Connecticut Third-Degree Sexual Assault Lawyer

Connecticut authorities take all sex crimes very seriously. A conviction for sexual assault can result in serious legal penalties and damage someone’s reputation for life.

If you were accused of sexual assault, you could benefit from the services of a Connecticut third-degree sexual assault lawyer. A local defense attorney could fully explain the charges you face and advise you of your legal options. They could fight tirelessly on your behalf for an optimum outcome to your case. Contact our firm today to get started.

Definition of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree in Connecticut

Connecticut law divides sexual assault into four different degrees. In Connecticut, sexual assault in the third degree occurs when a person compels another person to submit to sexual contact. They could compel the alleged victim to submit to sexual contact in a few different ways. The first one is by the use of force against the alleged victim or a third person. The second scenario is the threat of force against that person or a third person, if the victim reasonably believes they are in danger of serious physical injury.

The second part of the statute of sexual assault in the third degree in Connecticut is any time a person engages in sexual intercourse with another person and the actor knows that they are related to the other person. A local defense attorney could answer any questions about what may constitute a charge of third degree sexual assault, and if such charges may apply in a certain case.

How Firearms Aggravate Sexual Assault Charges

In Connecticut, sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm occurs when a person commits sexual assault, and in the commission of the offense, the person uses, is armed with, or threatens the use of a firearm. Even if an alleged attacker threatens the use of a firearm, but there is no firearm visible to the victim, the defendant still gets charged with sex assault in the third degree with a firearm if they represented to the alleged victim that they had a firearm.

As a Connecticut defense attorney could explain, possession of a firearm makes the sexual assault charges more serious and severe. It elevates the charge of sex assault in the third degree from a Class D or C felony and changes it to a Class C or B felony, depending on the age of the victim. A Class C felony conviction for sex assault in the third degree with a firearm carries a two-year mandatory minimum jail sentence.

At court in Connecticut, an individual could be charged with both sexual assault in the third degree and sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm, however, one of the charges would be thrown out in court because it would be based on the same set of facts. Most likely, if a firearm was involved, a person would only be charged with sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm.

Get in Contact with a Connecticut Third-Degree Sexual Assault Attorney

A sexual assault conviction could have a devastating impact on your life. Thankfully, a Connecticut third-degree sexual assault lawyer is available to help with your defense. Call today to schedule a consultation and begin working towards a positive resolution.