The state of New York has strict consequences for those charged with sex crimes due to the violent nature of these acts. Being accused of a sex crime can greatly impact a person’s life even if they are not found guilty. Individuals’ lives can be ruined with a simple accusation. If they are found guilty, they may face jail time. Since they can be registered as a sex offender, this can warn other people of where they reside and what tier they are a part of. This can lead the public to reject this person in their neighbor. They want to protect their loved ones and surely do not want someone in the neighborhood that can jeopardize their safety.
Sex crimes are defined as an act of sexual nature that lack the consent of another party. Some individuals are not able to give consent to begin with due to their age or mental capacity. Those under the age of 17 and those with certain degrees of mental handicap cannot legally give consent to another person for sexual acts. Felony charges include rape, sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and predatory sexual assault. Misdemeanors include sexual misconduct, forcible touching, sexual abuse in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree. Judicial consequences are decided case by case. Individuals may face jail time.
What is the Sex Offender Registration Act?
When offenders are found guilty of committing an act involving a sex crime, they are required to adhere to the conditions outlined in the Sex Offender Registration Act. According to this act, sex offenders must register with a state registry to protect the community by providing information to the public about sex offenders living in that area. These offenders are organized into three categories based upon the level of their crime and the risk that they will repeat their offense. Level one is made up of low-risk offenders. Level two is comprised of moderate-risk offenders and level three has the most serious offenders. Only level two and level three offenders are held on the public registry. They will be on this for life and anyone can have access to it. Those who are described as a level one offender will be on a private registry for 20 years. The only people who have access to this category are law enforcement and other judicial bodies.
If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. to schedule a consultation and we would be happy to assist you.
