Charged with a Sex Crime in Connecticut?

 Posted on March 19, 2020 in Sex Crimes

Sex crimes cause untold suffering for their victims, but can also cause serious trouble for those unjustly accused. Because these crimes are so serious, sometimes law enforcement will arrest and charge a defendant when they lack sufficient evidence to get a conviction. If this has happened to you, it is crucial that you seek out an attorney with the experience to help you fight this type of charge before its consequences can be visited on you.

A Variety of Charges

Sex crimes under Connecticut law are fairly wide-ranging, as the actual conduct in question may range from a single touch to the more popularly understood perception of sexual assault. However, any offense that can be shown to have a sexual or prurient component may qualify as a sex offense - for example, Connecticut law establishes that any touching of a sexual nature outside the clothing is sexual assault in the fourth degree, which can be a Class D felony or Class A misdemeanor, depending on the specific situation.

State law also allows for the possibility of “aggravated” assault, which may be charged when an alleged sex crime is perpetrated under specific circumstances. For example, a person may be charged with aggravated sexual assault in the first degree if they commit sexual assault in the first degree, but they do so with an accomplice or with a deadly weapon (or they convince the victim they have a deadly weapon they are not afraid to use).

The Consequences Are Serious

If you have been charged with a sex offense, even a nonviolent one, be advised that perhaps the single most important thing you should be focused on is trying to avoid being required to register as a sex offender, though most people convicted of sex-related offenses do wind up with their names on the list. If you are convicted and required to register, you may face inability to do things like get a job or find a place to live - sex offender status is a scarlet letter, of sorts. Depending on your alleged offense, though, it may be possible to avoid having to register via plea-bargain.

Defenses do exist to charges of sexual assault, the most common of which is consent to the sexual contact. This can be difficult to prove, however; too often it turns into a credibility battle when in reality you both have the right to your day in court. Some people try to navigate the criminal process alone, but if you have an attorney on your side who is experienced with these types of cases, you have a better chance of making sure your rights are protected.

Call a Fairfield County Sex Offense Lawyer Today

Sexual assault is one of the most serious crimes one can commit, and if you are charged, the prosecutor will stop at nothing to get a conviction. The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner believes that everyone deserves their day in court, and will work hard to make sure you get yours. Skilled Stamford criminal defense attorney Daniel P. Weiner is happy to try and assist you with your case. Call our offices today at 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_952.htm#sec_53a-73a

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2002/rpt/2002-R-0751.htm