Bridgeport Sex Crimes Lawyer

Very few criminal offenses are viewed more harshly by law enforcement authorities, court officials, and the public at large than those allegedly involving unlawful sexual activity. Almost all sexual crimes are felonies in Connecticut, punishable by steep fines and lengthy prison terms. That said, you still have a right to defend yourself against allegations of this nature with help from qualified legal counsel, and working with a skilled Bridgeport sex crimes lawyer is vital to obtaining the best possible resolution to your case.

Dealing With Different Types of Sex Crime Charges

Many crimes are considered sex crimes in Connecticut. In addition to jail, they carry the potential for sex crime probation conditions and inclusion on the sex offender registry.

Here is a brief overview of those offenses, each of which a seasoned Bridgeport sex crimes attorney can help build a robust defense against.

Sexual Assault

The Connecticut Penal Code defines four distinct “degrees” of sexual assault which are distinguished from each other based on two main factors: whether or not the defendant compelled sexual activity through the use or threat of force, and whether the offense involved sexual intercourse or just sexual contact. Offenses targeting individuals under the age of 16 are also prosecuted more harshly than those targeting adults.

Child Pornography Offenses

Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §§53a-196d through 53a-196f split Child Pornography Possession charges into one of three degrees based on the amount and sometimes nature of illicit material involved. Child porn distribution and production may be referred to as “promoting” and “employing” a minor for an “obscene performance” in the Penal Code.

Prostitution and Solicitation

While selling or soliciting sexual services in exchange for money typically will not result in mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction, an exception is made for the Promotion of Prostitution in the First Degree involving someone under the age of 18, as defined under C.G.S. §53a-86.

Conditional Sex Crimes

Certain offenses, like Kidnapping and Risk of Injury to a Minor, are not typically treated as sex crimes but can be handled as such if they are done for sexual purposes and/or involve unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Are There Unique Penalties for Sex Crimes?

Yes. In addition to jail, fines, or probation, a conviction for a sex crime carries the potential of having sex crime conditions placed on your term of probation and carries the potential for you to need to be placed on a sex offender registry.

Sex offender conditions of probation are more harsh than standard conditions of probation. They can limit your use of smart phones and the internet, you may be banned from being around children, you may have to abide by a curfew, and even more. Violation of these terms can lead to additional time in jail.

Separate from that, conviction for a sex crime might lead to your placement on the sex offender registry. This can affect your ability to gain employment and live in certain areas.

Let a Bridgeport Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Help

Criminal offenses designated as “sex crimes” tend to be prosecuted very severely in Connecticut, but that does not mean it is impossible to fight back against an accusation like this in a proactive and effective way. With a Bridgeport sex crimes lawyer on your side, you could more efficiently build the strongest possible defense and give yourself a far better chance of achieving a favorable case result than you would ever likely have with a public defender or while representing yourself. Call Mark Sherman Law today for a confidential consultation, and click here to view our Avvo profile with over 300 certified reviews from previous clients.