Stamford Voyeurism Lawyer
If you were charged with voyeurism, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer could help you avoid unintentional self-incrimination. A Stamford voyeurism lawyer could protect your rights and fight to reach a positive outcome.
What are the Penalties for Voyeurism in Stamford, CT?
Voyeurism is treated as either a Class C or Class D felony, depending on the circumstances. If the person found guilty has a prior conviction for this or certain other offenses, or if the voyeurism actions involve someone under the age of 16, then the crime may be penalized as a Class C felony. Penalties include up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In other circumstances, or if someone is convicted of disseminating voyeuristic material under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-189b, then the crime is considered a Class D felony. The maximum sentence includes up to five years of imprisonment and a fine as high as $5,000.
A Stamford voyeurism attorney may be able to have a voyeurism charge reduced to “unlawful dissemination of an intimate image,” which is a Class A misdemeanor under C.G.S. § 53a-189c. Those found guilty may be fined no more than $2,000 and imprisoned for no more than one year.
Does Voyeurism Require Intent?
Yes. To be guilty of voyeurism, an individual must act with a certain intent under C.G.S. §53a-189a. Actions must be taken with “malice” or with the intent to arouse or satisfy the accused’s own sexual desires or the sexual desires of other individuals.
Accordingly, a voyeurism lawyer in Stamford may be able to defend against voyeurism charges by proving the individual accused did not seek to gratify anyone’s sexual desires or act with malice.
The term malice is not defined in state criminal statutes. While in common usage, malice often refers to hatred or severe ill-will, in a criminal context the term is often given much broader meaning. If someone acts with an illegal or improper motive, they may be considered to be acting with malice.
What Actions Constitute Voyeurism?
An individual may be convicted of voyeurism for deliberately photographing or visually recording the image of another person:
- Without that person’s knowledge and consent;
- While the specific body part is not in plain view;
- Under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
- With malice or intent to gratify sexual desires.
A Stamford voyeurism attorney may be able to show that there was no expectation of privacy or that the person was actually in plain view. Common examples of voyeurism include taking pictures up someone’s skirt or taking photos through someone’s window while trespassing on their property.
Consult a Stamford Voyeurism Attorney
A conviction for any felony carries serious consequences, but a conviction for voyeurism can have especially serious consequences that endure beyond a term of imprisonment or payment of a fine. Having a conviction for voyeurism or related offenses on your record can make employers think twice about hiring you and could interfere with your life for years to come.
Accordingly, it is wise to mount a staunch defense against voyeurism charges. To learn how a Stamford voyeurism lawyer could protect your rights and help you reach a positive outcome in your case, call Mark Sherman Law.