William Burrows Delaware County Criminal Lawyer

Sexual Offenses in Delaware County

About Attorney William Burrows Esq.

Attorney William Burrows offers a distinct advantage rooted in his experience on the prosecutorial side of the courtroom.

Clients trust Attorney William Burrows for his straightforward communication, calculated defense strategies, and extensive courtroom experience.

Having worked closely with the Commonwealth, he understands how criminal cases are investigated and argued.

Burrows is a earned his law degree from Villanova University and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia.

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Charges William Burrows Defends

Sexual Offenses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Sexual offenses are among the most serious criminal allegations prosecuted in Delaware County. These cases often involve complex investigations, severe penalties, mandatory registration consequences, and lasting reputational harm even before a case is resolved.

Attorney William Burrows provides strategic, confidential defense for individuals accused of sexual offenses throughout Delaware County, representing clients in Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County

Common Sexual Offense Charges Prosecuted in Delaware County

Sexual offenses under Pennsylvania law encompass a wide range of allegations, each with distinct legal elements and penalty structures.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault charges generally involve allegations of non-consensual sexual contact or intercourse. These cases are typically prosecuted as felonies and often proceed directly to the Court of Common Pleas.

Rape

Rape charges involve allegations of sexual intercourse by force, threat, or without consent. Convictions can carry lengthy state prison sentences and mandatory registration requirements.

Indecent Assault

Indecent assault involves unwanted sexual contact without penetration. Depending on the circumstances, this offense may be graded as a misdemeanor or felony.

Statutory Sexual Assault

These charges arise when sexual contact occurs with a minor below the legal age of consent, regardless of alleged consent.

Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)

IDSI charges involve allegations of sexual acts outside traditional intercourse, often prosecuted as serious felonies.

Sexual Abuse of a Minor

These cases frequently involve enhanced penalties, mandatory reporting issues, and aggressive prosecution.

How Sexual Offense Cases Move Through Delaware County Courts

Magisterial District Courts

Most sexual offense cases begin with:

  • Arrest warrants or summons
  • Preliminary arraignments
  • Preliminary hearings to establish probable cause

These proceedings occur in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the alleged offense occurred.

Delaware County Magisterial District Courts

Because of the seriousness of these charges, cases almost always move beyond the district court level.

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas

Sexual offense prosecutions are primarily litigated in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which handles:

  • Formal arraignments
  • Pretrial motions (including suppression of evidence)
  • Jury or bench trials
  • Sentencing and post-trial proceedings

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas

Sexual Offense Charges by Location in Delaware County

Sexual offense cases are filed in the district court serving the location of the alleged incident, then transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for prosecution.

If you are facing sexual offense charges in any of the following areas, your case will be assigned to the corresponding Magisterial District Court:

Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town

Sexual Offenses and Violation Proceedings

Sexual offense allegations frequently result in violation proceedings, especially when the accused is:

  • On probation or parole
  • Subject to prior court supervision
  • Under existing no-contact or protection orders

Common related proceedings include:

Types of Violation in Delaware County

Violation hearings are typically handled in the Court of Common Pleas, often alongside the new criminal case.

Sex Offender Registration and Long-Term Consequences

Many sexual offense convictions require registration under Pennsylvania’s sex offender laws. Consequences may include:

  • Mandatory registration and reporting
  • Restrictions on residence and employment
  • Travel limitations
  • Long-term public record exposure

Even non-registration offenses can have permanent consequences for employment, housing, custody matters, and reputation.

Defense Strategies in Sexual Offense Cases

Sexual offense cases require a careful, evidence-driven defense strategy. Common defense approaches may involve:

  • Challenging consent allegations
  • Examining forensic and medical evidence
  • Reviewing police interview procedures
  • Identifying inconsistencies in statements
  • Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Addressing false or exaggerated accusations

Attorney William Burrows approaches sexual offense defense with discretion, preparation, and a detailed understanding of Delaware County prosecutors, judges, and court procedures.

Related Delaware County Criminal Defense Resources