Sexual Offenses
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Reduce Consequences Of Sex Crime Charges With An Experienced Attorney
Common Sexual Offenses
Sexual offenses are serious crimes in the state of Montana, and such crimes are often charged as felonies. Common sexual offenses we defend against include:
- Rape: In the state of Montana, the age of consent is 16. Sexual intercourse with any child under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape, or “sexual intercourse without consent”. Rape is sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim.
- Prostitution:You can be charged with prostitution if you physically participate in, agree to participate in, or offer to participate in any form of sexual intercourse or conduct with another for some form of compensation. You can be convicted whether you are the one paying or receiving compensation for services offered or rendered.
- Indecent exposure: In Montana, indecent exposure applies to the exposure of your genitals in public with the intent to alarm, offend, or harass another, or for the purposes of sexual arousal.
- Child pornography: This serious crime includes photographs, videos, and other media of any child under the age of 16 exhibiting or engaging in sexual conduct. You can be charged for possessing child pornography; filming, photographing, or reproducing child pornography; and using or permitting the use of child pornography. Such charges carry serious consequences of extensive jail time, steep fines, and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Accused of a sex crime? Call now!
Consequences Of Sexual Offenses
Regardless of a conviction, the accusation of a sexual offense can carry serious consequences, including:
- Stigma: Whether you are convicted of a sex crime or not, the stigma of being associated with the crime can negatively impact your personal or professional relationships. If convicted, it can affect your ability to find future employment and other areas of your life.
- Registration as a sex offender: Less serious crimes, such as indecent exposure can result in the requirement of lifetime registration as a sex offender. This is a public list and can hinder your ability to find housing and employment. It can also impact your personal relationships and may affect the way others treat you and your family.
- Jail time and fines: Most convicted sex crimes result in jail time and fines, though the amount of time served is often dependent on the severity of the crime. You are likely to serve much less jail time for an indecent exposure offense than you would for rape. In Montana, most instances of rape are punishable by anywhere from 25 years to a lifetime in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.
Working With Tipp Coburn Lockwood
Any accusation or conviction of a sex crime can have a significant, negative impact on your future. Therefore, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has extensive experience and knowledge defending against sexual offense charges.
The attorneys of Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C., will aggressively defend allegations of rape, prostitution, indecent exposure and child pornography.
With more than 55 years of experience defending against sex crimes, our attorneys can build a strong defense for your case to secure either reduced charges or a reduced sentence. For instance, a reduced sentence may be obtained in rape cases if both parties are under age, or if sexual intercourse does not occur and there is less than three years’ difference in age.
H. N., 2022
“Ms. Lockwood is incredibly knowledgeable, respectful, professional and very dedicated attorney. I am truly pleased that we won the case, what she has done and cannot thank enough to her. I would highly recommend her service if one needs an attorney in Montana.”
J.T., 2022
“My family and I are forever indebted to Ms. Lockwood. From consultation to resolution (dismissal without prejudice within two weeks of retainer) she remained professional, understanding, and resolute. She was consistently straightforward, held no punches…..”
D.D., 2022
“I am from Washington state and got in trouble in Montana I have been dealing with this situation for around 3 years and Bryan Tipp tackled the scenario I very tenaciously. I am very pleased to not be in jail or prison…”
T.G., 2016
“This is a great place with great people. If I could have afforded the services, I would have taken full-time help from them. But even though I can’t, that doesn’t change the fact that they were willing to take the time out of their day to try and make my day a little better…”
E.N., 2020
“Bryan Tipp, Sarah Lockwood, and all of the staff… are top quality and incredibly dedicated. I can’t speak more highly of their dedication and passion for helping those in need.”
J.T., 2022
“From consultation to resolution (dismissal without prejudice within two weeks of retainer) she remained professional, understanding, and resolute… In short, the best $ our family has ever spent. We truly cannot thank Ms. Lockwood and her staff enough.”
Contact Our Attorneys Today
The attorneys of Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C., will aggressively defend allegations of rape, prostitution, indecent exposure and child pornography. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense, contact our law firm today.
Our attorneys have been fighting for Montanans since 1959. Over the years, we have represented more than 7,500 clients and helped them recover millions of dollars in compensation. We are affiliated with renowned legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, request a case review online or call us at 406-506-0575.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We represent clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies, including but not limited to:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Drug offenses (possession, distribution, trafficking)
- Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape)
- Theft, burglary, and trespassing
- Assault and criminal endangerment
- Homicide and attempted homicide
A public defender is a court-appointed attorney for those who cannot afford a private lawyer and must meet certain income requirements. However, public defenders often have large caseloads, which can impact their availability and approach. A private criminal defense attorney offers personalized attention, tailored legal strategies, and greater availability.
Hiring a private defense attorney offers:
- Customized legal strategy
- Personalized service
- Strong communication
- A willingness to take your case to trial if necessary
- Focus on minimizing or avoiding serious penalties and a criminal record
Penalties vary by charge but may include:
- Jail time (up to 1 year for misdemeanors)
- Prison time (1 year or more for felonies)
- Fines
- Probation
- Loss of rights (e.g., firearm ownership, voting)
- Mandatory sex offender registration (for certain crimes)
Yes. A skilled defense attorney can build a strong case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, or fight for a dismissal—all of which can help prevent a conviction and keep your record clean.
Yes, we offer free initial consultations. Call us at 406-812-7634 or send us an email using our online contact form to schedule yours.
Our firm was founded in 1959 and has represented over 7,500 clients across Montana. We are affiliated with The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Clients consistently highlight our:
- Professionalism and dedication
- Prompt case resolution
- Respectful and compassionate service
- Willingness to go the extra mile
Visit our testimonials section for more feedback from previous clients.
We are based in Missoula, Montana, and serve clients across the state.
To begin your defense, schedule your free consultation by calling 406-812-7634 or contacting us online.