If you or someone you know is a victim involved in any of the following cases, please do not hesitate to contact the authorities. You have legal rights, and no victim should feel unheard. 

Utilize these resources

• New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Sexual Violence Prevention Program

As a New York Criminal Defense Attorney, it is our job to defend a person until they are proven guilty. The world of criminal defense is not always a pretty one. We focus our attention on getting the accused the best result possible. This blog focuses around crimes that occur every day, despite the ugly nature of the crimes, and despite the reality that no one WANTS to talk about sex crimes.

Sex crimes are a very sensitive topic, and if you or someone you know happens to be involved in a crime of this nature, it is extremely important to get in touch with a seasoned attorney as soon as possible. Every step of the judicial process must be respected and understood. Here are 6 of the most common examples of Sex Crimes and what they mean. 

Rape

Rape is a sexual offense of a violent nature that involves forced sexual intercourse without consent. The term is often used interchangeably with sexual assault or sexual conduct, but the 2 are not legally the same. A number of circumstances make the serious offense of Rape a very complex case. Regardless of conviction, a rape accusation can damage a person's reputation for life, regardless if they end up getting charged or not. 

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault includes ANY nonconsensual forced sexual activity. Any abuse that is unwarranted falls into this category. This includes intercourse, touching, molestation, or any other form of sexual activity. Like any sex crime, anyone accused probably understands the magnitude of what a charge like this could mean. 

Statutory Rape

Unlike sexual assault or rape, no forcible action needs to be taken for a statutory rape charge. This charge stems from sexual contact between someone who is considered "age of consent" and someone who is under the state age requirement to give consent for sexual behavior. In New York State the age of consent is 17 years old. Because someone under 17 is not legally able to give consent, the accused can be charged. These cases, like all mentioned in this article, require strenuous attention to detail to achieve any chance at a positive result. 

Solicitation

If an individual is observed asking for, or encouraging the exchange of sexual services for money, they could be charged with solicitation. Often times, these charges come in the form of individuals exchanging money with a prostitute, or other form of sex worker. This type of sex crime varies a bit from the 3 above in terms of what it could mean for someones reputation, but it certainly won't look good. Marriages and families are often ripped apart due to these charges. Find yourself a good lawyer.

Child Sexual Abuse

Beyond the charges mentioned, if a child is involved in a sex crime, this would fall under child sexual abuse. Many factors come into play in these types of cases, but child sex abuse cases encompass a wide range of crimes against minors, including molestation, child pornography, displaying pornography to a minor, indecent exposure, among others. Child sexual abusers are treated with serious consequences due to the defenselessness of the victims. Consequences of any of these crimes can effect the victims for a lifetime.

Internet Sex Crimes

Over the last 20 years or so, these types of offenses have become more and more prevalent. Laws concerning sex acts over the internet are always changing with the times, but many of the crimes listed above can fall under these types. Solicitation, viewing or possessing child pornography, or stalking could be included. Other internet sex crimes include but aren't limited to; web cam offenses, endangering the welfare of a child, or unlawful surveillance. Despite these crimes being potentially digital rather than in real life, the consequences are equal, as are severe punishments.

These crimes are just a few categories of sex crime. For a full breakdown of New York State Sex Crime Law, view each law and associated varying degrees here. 

If you or someone you know is a victim involved in any of the following cases, please do not hesitate to contact the authorities. You have legal rights, and no victim should feel unheard. 

Utilize these resources

New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Sexual Violence Prevention Program

Sex crimes are a very serious offense, and anyone who finds themselves in the middle of a sex crime charge should certainly find themselves representation that has experience. 

Stay tuned to our blog for information regarding Criminal Defense, DWI, Family Law & More. If you ever have a question regarding a criminal case or legal matter, don't hesitate to reach out and call, or fill out our contact form below.