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    Stamford Sexual Abuse Lawyer

    Assistance from a defense attorney with experience handling these sensitive and high-stakes cases can be crucial to improving your odds of a positive case resolution. During an initial consultation, a Stamford sexual abuse lawyer could clarify your rights and options in a confidential setting and, once retained, work diligently to preserve your current and future best interests.

    How Does State Law Address Sexual Abuse?

    Outside of offenses involving someone paying or attempting to pay for sexual services from someone under 18, which Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-83b refers to as “commercial sexual abuse of a minor,” the term “sexual abuse” does not appear anywhere in the Connecticut Penal Code. Instead, prosecutors overseeing cases of this nature generally pursue charges for one or more degrees of sexual assault based on the specific conduct the defendant has allegedly engaged in.

    For example, someone who engages in unlawful sexual contact with someone who does not or materially cannot consent without using or threatening force may face charges under C.G.S. §53a-73a for Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. This offense would be classified as either a class A misdemeanor or a class D felony depending on whether the alleged complainant was over or under 16-years old.

    In the same vein, allegations of sexual abuse entailing sexual contact compelled through force, non-consensual sexual intercourse without force, and sexual intercourse compelled through force would likely be pursued respectively as Sexual assault offenses in the Third, Second, and First degrees, with the same enhanced penalties possible for offenses impacting children under 16. A Stamford sexual abuse attorney could explain in more specific detail what penalties might be associated with a particular offense and help build a defense strategy specifically tailored to a defendant’s specific charge(s).

    Sexual Abuse Reporting Requirements in Stamford

    Sexual abuse investigations in Connecticut often begin with one or more reports from a “mandated reporter.” Under C.G.S. §17a-101a, anyone in an occupation that involves consistent interaction with children and/or focuses on caring for children in some way—such as teachers, police officers, physicians, and daycare workers—is legally required to report any suspected physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a child to the Department of Children and Families, which then must notify law enforcement within 12 hours in accordance with C.G.S. §17a-101b.

    These reports are completely confidential and remain so throughout any ensuing criminal case, so it is never prudent to focus on identifying the source of a specific allegation when constructing a defense strategy. Instead, contacting a sexual abuse lawyer in Stamford should be your priority after learning of action by DCF or law enforcement in this regard.

    Speak with a Stamford Sexual Abuse Attorney About Legal Options

    Defending your future prospects in the face of these kinds of allegations is not something you should try to handle by yourself, regardless of whether you have past experience with the criminal courts. Support from a Stamford sexual abuse lawyer could make all the difference in boosting your chances of achieving the best possible outcome to your case.

    Click here to read our over 300 reviews on Avvo.com, and call Mark Sherman Law today for a private consultation.