Tacoma Sex Crimes Lawyer

Being accused of a sex crime is a devastating experience and can destroy your reputation—even if the allegation is entirely false. Unfortunately, false allegations of certain sex crimes are not uncommon. They happen in bitter divorces and nasty custody battles, relationships that are on the rocks, and as a cover-up for consensual sex. Although you are supposed to be considered innocent until proven guilty, you may find that many people are ready to try and convict you in the court of public opinion, regardless of the truth or falsity of the accusation, that’s why you need a seasoned Tacoma sex crimes lawyer in your corner.

If someone has accused you of a sex crime or is threatening to accuse you, you need the best lawyer available. In Tacoma, for experienced defense against a sex crime allegation, call the law office of Mark S. Treyz. Mark has been practicing law in Washington for over 30 years and has been both a prosecutor and a pro tem judge. He understands how the system works from every angle and will use that knowledge to provide you with a powerful defense. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tacoma criminal defense lawyer now.

Meet Mark S. Treyz

Attorney & Founder

Mark S. Treyz is both knowledgeable in the law as well as an experienced Tacoma criminal defense lawyer. He has experience in the Pierce County Court, King County Court, and Thurston County Court and routinely handles matters in Pierce County District and Superior Court, Tacoma Municipal Court, Lakewood Municipal Court, and Puyallup Municipal Court. He is a former prosecuting attorney (Pierce County) and is admitted to practice in both Washington State Court and Federal Court.

Case Results

Here are a few examples of different types of sex crime charges in Tacoma that Mark S. Treyz has successful case results representing their clients against:

Child Molestation First Degree 

Result: Not Guilty

Rape 

Result: Charges Dismissed During Trial 

Child Molestation

Result: Dissmissed Prior to Trial

Successful Case Results

Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying 

“Every phone call and kind word helped me get through this difficult process” – D.P.

“Thank you for all you have done for us Mark. You went above and beyond” – J.B.

“His dedication and knowledge made me feel like I was his only client. Mark is truly a credit to his profession!” – J.S.

Read Our Testimonials Here

Why Choose the Law Office of Mark S. Treyz?

– Mark possesses an in-depth comprehension of the Tacoma criminal justice system, gained through his tenure as a Pierce County Deputy Prosecutor, affording him insights into its intricacies.

– With over three decades of expertise in defense, attorney Mark Treyz possesses the requisite resources and understanding to safeguard your rights effectively.

– We advocate for accessible legal representation, offering flexible payment arrangements to alleviate concerns about affordability.

– Take advantage of our complimentary initial consultation. Reach out today to explore how we can support you.

How an Attorney Can Help You with a Sexual Assault Charge

Facing sexual assault charges can be intimidating alone. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, your attorney will be able to guide you through the process and provide advice. Your attorney will also have the training, experience, and resources to build a strong defense on your behalf.

If you are facing a sexual assault charge in Washington state, you need an attorney on your side who can guide you through the judicial process. With over 30 years of experience, attorney Mark Treyz can assist you with your sexual assault charge and advocate for the best possible outcome.

If you’re an adult or juvenile who has been accused of a sex crime, you need legal assistance now. To protect your rights and your future, contact the Tacoma law office of Mark S. Treyz to schedule a free consultation and talk about your options. Call our office today to start working on your case (253) 272-8666

Sex Crime Allegations We Defend

These are some of the many types of sex-related crimes the Law Office of Mark S. Treyz defends:

• Sexual assault, rape, aggravated sexual assault
• Sex crimes involving children
• Statutory rape
• Online solicitation of a child under 17
• Indecent exposure, public lewdness, obscenity
• Possession, display, or distribution of pornography
• Possession or promotion of child pornography
• Prostitution-related crimes
• Sex trafficking

If the police or Child Protective Services are attempting to interview you, even if they say you are not under arrest, do not speak to them unless you have your sex crimes lawyer present. Mark Treyz will ensure that your rights are not violated at any point in the investigation.

Living through a sexual assault experience can be traumatizing for years after the incident occurs. Sometimes, it takes this long to fully process the events that took place. When a survivor recognizes the damage that sexual assault or rape has caused, they can seek the consult of a skilled Tacoma sex crimes attorney to determine what options they have to seek compensation for their damages.

Washington’s Definition of Sexual Assault

Washington state law defines sexual assault as any type of sexual contact or behavior without the consent of another person. Someone who commits sexual assault forces, coerces, or manipulates the other person into engaging in the sexual contact. Legally, sexual assault is a broad term for a wide variety of crimes, including rape, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, and exhibitionism.

In order for sexual activity to be lawful, both parties must give consent to engage in it. In addition, the state of Washington states that the following people cannot consent to sexual activity or contact or that people cannot consent to sexual activity under the following circumstances.

• The person is under the age of 16.
• The person has a mental illness or disability which prevents him or her from giving consent.
• The person is not physically able to give consent; for example, while sleeping or extremely intoxicated.

The person agrees to the sexual activity under manipulation, coercion, threat, or force.

Tacoma Rape Statistics (2009-2022)

Source: City Data Crime Statistics

• The most recent data from 2022 shows Tacoma’s rape crime rate at 67.1 per 100,000 people
• Tacoma’s rape crime rate peaked in 2018 at 98.3 per 100,000 people
• Since 2018, Tacoma’s rape crime rate has decreased by nearly 32%

Sexual assault or rape is a serious crime and not taken lightly in Washington State. According to the most recent City Data, the rate of rape crimes in Tacoma has gone down dramatically from 2018-2022.

While a rape crime is a serious offense, false allegations do occur and the repercussions socially, professionally, emotionally, and otherwise on a falsely accused person can be catastrophic. Mark is a talented and dedicated Tacoma sex crimes lawyer who will fight to keep his clients out of jail and maintain a clean criminal record. If you or a loved one is being charged with rape, contact our Tacoma sex crimes attorney today.

What Counts as Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault cases accept any form non consensual sexual advancement as assault, including the following:

• Forced penetration, oral, or anal sex
• Coercion via physical threat, with or without weapons
• Non consensual touching of private areas, even over clothing
• Having intercourse while the other party is unable to consent, such as when they are sleeping or intoxicated
• Drugging an individual with the intention of coercing intercourse
• Attempted assault

Notice that not all instances of assault involve penetration or actual skin-to-skin contact. Attempting Tacoma assault lawyer and touching over clothing also count because the assaulter conducts them without consent.

Statute of Limitations to Pursue a Sex Crime in Washington State

The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for pursuing certain criminal charges. If a person tries to press charges after the applicable deadline passes, the court will dismiss the case. Different crimes are subject to different statutes of limitations in Washington state.

• First-degree and second-degree rape charges must be brought no more than 20 years after the crime was committed. However, if the victim was under the age of 16, there is no time limit.
• Third-degree rape charges must be filed within 10 years after the crime was committed.
• There is no time limit for any charges involving the rape of a child, child molestation, or first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.
• For crimes involving second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor, the charges must be brought within three years after the crime was committed.
• Indecent liberties charges must be filed within 20 years after the crime was committed.
• There is no time limit for first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, and a three-year statute of limitations for second-degree custodial sexual misconduct.

Legal Definition of Consent

Under Washington Revised Code 9A.44.010(7), consent refers to the actual words or conduct that indicate freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. This consent must be given at the time of the act of sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Freely given consent means that the person who is providing the agreement has a genuine choice.

The following individuals cannot provide consent under Washington law.

• Any person under the age of 16, unless the other party is in a position of trust, such as a teacher, coach, or foster parent
• A person who has a developmental disability or the incapacity to understand the nature or consequences of the sexual act
• A person who is physically unable to communicate his or her consent to the sexual act
• A person who is unconscious at the time of the sexual act
• A person who is heavily intoxicated and understand the nature or consequences of the sexual act

In addition, a person cannot consent to sexual activity if consent is obtained through coercion, pressure, or forcible compulsion. Forcible compulsion refers to physical force or a threat that places a person in fear of death, injury, or kidnapping.

Potential Consequences for Sexual Assault in Washington

Washington outlines many different types of sexual assault crimes. Some of the most common sexual assault charges include the following.

• First-degree rape occurs when someone engages in forcible sexual intercourse without the victim’s consent. The perpetrator kidnaps the victim, uses or threatens to use a weapon, enters the victim’s car or building, or inflicts serious injury.
• Second-degree rape occurs when someone engages in forcible sexual intercourse without consent and the victim cannot give consent due to helplessness or disability.
• Third-degree rape occurs when someone engages in forcible sexual intercourse without consent. The victim expresses lack of consent through words or conduct and the perpetrator threatens to harm the victim.
• Indecent liberties refers to engaging in forcible sexual contact without the other person’s consent. The victim is usually incapable of consent due to helplessness or disability.

Penalties for these crimes range based on severity and the circumstances. The more violent the crime, the higher the charges will usually be.

• Indecent liberties, first-degree rape, and second-degree rape charges can result in a fine up to $50,000 and a jail sentence up to life in prison.
• Third-degree rape is a felony that can result in up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Sex Crime Conviction: A Life Sentence

A sex crime is unlike others in the sense that if you’re convicted, your punishment does not end when you’re done serving your time; you’ll be required to register as a convicted sex offender anywhere you live, possibly for the remainder of your life. Your address, photograph, and charges will be on the Internet—forever—for everyone to see. You’ll be restricted from living in certain areas and doing certain kinds of work. You’ll never be allowed to escape the stigma. You could even be held in custody indefinitely in a “civil commitment” after your sentence is complete.

Having a skilled Tacoma sex crimes attorney in your corner from the earliest stages can make a significant difference in the resolution of your case. Whenever possible, Tacoma sex crimes attorney Mark Treyz will work to keep charges from being filed. He will investigate the police procedure leading up to your arrest to identify any irregularities or violations of your constitutional rights. He will look into the background of the accuser to discover possible motives for making a false accusation. If you are a minor or a first-time offender, he will advise you on possible diversionary programs and pretrial interventions that could result in charges being dropped. If you are charged, he will use any legal means at his disposal to have the charges dropped or reduced. He will minutely analyze every piece of evidence and explore every possible strategy to find the best defense to prevent a conviction that could destroy your life.

Sex Crimes that Require a Sex Offender Registration

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Washington or move to Washington after receiving a sex crime conviction in another state, you will likely need to register as a sex offender. In most cases, you have a duty to register if you have any of the following convictions on your record.

• First-degree, second-degree, or third-degree rape
• First-degree, second-degree, or third-degree rape of a child
• First-degree, second-degree, or third-degree child molestation
• First-degree or second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor
• Sexual exploitation of a minor
• Indecent liberties convictions
• Possession of child pornography
• Failure to register as a sex offender as a second offense
• Commercial sexual abuse of a minor
• Gross misdemeanors that occur while attempting to commit a felony sex crime

The length of time that the court will require you to register will depend on the type and severity of the crime. You will need to register for 10 years with a Class C felony or gross misdemeanor conviction, and 15 years for a Class B felony conviction. For a Class A felony conviction, an out-of-state conviction, or two or more sex offenses on record, you will need to register for an indefinite period of time.