Utica Sex Crimes Lawyer

When you’re accused of a sex crime in Utica, NY, it can feel like your entire life is turned upside down. We understand how overwhelming and confusing this situation can be. 

Our criminal defense team is here to listen to your story, explain the legal process, and stand by you every step of the way. If you need legal advice while facing this serious situation in Utica, New York, reach out and let us know. Contact Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to schedule a consultation with a Utica sex crimes lawyer at (315) 500-6425. 

How Passalacqua & Associates, LLC Can Help If You’re Arrested For a Sex Crime in Utica, NY

If you’ve been arrested for a sex crime in Utica, NY, it’s important to get legal help right away. At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC our team of skilled trial lawyers has more than 30 years of combined experience. We fight for the rights of our criminal defense clients. We will guide you through the legal process to make sure you get a fair outcome.

Here’s how our law firm can help:

• Investigating the Details of Your Case: We work to uncover every aspect of your case, including reviewing police reports, examining evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Our team ensures that all relevant information is brought to light to build a strong defense. 
• Working with Forensic Experts: Working with forensic experts can shed light on complex evidence that might have been overlooked. We consult professionals who specialize in areas such as DNA testing and digital forensics to ensure every piece of evidence is evaluated carefully.
• Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence: We carefully evaluate the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights by law enforcement. This helps us push back against unfair accusations.
• Guiding You Through Court Proceedings: Facing the criminal justice system can be overwhelming. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance so you understand what to expect at each stage and are prepared throughout the process. This includes helping you with the bail process as well.
• Negotiating or Fighting for a Fair Resolution: Whether it involves working toward reduced charges, pursuing alternative sentencing options through a plea deal, or taking the case to trial, we will do everything we can to achieve an outcome that protects your future. 

If you have any questions about sex crime charges in Utica, New York, let us help. Contact Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to schedule a consultation with a Utica sex crimes lawyer. 

Overview of Sex Crimes in New York

When someone faces sex-related criminal charges in New York, it can be confusing to understand each type of offense, but it’s important so you know what you’re facing. 

Below is a brief description of some common sex charges:

• Forcible Touching: Consists of deliberately and forcefully touching someone else’s intimate parts without their permission. 
• Sexual Abuse: Involves unwelcome sexual contact with another person’s private areas, often intended for personal gratification. 
• Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree: Refers to engaging in sexual contact with a person who has not agreed to it. 
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree: Involves sexual contact with someone who is unable to give consent or is under the legal age. 
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree: Occurs when someone who is physically helpless or under the legal age is subjected to sexual contact. 
• Persistent Sexual Abuse: Applies to individuals who have already been convicted of sexual abuse and face another accusation within a set timeframe. 
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse: Involves more serious forms of mistreatment that may include physical harm or certain types of penetration. 
• Sexual Misconduct: Includes engaging in non-consensual acts such as intercourse, oral contact, or conduct with an animal or deceased person. 
• Rape: Involves non-consensual intercourse and can span different degrees based on the situation. 
• Predatory Sexual Assault: Typically involves a dangerous form of sexual assault that causes severe harm or targets a young child.

Facing any of these charges is incredibly serious. If you find yourself in this position, reach out to a sex crimes defense lawyer in Utica right away. 

What Are the Penalties For Sex Crimes in Utica, New York?

New York’s criminal laws for sex offenses come with a range of punishments, depending on the severity of the crime, the accused person’s past criminal record, and the specific facts of the case. 

Common penalties include:

• Jail or Prison Time: Sentences may range from a few months in a local jail all the way up to life in prison for something like a rape conviction. 
• Fines: Courts can impose financial penalties in addition to incarceration. 
• Probation: Some charges allow for supervised release, which can involve regular check-ins and treatment programs. 
• Sex Offender Registration: Most sex crimes require registration on the sex offender list, which can limit areas where someone may live or work.

If you are dealing with any of these charges, it would be incredibly helpful to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through the process in the best way possible.

Collateral Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions 

When someone is convicted of a sex offense, the impact extends far beyond jail time or fines. A conviction can follow you long after you leave the courtroom and cause the following collateral consequences:

Challenges with Employment

Many employers routinely run background checks. A sex crime on your record can make it difficult to secure a new job or maintain your current one. 

Housing Restrictions

The law limits where someone convicted of a sex offense can live, especially if the crime involved a minor. This can lead to trouble finding suitable housing. 

Social Stigma

Family, friends, and neighbors may distance themselves, and it can become harder or impossible to stay involved in community activities. 

Sex crime convictions can create obstacles in many parts of your life. If you’re facing these charges, consider talking to criminal defense attorneys to better understand your options moving forward.

What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested For Sex Crimes?

When someone is accused of a sex crime, it can feel like there are no options. It’s important to know that there are defenses available. 

Below are a few common strategies attorneys may use:

Consent 

In certain cases, the defense may argue that the sexual contact in question was voluntary. Attorneys often rely on communications between the parties, eyewitness accounts, text messages, or other evidence to show there was no force or coercion involved. 

Mistaken Identity 

Sometimes, a defendant is wrongly identified as the perpetrator. Here, defense attorneys in Utica will focus on alibi evidence, such as receipts, surveillance footage, or reliable witness statements, to show that the accused person was somewhere else or did not fit the description. 

False Allegations 

There are situations where someone accuses another person out of anger, revenge, or confusion. An attorney may review correspondence, phone records, or social media posts to see if there were motives that could have caused false statements. 

Insufficient Proof 

Prosecutors must meet a certain standard of evidence in criminal cases. If they fail to do so, an attorney can argue that the case does not meet the burden of proof. This argument often comes down to evidence like forensic reports and medical records. 

Each case is different, and the defense you use will depend on your situation. If you’re facing a sex crime charge, consider contacting a lawyer to learn about your legal options. 

​Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Utica Sex Crimes Lawyer

Facing sex crime charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. By learning about the charges, possible penalties, and available defenses, you can make better decisions as your case moves forward. With more than 5 decades of combined experience defending individuals charged with a crime, we’ve just about seen it all.

If you need more answers or guidance, reach out to a defense attorney who understands these complex matters. Contact Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to schedule a consultation with a Utica sex crimes lawyer.