Greenwich Sexual Assault Lawyer
Legal support from a Greenwich sexual assault lawyer is essential for anyone dealing with allegations of this nature, whether you are under investigation or have already been formally charged. A seasoned sex crimes attorney could work tirelessly and tenaciously throughout your legal proceedings to enforce your rights while also protecting your personal best interests to the fullest extent possible.
Different Degrees of Sexual Assault Offenses in Greenwich
The Connecticut Penal Code defines four “degrees” of sexual assault that cover the majority of sexual assault allegations, each of which is differentiated primarily by two factors: whether the defendant engaged in unlawful sexual contact versus unlawful sexual intercourse, and whether the defendant compelled that sexual activity by using or threatening force. The least severe variant of sexual assault is Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault, which is defined as unlawful sexual contact without the use or threat of force and codified as a class A misdemeanor under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-73a.
Under C.G.S. §53a-72a, Sexual Assault in the Third Degree is a class D felony and involves unlawful sexual contact, but this offense requires the defendant to have compelled that contact through force. Second-Degree Sexual Assault, which C.G.S. §53a-71 categorizes as a class C felony, involves unlawful sexual intercourse without the use of force with someone who materially cannot consent to sex.
Finally, C.G.S. §53a-70 defines First-Degree Sexual Assault as a class B felony which entails someone forcibly compelling another person to engage in sexual intercourse. Anyone accused of any degree of sexual assault in Greenwich should not hesitate to speak with an experienced defense attorney.
What Penalties Could a Sexual Assault Conviction Have?
It is crucial to emphasize that the criminal classifications listed above only apply to situations where the defendant allegedly assaulted someone 16-years old or older. If the target of the defendant’s alleged actions is under 16, the severity of their criminal offense automatically increases by one level. For example, a Fourth-Degree offense becomes a class D felony, a Third-Degree offense a class C felony, and so on.
The most severe penalties that a sexual assault conviction could lead to are associated with aggravated sexual assault of a minor, which is uniquely punishable by a mandatory minimum 25-year prison term up to a maximum of 50 years. A sexual assault lawyer in Greenwich could clarify on a case-by-case basis what sanctions a particular charge might allow for.
Contact a Greenwich Sexual Assault Attorney for Legal Support
Facing accusations of sexual assault is extremely stressful as the ramifications you could face are severe, even without a guilty verdict. A single conviction for an offense like this will generally result in felony-level criminal penalties as well as various lasting repercussions, including mandatory sex offender registration.
Working with a knowledgeable Greenwich sexual assault lawyer could make all the difference in your ability to effectively protect your best interests. Click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and call Mark Sherman Law today for a private initial meeting.