Sex Offenses

In New York, sexual offenses are considered especially heinous and are severely punished by the criminal law both in the length of sentence and period of post release supervision, which exceeds even serious drug and violent felony offenses.  In New York State, as in most jurisdictions there are significant number of sexual offenses which are considered strict liability crimes and do not require any knowledge component on the part of the offender.  For example, Rape in the 3rd degree may be charged against any person 21 years or older who engages in sexual intercourse with a person under 17 years old, whether or not the defendant was aware the person was under 17 or not, even if told by the minor that he/she was 17 or older.

Sexual Offenses with Penal Classification

  • Rape (1st Degree) – Class B Felony
  • Rape (3rd Degree) – Class E Felony
  • Sexual Abuse (1st Degree) – Class D Felony
  • Sexual Abuse (3rd Degree) – Class B Misdemeanor
  • Forcible Touching – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Facilitating a Sex Offense with a Controlled Substance – Class D Felony
  • Predatory Sexual Assault – Class A-II Felony

Defending against a sexual offense requires highly skilled attorneys who can balance not only the legal issues but also the emotional backlash, which accompanies these damaging allegations.  At Cohen & Forman we handle these delicate cases on a daily basis and have earned victories for clients both in the courts of law and the court of public opinion, enabling clients to resume lives of normalcy and happiness. Call us for a consultation today.