Long Island Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Discover how Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer, can help as your Long Island sex crimes defense lawyer. Get insights on legal defense strategies, rights, and experienced representation.

Why You Need a Long Island Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Sex crime accusations are very serious and can have far-reaching consequences on a person’s life, even if they are not guilty.

The importance of having a dedicated defense lawyer in such cases cannot be overstated. Such a lawyer can help defendants navigate the intricate legal landscape, protect their rights, and ensure a fair trial, aiming to mitigate the potentially life-altering impact of these allegations.

If you’re facing sex crime charges in Long Island, New York, our experienced criminal defense lawyer at Richard Hochhauser DWI & Criminal Lawyer can be your trusted ally in navigating these high-stakes circumstances. We understand the gravity of these charges and are here to provide the robust defense you deserve, advocate for you, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Understanding Sex Crimes

Sex crimes encompass a wide range of illegal activities with a sexual component.

There are several types of sex crimes under New York law. Here are a few of them and their penalties.

Rape

Rape is generally defined as the act of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse, usually with threats, violence, or manipulation.

There are three classes of rape under New York law:

Rape in the First Degree

This type of rape involves sexual intercourse with a person;

• By forcible compulsion (physical force or threat of such force)
• Who cannot consent because they are physically helpless
• Who is under the age of 11
• Who is under age 13 if the perpetrator is at least 18 years old.

This offense is a Class B felony. Upon conviction, it can result in imprisonment for up to 25 years.

Rape in the Second Degree

This type of rape occurs when

• A person who is over 18 has sexual intercourse with someone who is below 15; or
• Has sexual intercourse with a person who cannot consent to the act due to mental disability or incapacity.

Second-degree rape is a Class D felony and is primarily punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years.

Rape in the Third Degree

This type of rape occurs when a person:

• Engages in sexual intercourse with another person who cannot consent to the act for any other reason other than the fact that they (the victim) are a minor
• Who is over 21 years old has sexual intercourse with a person who is below 17
• Engages in non-consensual intercourse with another person, and the lack of consent is not due to the victim’s incapacity.

This type of rape is a Class E felony and could lead to imprisonment for up to four years.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct occurs when a person engages in certain kinds of sexual conduct without the other party’s consent including:

• Sexual intercourse
• Oral or anal sexual conduct
• Sexual conduct with a human corpse or an animal.

This crime is a Class A misdemeanor and can lead to imprisonment for up to a year (or 364 days).

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a group of sex offenses under New York law that is characterized primarily by unwanted sexual contact.

There are three types of sexual abuse:

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

This involves subjecting another person to sexual contact

• Through physical force or threat of force
• When the victim is incapable of consenting because they are physically helpless
• If the victim is less than 11 years old
• If the victim is thirteen years old and the perpetrator is at least 21.

Sexual abuse in the first degree is a Class D felony and is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years.

Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree

Sexual abuse in the second degree involves someone subjecting another person to sexual contact, and the victim is

• Incapable of consent for reasons other than being underage (such as being mentally incapacitated or physically helpless) or
• Lless than 14 years old.

This type of sexual abuse is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to a year or 364 days.

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree

A person commits sexual abuse in the third degree if they touch someone sexually without their consent. This crime is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three months.

Other Consequences of Sex Crimes Convictions

Beyond imprisonment and other penal sanctions, such a sex crime conviction can also lead to classification as a registered sex offender. Being designated a sex offender can affect your life even after you have served your sentence. The status comes with several restrictions that affect your freedom of movement and privacy.

Furthermore, information in the sex offender registry is public, which means it can be viewed by anyone, including future co-workers, romantic partners, and neighbors.

Essentially, you might be forced to bear the stigma of being a sex offender throughout your lifetime, depending on the severity of the offense. That’s why you need to defend yourself and fight to ensure a positive outcome at your trial so you can peacefully move on with your life.

Defense Strategies for Sex Crimes

There are several defense strategies that could help you challenge and possibly overcome sex crime allegations. The most common ones include:

• Consent: Arguing that the sexual conduct was consensual
• False Accusations: Establishing that you’ve been falsely accused. Showing that the alleged victim had motives for lying or discrepancies in their story can help to support this defense.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must provide solid evidence to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. Challenging the validity of the evidence, such as questioning the handling of DNA samples, can create doubt about your guilt.

A strong defense is essential if you hope to walk away from your trial unscathed or with the least sentence possible. That’s why you need a fierce sex crimes attorney to represent you throughout your case and help you develop a suitable defense.

The Importance of Legal Representation: How Our Long Island Sex Crimes Attorney Can Help

Sex crime charges carry serious consequences, both legally and socially. The stigma attached to these allegations can impact the accused, their families, and their communities.

Navigating the legal system without professional help is risky in such cases. The stakes are too high to handle alone. Experienced lawyers can address the charges and help manage the emotional strain that comes with these accusations. They also advocate fiercely for defendants using their comprehensive legal knowledge and advocacy skills.

At Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer, we understand the intricacies of defending sex crimes in Long Island, New York, and the impact a conviction could have on your life and future. We can help you develop a robust defense strategy and fight fiercely for your freedom.

Here’s how we can help:

• We can ensure that your rights are protected throughout your case, including during police interrogations and trials.
• Depending on your case, we can negotiate plea bargains or reduced charges with the prosecution, which might result in a lighter sentence or alternative sentencing options (if that would lead to the most beneficial outcome)
• If your case goes to trial, we can represent you throughout the court proceedings, make formal arguments, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and do all we can to discredit the prosecution’s case against you.
• In many cases, the court has discretion over the specific sentence a defendant may serve if convicted. In such an instance, our sex crimes lawyer can advocate for you and fight to get you the minimum sentence possible.
• Sex crimes are often charged with other criminal offenses, such as domestic violence or assault. If you’re facing multiple charges for different offenses, our experienced criminal defense lawyer can offer solid legal representation tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

We firmly believe in the presumption of innocence, which means that a person, despite facing criminal charges, is innocent until proven guilty. From the moment you’re arrested or charged, we are prepared to stand by your side to ensure fair treatment and due process while working to ensure the best possible outcome.

Contact Us Today

Sex crimes are sensitive and carry severe consequences.

Given the severe stigma and potentially life-altering consequences associated with sex crime allegations, having a skilled and experienced defense attorney is crucial for those facing such charges. They provide essential guidance, create strategic defenses, and advocate vigorously on behalf of their clients, thereby ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial and increasing the chances of a positive outcome.

If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime charge, don’t face it alone. Contact Richard Hochhauser, DWI & Criminal Lawyer, today for a confidential consultation.

We are committed to defending your rights and proving your innocence. Trust us to stand by you and provide the quality defense you deserve.

Defend Your Future Now: Schedule a Free Consultation

Facing criminal charges in Nassau County requires experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Your future is too important to leave to chance—Contact Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense today to schedule a free consultation and receive diligent criminal defense representation.

FAQs

What should I look for when hiring a Nassau County criminal lawyer?

while there are many well reputed criminal defense lawyers in Nassau County, finding the right one for you and your case can be daunting. Look for criminal defense attorneys with experience handling your specific charges. Additionally, consider their reputation within the legal community through testimonials, awards, and reviews. You may also need to assess their ability to provide personalized attention to your case.

How much do Nassau County criminal lawyers typically cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Nassau County can vary based on factors such as the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and the legal services required. Make sure to discuss the fees and payment structure upfront to avoid unpleasant surprises.