Westport Sex Crimes Lawyer
Due to the harsh criminal penalties you could wind up facing if convicted for a sex crime in Connecticut, you should defend your rights with the help of a skilled defense attorney. An experienced Westport sex crimes lawyer could gather exculpatory evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to protect your future.
How Does State Law Handle Sex-Related Offenses?
Connecticut General Statutes §53a-65 defines several important terms when it comes to sex crime. Two of the most important terms addressed by this statute are “sexual contact” and “sexual intercourse,” both of which can impact how courts classify different types of offenses.
Under C.G.S. §53a-65(2), “sexual intercourse” includes any form of penetrative sexual activity involving a sexual organ or any other body part or object, as well as oral stimulation of the genitals. Conversely, C.G.S. §53a-65(3) defines “sexual contact” as any contact with a person’s intimate areas meant to either sexually gratify the actor or to humiliate or degrade the person subjected to the contact.
State law treats offenses involving sexual intercourse more seriously than those involving sexual contact. For example, subjecting an adult to forcible sexual contact is considered third-degree sexual assault, a class D felony, but the same circumstances would be considered class B felony first-degree sexual assault if they result in sexual intercourse. A Westport sex crimes attorney could clarify how these and other definition may apply to a defendant’s particular case.
What Are The Potential Penalties of a Conviction?
Most sex crimes are felonies. However, prostitution, solicitation, and fourth-degree sexual assault of an adult are class A misdemeanors. These crimes carry a maximum penalty of one-year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
All other degrees of sexual assault are considered felony offenses, meaning that at least one year in state prison is a possible consequence for any kind of conviction.
Various circumstances can aggravate the penalties a conviction for this kind of sex crime could result in—for instance, under C.G.S. 53a-72b, third-degree sexual assault of an adult is a class C felony rather than a class D felony if it involves the use or presence of a firearm.
How Does State Law Penalize Sex Crimes With Minors?
If the alleged victim is a minor, the penalties are much more severe and you may face additional investigation by the Department of Children and Families, or even the FBI for child pornography cases.
Any form of sexual assault is automatically elevated by one degree of severity if it involves a child under 16 years of age, and solicitation of a minor for any kind of sexual activity is automatically a class B felony at minimum. If applicable, a sex crimes lawyer in Westport could work to mitigate potential penalties by arguing that certain aggravating factors were not present during the commission of an offense.
Talk to a Westport Sex Crimes Attorney Today
Between criminal penalties and additional consequences in your personal and professional life, a single conviction for a sexual offense could have repercussions for the rest of your life. Call today to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Westport sex crimes lawyer and head over to avvo.com to read our hundreds of certified 5-star reviews.