Sex crimes are one of the most stigmatized types of criminal offenses in Orange County, NY. These charges are taken incredibly seriously. A conviction can carry significant jail time, social isolation, and a long-term impact on your life. If you are charged with a sex crime, you need an Orange County sex crimes attorney to defend you.
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, has helped people charged with sex crimes for almost four decades. Our team includes former prosecutors with more than 50 years of combined experience handling criminal cases. Since we have prosecuted people for sex crimes, we know the best way to defend against them.
Call our office to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County sex crimes lawyer today at (845) 566-5345.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested for a Sex Crime in Orange County, NY
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, will defend you against sex crime charges and fight to clear your name. If you are charged with a sex crime, you might feel that there is no one on your side. It can be incredibly isolating. An Orange County, NY, sex crimes attorney on our team is available to stand by you each step of the way.
Our lawyers have received numerous accolades for our work. This includes:
- Rated SuperLawyers
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers
- America’s Top 100 Attorneys
If you hire us to represent you, we will do what it takes to defend you, including:
- Explaining the charges and penalties
- Filing a bond motion
- Reviewing evidence
- Negotiating with the prosecutor
- Filing pretrial motions
- Representing you at every court hearing
- Preparing for trial
- Arguing your case in front of a jury
Our goal is always to avoid a conviction. If you are convicted, we will argue for the most lenient sentence possible. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County criminal defense attorney.
What Is a Sex Crime?
A sex crime, also called a sex offense, is a type of criminal behavior that involves some sort of illegal sexual conduct. There are many different sex crimes in Orange County, each one varying in severity and carrying different penalties.
Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Orange County and across New York. The prosecution rarely goes easy on people accused of a sex crime. They often take every possible step necessary to secure a conviction. That’s why people who are accused of sex crimes need to work with a highly skilled attorney to defend them.
Examples of Sex Crimes in New York
Below, we have included some of the most common sex crimes in New York.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is a misdemeanor charge. Someone commits sexual misconduct when they engage in sexual contact with someone without consent. This also includes sexual contact with an animal or deceased person.
Rape
New York recognizes rape in the first, second, and third degree. Rape is forcible sexual contact with someone either orally, vaginally, or anally. It also includes sexual contact with someone who cannot consent because they are physically helpless and statutory rape.
Forcible Touching
Forcible touching is a misdemeanor charge. Forcible touching occurs when someone forcibly touches another’s intimate parts with the intent to degrade or abuse them. It also includes subjecting someone to sexual contact on a bus, subway, or any public transportation.
Sexual Abuse
New York recognizes sexual abuse in the first, second, and third degree. Sexual abuse is subjecting someone to sexual contact when they are incapable of consent, by force, or under the age of 14 years old.
Persistent Sexual Abuse
Persistent sexual abuse occurs when someone has committed sexual abuse or forcible touching and was convicted of sexual abuse or forcible touching two or more times in the previous ten years. Each prior conviction must be a separate criminal transaction rather than the same instance.
Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Aggravated sexual abuse happens when someone inserts a finger or foreign object into the vagina, urethra, penis, rectum, or anus of another. This happens forcibly or when someone is unable to consent for various reasons or is under 11 years old. Aggravated sexual abuse can be in the first, second, third, or fourth degree.
A course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
A course of sexual conduct against a child is when someone has sexual conduct with a child for more than 3 months. This can be either in the first or second degree.
Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation is a felony. This happens when someone removes the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of someone under 18. This is illegal unless done for a medically valid purpose by a medical professional.
Sexually Motivated Felony
A sexually motivated felony is a crime where someone commits a specific felony for the purpose of direct sexual gratification. For example, the underlying felony could include an assault, strangulation, manslaughter, kidnapping, or burglary.
Predatory Sexual Assault
Predatory sexual assault means that someone commits a rape, aggravated sexual abuse, or a course of sexual conduct against a child and causes serious physical injury or threatens to use a dangerous instrument. It also includes people who commit these crimes against more than one person or have a previous felony sex offense conviction.
Facilitating a Sexual Offense with a Controlled Substance
Facilitating a sexual offense with a controlled substance means administering a controlled substance to someone without their consent with the intent to commit a felony sex offense.
What Are the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Orange County?
The consequences of a sex crime conviction in Orange County are wide-reaching. A conviction can change the course of your life. The exact penalty is highly dependent on the charge, the facts of the case, and your background. This includes whether you have a prior criminal record or have other aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Court-Ordered Penalties
Most people tend to focus on the court-ordered penalties of a conviction. This could include:
- Prison or jail time
- Sex offender registration
- Probation
- Fines and court fees
- Mandatory sex offender treatment programs
These penalties can be significant.
Sex Offender Registration
Anyone who is convicted of a sex offense must register as a sex offender when they return to the community. This includes people convicted in other jurisdictions if the offense is considered a sex offense in New York.
Registered sex offenders are listed on the New York Sex Offender Registry. This is a public registry that anyone can search. That includes employers, neighbors, and the general public.
Failing to register as a sex offender in New York is a felony crime with a criminal sentence, including prison time. It can also result in your probation being revoked and other serious consequences. Failing to register could also include failing to update your information if you move, for example.
Collateral Consequences
Collateral consequences are consequences that are not ordered by the court. These are the effects of a criminal conviction on your life long after you are released from prison. The collateral consequences of a sex offense can be severe. These commonly include:
- Loss of the right to vote or own a gun
- Difficulty finding or maintaining employment
- Loss of professional licenses
- Difficulty finding housing
- Social stigma and isolation
- Immigration consequences
- Permanent criminal record
You should always discuss the potential collateral consequences of a conviction with your attorney. This can help you decide whether to accept or reject a plea offer and prepare for life after prison.
Are There Defenses to Sex Crimes in Orange County, NY?
Yes. There are many defenses to sex crimes in Orange County, NY. The best defense in your case will depend on what charge you are facing and the evidence against you. An Orange County, NY, sex crimes attorney will work hard to identify the strongest defense in your case. This could be a perfect or imperfect defense.
A perfect defense is a defense to 100% of the charges. It results in an acquittal or a not-guilty verdict. An imperfect defense does not necessarily result in an acquittal but instead in a reduction of the severity of the charges.
Some of the most common defenses in sex cases are:
- False accusations
- Consent to sexual contact
- Alibi
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof
- Insanity
- Lack of intent to commit the crime
By the time that you are arrested, the prosecution has already collected evidence against you. It is imperative that you immediately begin building your defense.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Orange County, NY, Sex Crimes Attorney
You may feel alone if you are being charged with a sex crime, but you aren’t. An Orange County, NY, sex crimes attorney at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, will stand by your side during every part of the court process. We will handle your case professionally, confidently, and compassionately. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County sex crimes lawyer today as soon as possible.