Among the most serious criminal consequences that a person may face involve alleged sexual offenses. Regardless of the specific accusations, anyone facing these charges needs to understand the law, what a prosecutor must prove to obtain a conviction, and how to protect themselves.

If you are accused, reach out to a Shelton sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense. The team at Ruane Attorneys works to protect the rights and freedoms of people facing these types of accusations. Our persistent attorneys could help shield you during a police investigation, argue for fair bail terms, combat a prosecutor’s case, and present information to juries to create reasonable doubt.

Types of Sexual Offenses and Penalties in Shelton

A sex crime describes an alleged activity where a person makes unwelcome sexual contact with another. The simplest example is sexual assault in the fourth degree under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-73a. The law prohibits sexual contact with:

• A person who is physically helpless
• Anyone under 13 years of age
• Someone who the alleged perpetrator is in a position of power over

These types of offenses are typically class A misdemeanors but may be increased to class D felonies if the alleged victim is under the age of 16.

Sexual Assault in the First Degree

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-70, sexual assault in the first degree involves having sexual intercourse with another through the use or threat of force. It may also involve having sex with a minor under the age of thirteen.

These offenses are class B felonies under most circumstances, which could result in a minimum two years of imprisonment upon conviction. However, certain circumstances could raise the charges to class A felonies that bring a mandatory ten-year prison term. When the stakes are this high, it is critical to work with a nearby sex crimes attorney to mitigate the potential penalties.

Role of an Attorney in Sex Crime Cases

In every case alleging some form of sexual misconduct, it is essential to begin working on a defense as soon as possible. As soon as a person learns they are the subject of a sex crimes investigation in Shelton, they should hire a dedicated attorney to represent their interests. A hardworking lawyer could help challenge the legality of searches and shield a defendant from aggressive interrogation techniques.

After a Sexual Offense Arrest

A sexual offenses attorney could also be of significant help immediately after an arrest. They could push for fair bail conditions that allow a defendant to await trial from the comfort of their home. A lawyer who has worked with sex crime cases could also fight against the creation of any restrictive restraining orders that may result if the allegations involve supposed acts of domestic violence.

Sex Crimes Defense at Trial

The lawyers at our Shelton office could present effective defense at trial for someone accused of a sex crime. Every case is unique, and the evidence necessary to defend an accused person will be specific to the charges against them. From challenging the admissibility of evidence, to cross-examining the State’s witnesses, to presenting information to juries that helps to create reasonable doubt, our attorneys are prepared to explore every avenue to help a defendant’s chances of success.

Contact a Shelton Sex Crimes Attorney Immediately

Every allegation of a sex crime is a serious matter. Even if the prosecutor brings charges as a misdemeanor, the consequences of a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. For felony convictions, you may face a mandatory-minimum prison sentence and required registration as a sex offender.

A Shelton sex crimes lawyer at Ruane Attorneys is here to help protect your freedom and reputation. Our legal team is ready to take every necessary step to help you fight back against these charges. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case and begin preparing a defense strategy.