Penalties for Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Connecticut
Because Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor is always classified as a high-level criminal offense, the sanctions that may result from a conviction can be life-altering in numerous ways. However, with the help of a dedicated defense lawyer from Mark Sherman Law, you will be able to not only fully understand the potential penalties for Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Connecticut, but also fight more effectively to mitigate the sanctions you ultimately face from your specific charge(s).
What Is the Criminal Classification of Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor?
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-83b(b), Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor is typically treated as a Class B Felony. This makes it roughly comparable to offenses like Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Sexual Assault in the First Degree in terms of criminal classification.
Notably, if the minor whom you allegedly engaged, made a specific plan to engage, or attempted to engage in commercial sexual activity with, was under the age of 15 at the time, this offense becomes a Class A Felony. This is the most severely punished crime under the Connecticut Penal Code, with the exception of capital felonies.
Potential Sanctions Upon Conviction in Criminal Court
Someone convicted of Class B Felony Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor may be sentenced to a minimum one-year term in prison up to a maximum 20-year term, as well as a maximum of $15,000 in fines. They may also be subject to maximum periods of probation upon their release from prison.
A conviction for Class A Felony Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Connecticut carries penalties of between 10 and 25 years of imprisonment as well as a maximum of $20,000 in fines, with no possibility of probation. The court’s decision about exactly how harshly to penalize a particular defendant may depend on various factors like prior criminal history, the nature of the offense(s) in question, and the defendant’s perceived likelihood to reoffend.
Sex Offender Registration After a Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor Conviction
Currently, Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor is not explicitly listed in the Connecticut Penal Code as an offense that can have mandatory sex offender registration as a sanction upon conviction. However, efforts have previously been made in the state legislature to add this offense to the list of sex crimes requiring registration, and Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor charges are sometimes accompanied by other charges that do require registration upon conviction.
A Connecticut Attorney Can Answer Further Questions About Penalties for Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Even compared to other types of sex crimes, Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor has particularly severe criminal penalties attached to it under the Connecticut Penal Code. Just like with any other criminal allegation, though, you have the right to construct and present a defense in court against an allegation of this nature, and doing so effectively with support from capable legal counsel could significantly improve your long-term outlook after your case concludes.
Whether you just want to know more about what the penalties for Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Connecticut typically are or want to start working on a defense strategy for a charge you are currently facing, our team is here to help. Call today to learn what Mark Sherman Law can do for you, or click here to read some of the 300+ verified reviews left by past clients on our Avvo.com profile.