Any crime with a sexual component, such as rape, molestation or incest.  There are many degrees of this classification of crime.  From misdemeanor indecent exposure to felony violent rape.  The charges of a sex based crime vary depending on a number of factors.  Does the defendant have a prior criminal record?  Was the crime something as simple as a “flasher” charge, or was it non-consensual sex act perpetrated by force or coercion?  Was it one crime, or several?  Did the defendant transport the victim or did the crime happen in one location?  If the defendant moved the victim the crime can also contain the element of felony kidnapping.  Which is a sexual crime with special circumstances and can drastically increase the penalties.  

Even if the charges are that of misdemeanor indecent exposure or some other misdemeanor classed crime, if the accused has a long history of this sort of behavior, there can be serious consequences.  The accused can be sentenced to time in a county jail for up to 18 months, or time in a mental health facility.   More serious crimes can give anywhere from a minimum of 18 months in a state penitentiary to life in prison depending on the criminal record of the accused.  Any arrest for a sex related crime can cause the defendant to be marked as a sex criminal and require them to be signed up in the sex crimes database so they can be found if searched.  This makes finding a job or a place to live problematical. 

When you or someone you love is accused of a sex related or any other crime, it is important that you remember your right to remain silent under Miranda.  Say nothing until you have your Lawyer present.  If you do not have one, use your phone call to retain the services of an attorney.  Your lawyer will help you through the process and defend your rights.