Stamford Sex Crimes Lawyer
Due to the severity of such offenses, sex crimes are punished harshly in Connecticut, and it is important to take any charges that have been filed against you very seriously.
If you are facing criminal sex offense charges in Connecticut, then you do not have to take on the daunting task of navigating the legal process alone. Enlisting the assistance of a Connecticut sex crimes attorney to craft your defense and represent you in court provides the best chance at a successful fight for your freedom and your future.
Seeking reliable representation from a lawyer with experience defending against criminal charges of this nature will give defendants the best possible chance of avoiding extensive incarceration, steep fines, and inclusion on the Connecticut sex offender registry.
A trustworthy Stamford sex crimes lawyer can guide you through the legal proceedings with an understanding of the process and a commitment to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Role of a Stamford Sex Crimes Attorney
Criminal charges that stem from sex crimes are often the result of multifaceted situations, many of which involve the use and influence of drugs or alcohol. Both parties may have trouble recalling the events leading up to the incident, and these murky memories make it difficult to determine what actually took place at the time in question when other forms of evidence are often sparse.
Nonetheless, convictions for criminal offenses that are sexual in nature are thoroughly and aggressively prosecuted in Stamford, both as a public safety measure, and to deter potential future offenders with examples of heavy handed sentences. The beginning stages of a criminal case can easily determine the eventual outcome if the defendant does not seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
Many of the biggest mistakes which defendants make in criminal cases of all types arise from their incomplete understanding of the laws in place to protect the rights of all individuals. People may irreparably harm their cases by speaking with law enforcement without first obtaining legal representation, and a criminal lawyer’s role is to ensure that the rights of their client are protected at all stages of the legal process.
A Stamford criminal lawyer will educate the defendant on the protections they are entitled to under the law, and will work with them to build a solid defense strategy tailored to the individual’s specific case. It is not worth the risk of getting stuck in an even more serious situation simply because of a lack of awareness regarding the various laws that apply to a case.
Sex Crimes in Stamford
The laws regarding sex crimes in Connecticut can be found in the Connecticut Penal Code, Chapter 952, Connecticut General Statutes. Stamford sex crimes lawyers have experience defending against a variety of charges brought under this section of the code, including various forms of:
- Sexual assault
- Statutory rape and illegal conduct with a minor
- Date rape
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Prostitution and Patronizing Prostitution
- Risk of Injury to a Minor – Contact with Intimate Parts
Statutory Rape in Stamford
Under Connecticut’s statutory rape laws, it is illegal for an adult 18 years of age or older, to engage in sexual relations with anyone under the age of 16, even if the sex is consensual.
Even if there is no evidence of a nonconsensual act, an adult who has sex with a minor has committed a sexual assault under Connecticut’s statutory rape law, because the law presumes that minors are incapable of providing consent. Depending on how old the minor was at the time of the offense, a statutory rape conviction in Connecticut can result in a maximum 20 year jail sentence (with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of nine months), a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
While there are certain exceptions that may apply if both parties were minors, or were very close in age when they had sex, claiming ignorance of a minor’s true age is typically not a defense. If someone has been charged with statutory rape, they need to speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault, also commonly referred to as sexual battery or rape, is a felony offense in Connecticut. Any sexual intercourse or activity that takes place against the victim’s will, either by force or because the victim was incapacitated at the time, constitutes rape. If convicted of a sexual battery charge, the potential penalties can range from one to 25 years in prison, depending on the circumstances under which the offense occurred.
Sexual assault cases will often focus on the question of whether or not the sex was consensual, as consent can be a possible defense to these types of charges. An experienced criminal sex offense attorney will be able to determine the best possible defenses available in each specific case.
Contact a Stamford Sex Crimes Attorney Today
A Connecticut felony sex crime conviction can have lasting effects on every aspect of your life even after you have served your sentence. Being accused of a sex crime can damage your reputation in the community and your professional life, even if you manage to avoid the harsh penalties that come with a conviction.
If you are facing a potential sex crime conviction it is imperative that you obtain legal help as soon as possible to minimize these harmful effects and ensure you will be able to adequately defend yourself in court. Contact a Stamford sex crime lawyer to discuss your case today.