UConn Sexual Assault Lawyer
Following a sexual assault accusation, you have the right to seek help from a skilled student defense attorney. A UConn sexual assault lawyer could work on your behalf to contest the merits of the allegations and preserve both your legal rights and your future.
What are the Degrees of Sexual Assault Under State Law?
People accused of sexual assault at the University of Connecticut face increased scrutiny and particularly severe sanctions from both law enforcement authorities and school officials.
Under Connecticut criminal law, specifically Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §§53a-70 through 53a-73a there are four distinct degrees of “sexual assault,” which describes all forms of sexual misconduct involving a non-consenting party. As a UConn sexual assault attorney could explain, the penal code differentiates between these degrees based on the type of conduct involved, the use or lack of force, and certain other aggravating factors.
Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault
There are ten different definitions of sexual assault in the fourth degree. UCONN students can face arrest for this crime if they have sexual contact with someone physically helpless. This can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the age of the victim.
Third-Degree Sexual Assault
Sexual assault in the third degree involves compelling sexual contact with another non-consenting person by:
- Using or threatening force
- Engaging in sexual contact with someone with an incapacitating mental disability
- Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone they know to be a biological relative
Second-Degree Sexual Assault
If someone engages in actions that would constitute fourth-degree sexual assault but engages in sexual intercourse rather than sexual contact, they may be charged with second-degree sexual assault. Statutory rape of minors over the age of 13 is often prosecuted as this degree of sexual assault.
First-Degree Sexual Assault
Sexual assault in the first degree occurs when someone:
- Uses or threatens force to compel sexual intercourse with a non-consenting individual
- Commits statutory rape of someone under 13
- Commits second-degree sexual assault with two or more additional people aiding or participating
- Engages in sexual intercourse with a mentally incapacitated person
Depending on the exact circumstances involved, a sexual assault conviction can result in sanctions ranging from a jail sentence of one year to 50 years in state prison. As such, anyone facing sexual assault allegations should contact a nearby attorney immediately to protect against serious penalties.
Are there Enhanced Penalties for Sexual Assault of Minors?
Yes. If a minor is the victim of the alleged sexual assault the penalties will generally be higher. These crimes are punishable by multiple years in prison, and a defendant often faces mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction. If someone engages in sexual assault of someone under 16, the severity of their offense automatically increases one level.
For example, fourth-degree sexual assault becomes a class D felony, third-degree sexual assault becomes a class C felony rather than a class D felony, and so on. For this reason, representation from an experienced lawyer can be even more crucial for anyone at UConn facing allegations of sexually assaulting a minor.
Contact a UConn Sexual Assault Attorney Today
A dedicated UConn sexual assault lawyer could work to mitigate the repercussions of your charges and protect your future. The highly rated lawyers at Mark Sherman Law will fight for you and for your future. Call today for a confidential consultation.