Yale Sexual Assault Lawyer
Seeking representation from a Yale sexual assault lawyer could be a crucial first step toward effectively protecting your interests in a sensitive situation like this. Once retained, a defense attorney can advocate on your behalf to preserve both your freedom in court and your personal life outside of it.
Types of Sexual Assault Offenses
The Connecticut penal code separates sexual assault charges into one of four categories based primarily on the type of sexual conduct allegedly involved and whether the defendant allegedly used or threatened physical force to compel a sexual interaction. An attorney can help someone at Yale build a defense depending on the type of sexual assault charge they are facing.
Someone who abuses a position of authority, uses fraud or deceit, or otherwise engages in sexual contact with someone who cannot consent has committed sexual assault in the fourth degree as defined by Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-73a. Sexual assault in the third degree is defined in C.G.S. §53a-72a, and involves non-consensual contact through the use or threat of force to compel that contact or engaging in such contact with someone who is mentally incapacitated or disabled.
Second-degree sexual assault involves non-consensual intercourse rather than just contact according to C.G.S. §53a-71. Finally, anyone who uses or threatens force to compel intercourse, engages in intercourse with someone under the age of 13, engages in intercourse with a mentally-incapacitated person, or commits second-degree sexual assault with direct assistance from two or more individuals may face first-degree sexual assault charges under C.G.S. §53a-70.
Enhanced Penalties for Statutory Rape
Depending on the degree of offense committed, sexual assault of an adult by another adult may be classified anywhere from a class A misdemeanor to a class B felony. Additionally, the severity of any sexual assault committed at against a person under 16 is automatically increased by one level. For instance, a third-degree sexual assault changes from a class D felony to a class C felony.
Aggravated first-degree sexual assault of a minor has uniquely harsh penalties. As per C.G.S. §§53a-35a(3) and 53a-70c, a conviction for this offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence in prison of 25 years and could potentially result in a maximum sentence of up to 50 years. A lawyer can help someone at Yale mitigate any enhanced penalties for a sexual assault charge.
Contact a Yale Sexual Assault Attorney
Sexual assault cases are often procedurally complex and extremely emotionally charged. Without an experienced Yale sexual assault lawyer advocating for your best interests, you may have slim odds of achieving a positive resolution. Click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and call today to have one of our attorneys review your situation and potential defense options during a confidential consultation.