead to better results.
- Decades of Pennsylvania criminal defense. Our attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience and more than 300 five-star reviews. We know what moves the needle with Butler County prosecutors and judges.
- Direct communication with your lawyer. You’ll have full access to your lawyer, and when you call, you’ll talk to us. We give you honest advice without sugar coating or empty promises.
- Local familiarity. We know the ins and outs of Pennsylvania law from PSP Troop D to the Butler County Government Center. Our experience allows us to forge the path efficiently and discreetly.
Steps We Take to Protect Your Future
- Immediate shield: We invoke your rights and handle all police & prosecutor contact.
- Evidence audit: We gather discovery, review digital forensics, and identify suppression issues (search & seizure, interviews).
- Strategy & options: We may be able to negotiate non-registerable outcomes. We tailor a plan and timeline to your specific case.
- Court advocacy: During hearings, motions, and trial work, our work is meticulous and aggressive.
- Life impact mitigation: We address housing, work, school, and online-presence concerns, and plan for expungement or record-sealing if possible.
We’re discreet and confidential. Tell us your side by messaging us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes in Butler County
Will I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?
It depends on the exact statute, facts, and date of offense. Pennsylvania uses Tier I (15 years), Tier II (25 years), and Tier III (lifetime) registration, with separate rules for Sexually Violent Predators. We can analyze your charge against the statutory tiers and dates.
The police asked me to “come in and talk.” Should I go?
Not without counsel. Statements—even when you think you’re helping—are often the strongest evidence the Commonwealth uses later. Have us contact PSP Troop D or the investigating agency for you.
What is the age of consent in Pennsylvania?
It’s 16. Children under 13 cannot consent; those 13–15 cannot consent to someone four or more years older. Special rules apply for authority figures (school/staff).
Are there alternatives to jail or ways to avoid registration?
Sometimes, depending on the charge (for example, certain misdemeanors or non-registerable offenses) and the evidence. Many sex-offense felonies require registration if convicted. Early intervention lets us pursue dismissals, reductions, or resolutions that minimize or avoid registration where legally possible.
Where will my case be heard?
Most cases start at a Magisterial District Court (for the preliminary hearing) near where the incident allegedly occurred, then move to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas at 124 W. Diamond St. if held for court.
What if the allegation involves texting or images?
Pennsylvania criminalizes certain communications with minors (§6318) and non-consensual sharing of intimate images (§3131). These cases often hinge on search & seizure issues, device access, and metadata. We challenge these areas aggressively.
Areas We Serve in Butler County
We represent clients across Butler County, including (but not limited to): Butler, Cranberry Township, Seven Fields, Adams Township, Butler Township, Center Township, Buffalo Township, Jackson Township, Connoquenessing, Evans City, Harmony, Mars, Middlesex Township, Penn Township, Saxonburg, Slippery Rock, Prospect, Valencia, Zelienople, and nearby communities.
If your case arose elsewhere in Western Pennsylvania, we also appear in surrounding counties.
If you live in Cranberry, Mars, Saxonburg, or Slippery Rock, we appear regularly in your local courts.
Talk to a Butler County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today
Allegations move quickly. Evidence can be lost, and early decisions (like talking to the police or agreeing to a search) can shape your entire case.
Don’t wait for a free, confidential consultation with a Butler County sex crimes lawyer. Call Worgul, Sarna & Ness at 878-888-0311 or contact us online.
