Our experienced sexual offence lawyers can provide you with much needed advice and representation
- In Victoria, sex related crimes are considered to be very serious and fall under the category of indictable offences
- Legal representation is imperative in these cases as they can be complex and distressing
- JDA lawyers are highly experienced in providing advice and representation for sexual offences heard in the Magistrates’ and County Court
Need immediate assistance in relation to a Sexual Assault or similar charges?
Call James Dowsley & Associates 24/7 on (03) 9781 4900

Types of Sexual Offences
Sex related crimes are defined in the Crimes Act 1958, with considerable amendments recently made in The Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Act 2014.
There are various crimes listed which relate to minors, physical acts, non-physical acts and distribution of material.
Note that consent in these cases is considered unable to be given if you are:
- Drunk
- Drug affected
- Asleep or unconscious
- Unable to understand the sexual nature of what is happening
- Forced or fearful of force
- Aged 12 and under
Other circumstances may also constitute a lack of consent.
Penalties
Penalties for Sexual Offences Include:
- The charge being noted on your criminal record
- A fine
- Maximum jail sentences of between 1 and 25 years
Experienced criminal lawyers can help you understand a specific charge.
Read on for detailed information on some of the major sexual offences.
Sexual Assault
Formerly covered by Indecent Assault, Sexual Assault is listed in Section 40 of the Crimes Act 1958 as non-consensual sexual touching.
It does not include non-consensual penetration, which falls under the crime of Rape.
The maximum penalty for committing Sexual Assault is ten years in prison.
Read moreRape
In Victoria, Rape is considered a very serious crime and is listed in the new Section 38 of the Crimes Act 1958. The Act defines Rape as the inentional sexual penetration of another person without their consent, or the reasonable belief that they consented.
Other subsections outline Rape by compelling sexual penetration, by which an individual intentionally causes another person to penetrate a third non-consenting individual.
Read moreOther Specific Sex Related Offences Include:
- Indecent Acts
- Production of Child Pornography
- Posession of Child Abuse Material
- Threat to Commit a Sexual Offence
- Sexual Exposure
- Incest
Need a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne for
a Sexual Offence?
JDA’s criminal lawyers can provide you with 24/7 advice on sex related charges.
Call us any time on (03) 9781 4900
Key contacts
Speak to our criminal law specialists