Westport Sexual Abuse of a Minor Lawyer
Unlike many other places in the country, this state does not classify sexual abuse of a child as a distinct criminal charge. Instead of a specific definition and subsequent penalties, people accused of sexually molesting, assaulting, or exploiting a person under the age of 18 may face prosecution under different sections of the Connecticut Penal Code. Charges depend on the specific allegations and the age of the child allegedly targeted.
This means that proactively defending yourself against criminal allegations of this nature can be very difficult without the support of a seasoned defense attorney who has handled similar cases successfully in the past. If you want to protect your rights and best interests while facing allegations of child sexual abuse, retaining a Westport sexual abuse of a minor lawyer from Mark Sherman Law should be one of the first actions you take.
Understanding Risk of Injury to a Child as a Criminal Offense
One of the more common ways in which state prosecutors approach child sexual abuse allegations is by charging the alleged abuser under Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21, which addresses “Injury or Risk of Injury to, or Impairing Morals of, Children.” Under subsection (a)(2) of this statute, it is unlawful for someone to make physical contact with the intimate parts, as defined by C.G.S. § 53a-65(8), of a child under the age of 16 or to make such a child have intimate contact with someone else’s intimate parts in a sexual or indecent manner.
This offense is typically treated as a Class B felony. This means a person convicted of this offense could face between 1 and 20 years of imprisonment and a maximum of $15,000 in fines. However, someone who violates this statute and causes harm to a child under the age of 13 is subject to a mandatory minimum five-year prison term. The court cannot reduce or suspend this under any circumstances, as our Westport child sexual abuse attorneys can explain in more detail.
What Qualifies as Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor?
Another way in which law enforcement authorities may prosecute sexual abuse is under Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor as defined by C.G.S. § 53a-83b. This is a Class B felony if the minor is 15 or older and a Class A felony if the minor is younger. It broadly entails soliciting, agreeing to give, or actually giving anything of value to a minor or third party as payment for engaging in sexual conduct with that minor.
While Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor may sound similar to the previously mentioned offense, C.G.S. § 53a-196i defines it as knowingly purchasing advertising space to solicit customers for a commercial sex act involving a depiction of a minor. Therefore, it is generally not applicable to sexual abuse cases. If it is, authorities would prosecute it as a Class C felony, which carries between 1 and 10 years of prison time upon conviction. Working with an experienced lawyer who understands sexual abuse cases in Westport could help you prepare the most effective defense possible, regardless of which charge you are facing.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Westport
Because there is no single criminal act labeled as sexual abuse of a minor in the Connecticut Penal Code, it can be deceptively difficult to challenge allegations along these lines. However, that does not mean it is impossible to proactively protect your rights after being accused of sexual abuse, especially if you have representation from dependable legal counsel.
The legal team at Mark Sherman Law can provide the individualized guidance you may require to achieve the best possible outcome for your unique case. Call today to learn what a Westport sexual abuse of a minor lawyer can do to assist you, or read some of the 300+ verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.