Fighting a Life-Altering Accusation

An allegation of a sex crime is one of the most damaging and stigmatizing accusations a person can face. Long before a verdict is reached, the mere accusation can destroy your reputation, strain family relationships, and threaten your career. A conviction for a sex crime in Birmingham, Alabama, carries some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system, including long prison sentences, substantial fines, and the lifelong burden of registering as a sex offender. This registration can restrict where you can live and work and publicly brand you as a convicted felon for the rest of your life.

When your freedom and future hang in the balance, you need a defense attorney who is not only aggressive and experienced but also discreet and non-judgmental. At Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We provide a vigorous defense for clients accused of all types of sex offenses, from rape and sexual abuse to possession of child pornography. We believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and we are committed to protecting your rights and fighting to clear your name.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Alabama
Alabama law includes a wide range of offenses classified as sex crimes. These are complex statutes, and the specific charge often depends on the age of the alleged victim, the nature of the contact, and whether force was used. Common charges include:

• Rape (Class A or B Felony): Defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion or when the person is incapable of consent.
• Sodomy (Class A or B Felony): Similar to rape, but involving deviate sexual intercourse.
• Sexual Abuse (Class C Felony or Class A Misdemeanor): Involves subjecting another person to sexual contact (not intercourse) by forcible compulsion or when they cannot consent.
• Sexual Misconduct (Class A Misdemeanor): Engaging in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a person without their consent under circumstances not amounting to rape or sodomy.
• Possession, Production, or Distribution of Child Pornography (Class B or C Felony): These are serious felonies with severe penalties, often prosecuted at both the state and federal levels.

The Lifelong Consequences of Sex Offender Registration
Perhaps the most daunting consequence of a sex crime conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender under the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act (ASORCNA). This registry is public, and registration is often for life. It includes your name, photo, address, and details of your conviction. It also imposes strict requirements, such as:

• Regularly reporting in person to local law enforcement.
• Restrictions on where you can live (e.g., not within a certain distance of schools or parks).
• Restrictions on where you can work or even visit.
• Information being available to neighbors, employers, and the general public online.

Our primary goal is to fight for an outcome that avoids a conviction and this devastating lifelong requirement.

Building a Sophisticated Defense to Sex Crime Allegations
Sex crime cases are often built on the testimony of a single accuser with little or no physical or corroborating evidence. A strong defense requires a proactive and detailed investigation to challenge the prosecution’s case. Our strategies include:

• Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: We meticulously investigate the accuser’s background and potential motives to lie. We look for inconsistencies in their statements to police, medical staff, and others. We uncover evidence of a prior contentious relationship, a motive for revenge, or a history of false allegations.
• Defense of Consent: In many cases involving adults, the central issue is not whether an act occurred, but whether it was consensual. We will work to demonstrate that the accuser’s words and actions indicated consent at the time and that the accusation only arose later due to regret, jealousy, or outside pressure.
• Scrutinizing Forensic and Digital Evidence: We challenge the prosecution’s DNA and other forensic evidence by working with our own experts to review the collection methods and lab analysis. In digital cases (like child pornography), we investigate how the material got onto a device, exploring possibilities like viruses, malware, or use of the device by another person.
• False Accusations and Mistaken Identity: We explore every possibility that the accusation is fabricated or that you have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator.

Discreet and Determined Representation for a Sensitive Matter
Facing a sex crime allegation is an isolating and terrifying experience. You need an attorney who will stand with you and fight for you without judgment. Mark Bishop Turner provides the aggressive defense and compassionate counsel you need during this difficult time. We will handle your case with the utmost discretion while working relentlessly to protect your rights and your future.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested for a sex crime in Birmingham, do not speak to law enforcement. Contact Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law immediately for a confidential consultation.