Child Molestation Defense in Tacoma

Experienced, Discreet Representation for a Charge That Demands Both

A child molestation accusation carries consequences that begin the moment someone learns of the allegation, long before any verdict. Careers, families, and reputations are immediately at risk. At Hester Law Group, we understand that discretion isn’t a preference for most clients facing this charge: it’s a necessity. Our attorneys bring more than 130 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense, with cases tried in state and federal courts across Washington, Oregon, and California. That breadth of courtroom experience, combined with a disciplined approach to client privacy, shapes how we handle every child molestation case we take.

Our attorneys hold 10.0 Superb Avvo Ratings and have been recognized among Best Lawyers in America. Our work has been covered in news articles, television programs, and published literature. We bring that same level of serious, documented representation to clients in Tacoma who need it most.

If you or someone you know is facing a child molestation charge in Tacoma, contact Hester Law Group now for a free, confidential consultation: (253) 300-3034.

Child Molestation Degrees Under Washington Law

Washington defines sexual contact, for purposes of these charges, as any touching of the sexual or intimate parts of another person for sexual gratification. Under RCW 9A.44, child molestation is divided into three degrees based primarily on the age of the alleged victim and the age difference between the parties.

• First degree: Sexual contact with a victim under 12 years old where the accused is at least 36 months older. This is a class A felony.
• Second degree: Sexual contact with a victim who is 12 or 13 years old where the accused is at least 36 months older. This is a class B felony.
• Third degree: Sexual contact with a victim who is at least 14 but under 16 years old where the accused is at least 48 months older. This is a class C felony.

Penalties & Sex Offender Registration in Washington

The degree of the charge determines not only the potential prison sentence but also how long a conviction requires sex offender registration. The consequences can be severe at every level.

Class A Felony (First Degree)
Punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Adults convicted of a class A felony sex offense in Washington must register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Class B Felony (Second Degree)
Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. A class B felony sex offense conviction typically carries a 15-year registration requirement.

Class C Felony (Third Degree)
Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For adults without prior qualifying convictions, the registration obligation ends 10 years after release from confinement.

No Filing Deadline for Child Molestation in Washington

Washington has eliminated the statute of limitations for child molestation in the first, second, and third degree. Charges can be filed years or even decades after an alleged incident, which means evidence, witnesses, and facts that could support a defense become harder to locate over time. Early legal representation can give us the best opportunity to identify and preserve what matters before that window narrows further.

How Hester Law Group Defends Child Molestation Charges in Tacoma

Felony criminal cases in Tacoma, including all degrees of child molestation, are prosecuted through Pierce County Superior Court. We know this court and the prosecutors who work there. Our defense strategies are built around the specific facts of each case, not a template approach.

Washington law also allows minors between the ages of 12 and 17 to be charged with child molestation, with cases generally handled in the juvenile system or, in certain circumstances, transferred to adult court. We handle both.

The defense theories we employ in sex crime cases include:

• Challenging the reliability of identification
• Addressing false accusations directly
• Contesting the sufficiency of forensic or DNA evidence
• Identifying constitutional violations that occurred during the investigation or arrest

Start with a Confidential Consultation

Time matters in these cases, and so does who you call first. Hester Law Group offers free consultations and treats every client inquiry with strict confidentiality. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach: we build representation around your situation and the privacy concerns that come with a charge of this nature.

Contact Hester Law Group to speak with a Tacoma child molestation defense attorney. Your consultation is free and confidential. Call (253) 300-3034 today.