A Missouri high school football coach faces criminal charges after engaging in numerous sexual encounters with a student under 17. The victim mentioned that coach Joshua D. Hood, now 43, was a teacher when he sexually assaulted her between 2003 and 2004. Hood was the head football coach at Park Hill High School when the allegations surfaced.

Hood is now on administrative leave and faces five counts of Statutory Sodomy, Attempted Statutory Rape of the 2^nd Degree, Child Molestation, and Statutory Rape of the 2^nd Degree. Although the incidents happened nearly two decades ago, the former student spoke out last April after learning that Hood still worked with students.

The implications of a sexual misconduct charge are far-reaching and persistent. Besides the possibility of serving time, the damage to your reputation makes it difficult to regain footing in society. Without the help of an adept Attorney-Advisor, the chances of clearing your name drop significantly, and so does your quality of life.

Long-Term Implications

Depending on the action (such as verbal exchanges vs. physical contact), sexual misconduct implications range from administrative leave to imprisonment and civil privileges loss. However, these punishments are still short-term consequences that don't prepare defendants for what comes later: navigating society with a criminal record.

• Criminal Record: From the loss of privileges to a lack of housing and job opportunities, a criminal record is one of the more debilitating consequences of a charge. A criminal record also prevents you from owning a firearm, traveling, obtaining a loan, qualifying for licenses, and receiving student aid.
• Sex Offender Registry: When you are on the registry, your name, photograph, and address are visible to the public. You may also face restrictions on where you live, engaging with children, or adhere to a curfew.
• Reputation Damage: Your personal and professional relationships could suffer due to the reputation damage a sexual misconduct case creates. Your family and friends may avoid associating with you, as well as neighbors and peers. At home, your relationship with your spouse and children may suffer.
• Personal and Professional Losses: Whether you are an educator or a sports coach, a sexual misconduct charge undermines years of hard work and professional advances. You face losing credibility in your field and may have your name in the press.

There are cases where law enforcement makes errors, investigation processes contain flaws, the evidence is lacking, or the victim makes false allegations. Without a proper defense strategy, even untrue allegations can harm an innocent defendant, especially if the incident happened years ago.

Call the Lento Law Firm

Don't let an unfortunate incident create life-long challenges that affect you and your family. Even seemingly innocent interactions or words exchanged with a student can cause legal woes later. That's why you need the guidance of a skilled legal advisor like Joseph D. Lento, who forcefully fights to clear your name against allegations and protect your reputation.

Call the Lento Law Firm without delay at 888-535-3686 for a thorough and discreet consultation involving your sexual misconduct charge.