Few crimes are treated with as much contempt as sex crimes. Allegations of sexual misconduct are at an all-time high. It seems every day there is a new story released and, most of the time, the perpetrator of the alleged crime is a man. Trending topics such as the recent #MeToo movement have opened the door to sexual misconduct cases around the country. If you fall under the unfortunate circumstances of being charged with this type of crime and need a sex crimes attorney in New York, I have the knowledge and experience to fight for you. Having an aggressive woman as your counsel to challenge false accusations can make a difference in your case.
Being investigated or charged with a sex crime is terrifying and overwhelming. Many individuals lose their careers, families, and friends when accused of rape or other sex-related crimes. Additionally, the stigma associated with name tags, such as predator, rapist, deviant, and sex offender, can result in significant damage to your reputation and your life before you even walk into a courtroom. Sadly, “victims” of sex offenses are routinely caught making false allegations for personal or financial gain. But by then, the damage may have already been done to the falsely accused. When it comes to defending your innocence and reputation, it is imperative that you have highly qualified representation.
Types of sex crimes
The list of crimes that fall under this category is lengthy. Some of the most common charges a sex crimes attorney can help with in New York are as follows:
- Rape
- Forcible touching
- Sexual misconduct
- Sexual abuse
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Sex trafficking
Penalties for sex crimes in New York
A conviction of any kind can significantly impact your life and this is especially true with sex crimes. While the consequences for a sex crime conviction of any degree can be very serious, the penalties a court can impose vary depending on the nature of the charged offense, age of the accuser, criminal history, and whether or not a person has been convicted of a sexual crime in the past.
New York Penal law distinguishes between sex crimes and categorizes them class A or class B misdemeanors, or class A through class E felonies. Each of these categories carries a maximum prison sentence as follows:
- Class A felony convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment for life
- Class B felony convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 25 years
- Class C felony convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 15 years
- Class D felony convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of up to seven years
- Class E felony convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of up to four years
- Class A misdemeanor convictions are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of up to one year in jail
- Class B misdemeanor convictions are punishable by a maximum term not to exceed three months
In addition to the potential prison sentence, one of the longest lasting penalties a person can face if they are convicted of a sexual crime in New York is being mandated to register as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act, which is generally a lifetime requirement.
Under federal law, many sex-related offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences and/or potential life sentences. Also, even if mandatory minimums do not apply to your particular case, you could be facing lengthy incarceration due to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Jacqueline Cistaro will work vigorously to protect your rights and defend you through every phase of the process from arraignment through potential jury trial. Whether the goal is to negotiate a fair plea agreement or fight the charges at trial, Ms. Cistaro will be with you every step of the way.
Get help from an experienced sex crimes attorney
Typically, those accused of sex crimes are men. Having a woman as your sex crimes attorney can counteract the impact and perception that you are a sexual predator.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a sex crimes offense, I invite you to contact me directly to discuss the issue you may be facing at 646.253.0583 or [email protected]. You will discuss your concerns with me personally – never an associate or paralegal. Additionally, you should know that your contact with me, and with my firm, is privileged under the law, regardless of whether or not you decide to retain my firm to represent you.