Sex crimes carry a powerful stigma in modern society. All 50 states require convicted sex offenders to register, and the New York Sex Offender Registration Act is especially merciless, with a detailed point scoring system and different registration levels. In other words, once you’re in the system, it’s next to impossible to get out.

New York law recognizes different categories of sex offenses, all of which have one thing in common. The victim did not consent or was incapable of consenting to the perpetrator’s actions. This includes minors, the mentally disabled or incapacitated, and victims of forced sexual contact.

Examples of sex crimes include:

• Rape: non-consensual sexual intercourse through use of duress or physical force
• Sexual misconduct: Subjecting another person to sexual contact without their consent
• Statutory rape: sex with a minor under 17
• Possession and/or distribution of child pornography

If you are charged with a sex crime, then you can face years in prison. A conviction for first degree rape, for example, could potentially incarcerate you for 25 years. Even if the charge is third degree sexual abuse, which is defined as subjecting another person to sexual contact without consent, you could go to jail for up to three months. No matter how long you spend in custody, once you get out, you could face the following extended consequences:

• Sex offender registration, which makes your name, address, and other personally identifying information available to the public
• Social backlash from your friends, family, and the general public
• Loss of your job
• Lost access to public benefits and certain professional licenses
• A civil lawsuit to recover damages for physical injuries, mental anguish, and pain and suffering

Individually and combined, these outcomes will change your life, so it is imperative that you immediately contact a New York criminal defense attorney with experience in defending sex crime allegations.

Even unfounded allegations can have serious consequences for your future, so it is in your best interest to engage the services of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney who can challenge the allegations, question the evidence, and get you the best result given the circumstances of your case. Call the Law Offices of Julie Rendelman, LLC at 212-951-1232 for a free consultation or to set up an appointment at her Manhattan office if you have any legal questions related to a sex crimes matter.