Have you been accused of a sex crime in Ulster County, NY? When you’re accused of a sex crime, your world can feel like it’s spinning out of control. At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ll fight for your rights. Contact our Ulster County sex crimes attorneys at (845) 566-5345.
Police and prosecutors might seem certain of your guilt, and the consequences if you’re convicted can last a lifetime. However, under the law, you have the right to defend yourself against these charges.
We are here to protect your rights and fight for a fair resolution. Our Ulster County sex crimes attorneys bring 50 years of combined experience to help people facing all types of criminal charges—including serious allegations of sex crimes. We know the importance of having a skilled legal team when your freedom and reputation are at stake.
Call us for a free consultation, where you’ll receive personalized legal guidance with no obligations.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Charged With a Sex Crime in Ulster County, New York
When law enforcement and prosecutors suspect you of a sex crime in Ulster County, New York, they may treat you as though you’re already guilty—even before collecting all the facts. But New York law requires them to prove every part of their case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That’s a high standard, and it gives an experienced attorney room to build a defense.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve earned a respected reputation in Ulster County courts. We have been recognized by Super Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, The National Trial Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell. Here are some ways we can help:
- Investigating Your Charges Thoroughly: We can gather police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence.
- Filing Important Motions to Protect Your Rights: If the police searched your home or seized evidence improperly, we can move to suppress that evidence.
- Finding Exculpatory Evidence: We’ll interview potential witnesses, locate surveillance footage, and talk to forensic experts to uncover information that helps show your innocence or raises doubt.
- Advocating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges: Where possible, we can negotiate with prosecutors for lesser charges or a favorable plea arrangement. And if the state’s case is weak, we’ll push for a dismissal outright.
- Explaining Your Rights and Options: We will break down legal complexities so you fully understand every aspect of the stages of your case.
- Defending You in Court: If your case goes to trial, we present a compelling defense, cross-examine the state’s witnesses, and challenge any unreliable evidence.
Our Ulster County, NY criminal defense attorneys have represented clients in many serious cases. If you’re charged with a sex crime, trust us to stand up for you from start to finish. Call us to schedule a consultation.
A Brief Overview of Sex Crimes Law in New York
New York’s penal laws include a broad range of offenses classified as “sex crimes.” These laws aim to protect people from forced, coerced, or non-consensual sexual acts. The exact charge you may face depends on factors such as:
- Age of the alleged victim
- Type of conduct involved
- Use of force, violence, or threats
- Victim’s capacity to consent (e.g., if the person is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless)
- Prior criminal history or other aggravating circumstances
Below are some common sex crime charges:
- Rape
- Criminal sexual act (sodomy)
- Sexual abuse
- Aggravated sexual abuse
- Sexual misconduct
- Forcible touching
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Luring a child
- Failure to register as a sex offender (if you already have a sex crime conviction)
Certain crimes, like first-degree rape or aggravated sexual abuse, carry extremely harsh penalties. The classification (misdemeanor or felony) and severity level (e.g., Class B felony) are determined by details like physical harm, presence of a weapon, or whether the alleged victim is a minor.
Possible Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Ulster County
If convicted of a sex crime, you could face a wide range of consequences, including:
- Jail or Prison: Many sex offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, especially for felonies. Maximum penalties could reach 25 years—or even life in prison for some Class A felonies.
- Fines: You might be ordered to pay hefty amounts, often thousands of dollars.
- Sex Offender Registration: In New York, most sex crime convictions require you to register as a sex offender. Registration can be long-term or even lifetime, and failing to comply is a crime itself.
- Probation or Parole: You might be subject to ongoing supervision, random checks, and mandatory programs. Conditions often limit where you can live, work, or travel.
- Protective Orders: Courts can impose orders preventing you from contacting the alleged victim.
- Collateral Consequences: You may have difficulty finding employment, housing, or professional licenses.
These penalties can be devastating. That’s why hiring an experienced defense lawyer is so crucial—there’s too much on the line to go it alone.
Collateral Consequences Beyond Court-Imposed Penalties
Even after serving time or paying fines, a sex crime conviction in New York can haunt you for years. Some common collateral consequences include:
- Public Labeling: Once labeled a “sex offender,” you may face public stigma that affects your day-to-day life.
- Limited Housing Choices: Many landlords refuse to rent to registered sex offenders. Certain Local Ordinances restrict where you can live (e.g., near schools or parks).
- Job challenges: Employers often run background checks, which can end job offers the moment they see a sex crime conviction.
- Social Isolation: Friends and family may distance themselves, and you might face hostility in your community.
- Loss of Custody/Visitation Rights: If you’re a parent, allegations or convictions could disrupt your relationship with your children.
Because these consequences can last forever, building the strongest possible defense is essential—even if a case seems hopeless.
Defenses to Sex Crimes Charges in Ulster County, NY
Prosecutors must prove every part of a sex crime charge “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Here are some defenses a lawyer from Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys might use:
- Consent: Many sex crimes involve a lack of consent. If you can show that the other person agreed to the act, the prosecution’s case could weaken considerably.
- Mistaken Identity: The alleged victim or witnesses might have identified the wrong person. DNA or other forensic evidence might confirm that someone else committed the crime.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the state can’t provide convincing proof, you may have grounds for an acquittal. Your attorney could challenge the reliability of test results or eyewitness statements.
- Violation of Rights: If the police obtained evidence illegally (like a coerced confession or an unlawful search), that evidence might be suppressed. A lack of proper Miranda warnings can also help limit the prosecution’s case.
- Alibi: If you can demonstrate you were somewhere else when the alleged crime happened, the prosecution should drop the charges.
- Mental Incapacity or Duress: In rare situations, you might show you didn’t understand your actions due to a mental disorder. Duress could apply if you were forced or threatened into committing the act.
A successful defense depends on facts, evidence, and the skill of your attorney. That’s why it’s so important to have a law firm with deep criminal defense experience, whether or not you are facing false accusations.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Experienced Ulster County Sex Crimes Lawyers
Facing a sex crime charge in New York State is overwhelming, but being accused doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. You have rights and time to fight back with the help of a dedicated lawyer. At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, our legal team is committed to defending your freedom, reputation, and future.
Don’t leave your case to chance. Public defenders do their best but often handle large caseloads. You deserve an Ulster County, NY sex crimes lawyer who can give your case the in-depth attention it demands, especially when your personal life is on the line.
Call us today to schedule a consultation.