New York Sex Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

While there are a variety of actions that would amount to a sex crime, generally speaking any unwanted contact with the intimate parts of another person would be a sex crime. In addition, a sex crime is distinguishable from most other types of crimes because conviction of a sex crime generally means that the offender will have to register as a sex offender. While there are a few sex crimes that are misdemeanors, most sex crimes are felonies.

You will face the charge of rape if you have sexual intercourse without getting the permission of the other person. This means that you had sex, meaning penetration, without the other person’s consent. There are three types of rape: rape in the first, second and third degree. The specific rape charge you will face depends on the age of the victim and whether or not force was used.

Rape in the third degree is the least serious rape charge. You will be charged with rape in the third degree if you are at least 21 years old and the victim is less than 17, or the victim is not capable of consenting. The charge will be rape in the second degree if the victim is mentally disabled or incapacitated, or you are at least 18 and the victim is 15 or younger. You will face the most serious charge of rape in the first degree if force is used, if the victim is 11 years old or younger, or if you are 18 and the victim is less than 13.

Criminal sexual act is a serious sex crime that is similar to rape. The difference is that the sexual act involved is anal or oral sex without the consent of the victim. There are also three degrees of seriousness for the crime of criminal sexual act: third degree, second degree, and first degree.

Sexual intercourse is not required to be charged with a sex crime. State law defines several different types of sex crimes, many of which do not require intercourse. A sex crime can involve nonconsensual anal sex or oral sex, or the touching of another person’s intimate parts without consent for no legitimate reason or for sexual gratification.

Being convicted of a sex crime will have a lasting effect on your life. You will have a criminal record that will make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or obtain a professional license. You may end up in prison away from your family and friends. You will have to pay fines and penalties. You may be required to go to counseling. You will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Whether the sex crime was a misdemeanor of felony, state law requires that offenders register as sex offenders. Registration means providing local law enforcement information that will help them monitor the actions and whereabouts of each sex offender such as details of their crime, their photograph, address, name of school, and employer. This information will be available to the public. Sex offenders must continue to register for several years and in some cases, for life.

Being accused of a sex crime is serious. It is important that you understand the process, and have experienced representation. With over two decades of experience representing clients in New York who have been charged with sexual assault as well as other serious felonies, the sexual crimes attorneys serving clients in New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have the knowledge and resources to vigorously defend you throughout the entire criminal process. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve those accused of sex crimes in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.