Fairfield Voyeurism Lawyer
If you have been charged with eavesdropping or a related offense, then you need the help of a top-rated attorney in your area. A Fairfield voyeurism lawyer could explain the potential ramifications and your options for defense if you are facing accusations of voyeurism.
What Are The Penalties for Voyeurism?
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-189a, voyeurism is either a Class C or Class D felony depending on the circumstances of the specific case. If it is your first time being arrested for voyeurism, you will likely be facing a Class D felony charge. This carries up to 5 years in prison, $5000 in fines, a period of probation or the combination of any of those.
If you have been convicted of voyeurism or other sex crimes in the past or if the alleged victim is under 16 years old, your charge will likely be elevated to a Class C felony. Penalties for a Class C felony are twice that of a Class D felony.
The unofficial consequences of a conviction for voyeurism often have long-term effects that cause you just as much harm as official criminal sanctions. A Fairfield voyeurism lawyer may be able to help you keep all negative effects to a minimum.
What Should You Understand About Voyeurism?
Because voyeurism can be committed in a variety of ways, it’s important to understand exactly what it is. If someone takes a photograph or records another person intending to satisfy sexual desires, the conduct may be considered voyeurism if:
- The alleged victim did not know about the recording;
- The alleged victim did not consent to the recording;
- The alleged victim was not in plain view.
In most cases, the person must also have had a reasonable expectation of privacy at the time the photo was taken. However, if someone takes photographs showing a person’s genital area or buttocks, then the actions may be treated as voyeurism even if there is no expectation of privacy and even if the person is clothed in underwear.
If an individual takes photos in these types of situations and acts with malice instead of an attempt to gratify sexual desires, that also would be considered voyeurism under C.G.S. §53a-189a.
Finally, if someone watches another person in their home to arouse or satisfy sexual desires, they may be convicted of voyeurism even if they do not record any images. If you have been charged with such an offense, a voyeurism lawyer in Fairfield may be able to show that certain required elements are lacking, such as a reasonable expectation of privacy or the right state of mind.
Contact a Knowledgeable Fairfield Voyeurism Attorney
Evidence regarding an individual’s intent is crucial in a voyeurism case. A Fairfield voyeurism lawyer can work hard to collect the evidence needed to successfully defend your case. Call now for a confidential consultation to learn more about how a dedicated defense advocate at Mark Sherman Law could help in your situation.