Sexual Abuse Charges
Sex Crimes Charges are very serious crimes and one can find themself charged with such a crime based solely on another's mere accusation; and without objective proof. In fact, an accusation that one placed their hand upon another's buttocks without permission is apparently enough to have such a charge lodged against you. The fact that the alleged crime took place on a jam-packed subway train will be something for your defense lawyer to explain to the prosecutor long after you are required to spend the night in Central Booking, awaiting arraignment.
PL 130.55, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree is a Class B Misdemeanor; and also a sex crime. Penal Law 130.55 states that a person is guilty of sexual abuse in the third degree when he or she subjects another person to sexual contact without the latter's consent; except that in any prosecution under this section, it is an affirmative defense that (a) such other person's lack of consent was due solely to incapacity to consent by reason of being less than seventeen years old, and (b) such other person was more than fourteen years old, and (c) the defendant was less than five years older than such other person.
If convicted of a sex crime, one faces mandatory sex offender registration, which can make it difficult to find work , housing and educational opportunities. However, defenses are available and you should immediately contact a sex crimes defense lawyer if you are charged with such a crime. Early contact with the prosecutor assigned to handle your case may prove beneficial.