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While it may be difficult to hear, sex crimes are becoming more and more common in Iowa. According to statistics from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there were 1,164 reported cases of sexual assault or rape in Iowa in 2019 alone. These sex-related crimes include sexual abuse, child pornography, lascivious acts with a child, indecent exposure, and prostitution. A defendant convicted of any of these sex offenses can face hefty fines, a lengthy prison sentence, registration as a sex offender, and other life-altering consequences.

If you have been arrested and charged with sexual abuse, rape, or other sex-related crimes, hiring a skilled Iowa criminal defense attorney is a crucial step you can take to defend yourself. At Olberding Law Office, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and aggressive representation to individuals facing sex crimes allegations. As your attorney, I will review and investigate the accusations against you, strategize an effective defense for your case, and fight vigorously to defend your rights.

My firm, Olberding Law Office, proudly serves clients throughout Nevada, Iowa, and the surrounding areas of Boone County, Story County, Hamilton County, Marshall County, and Hardin County. Reach out today to learn more about how I can help with your case.

There are a number of different criminal offenses that fall under the category of sex-related crimes in Iowa. Some of the most common sex-related offenses in Iowa include:

Under Iowa Code 709.1, sexual abuse is defined as any sex act committed against another person by force, against the victim's will, or when the victim is unable to consent due to mental incapacity. Sexual abuse is designated into first, second, and third-degree categories.

• First Degree: According to Iowa Code 709.2, a person commits sexual abuse in the first degree when the person causes another serious injury to the victim in the course of committing the act.

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• Second Degree: According to Iowa Code 709.3, a person commits sexual abuse in the second degree when the person commits sexual abuse under any of the following circumstances:

  • The defendant threatened the victim with force or with a dangerous weapon.

  • The victim is under 12 years of age.

  • The defendant was aided by another person, and the sex act was committed by force or against the victim's will.




• Third Degree: Under Iowa Code 709.4, a person commits sexual abuse in the third degree when the person performs a sex act under any of the following circumstances: 

  • The sex act was committed by force or against the victim's will.

  • The sex act was performed while the victim was under the influence of a controlled substance.

  • The victim is 12 or 13 years old.

  • The victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the accused is a family member or household member.

  • The defendant is four or more years older than the victim.

Under Iowa laws, "consent" between two or more people is defined as an affirmative agreement - through clear words or actions - to engage in sexual activity. In the state of Iowa, the legal age of consent for sexual intercourse is 16 years old.

In Iowa, sexual abuse offenses are classified into three felony classes, depending on the severity and context of the sex crime. The possible penalties for sexual abuse include:

• Class A Felony: Punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
• Class B Felony: Punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
• Class C Felony: Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.

Facing sex crimes accusations alone can cause devastating. If convicted, you could be facing significant fines, a lengthy prison sentence, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and other social ramifications. That's why if you have been charged with a sex crime it is imperative that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled Iowa criminal defense attorney who can protect your legal rights and help you build a strong defense strategy.

At the Olberding Law Office, I have the experience and resources needed to defend individuals who have been charged with a sex crime. As your legal counsel, I will review the facts of your case, conduct an in-depth investigation, and outline an effective defense strategy as I seek to protect your rights and help you pursue a favorable outcome. Using my extensive knowledge and legal understanding, I will help you navigate the Iowa criminal justice system, and will do everything within my capacity to keep your record clean and ensure that these accusations don't ruin your life. So if you have been charged with a sex crime in the Nevada, Iowa area, call or reach out to my office today for help.