Westchester Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex crime allegations can have far-reaching consequences, even before the accused steps foot in a courtroom. When your freedom, rights, and name are on the line, you need a professional and strategic defense attorney who understands both the legal and personal challenges you face.

Westchester County Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Borrelli has vast experience defending clients in various types of sex crime cases. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or serious felony accusations, we fight to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that your rights are fully protected.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm for a free consultation when you need confidential advice about your rights in a potential or existing sex crimes case.

Why You Should Hire a Sex Crime Defense Attorney

A strong defense against sex crimes charges is the best way to:

• Protect Your Rights: You have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This means prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the offense(s) you have been charged with. Because this can be very challenging to do in sex crimes cases, especially those that rely heavily on witness statements rather than physical evidence, it’s important to hire a sex crime lawyer as soon as possible.
• Effectively Fight to Clear Your Good Name: Don’t accept a plea deal or plead guilty before you speak to a Westchester County sex crime attorney. You may have various options for defending yourself, and presenting the strongest possible case can be the key to getting charges reduced or, at times, dismissed.
• Minimize the Potential Impact of Sex Crime Charges: Defending against charges of sex crimes often requires strategies similar to those used in cases involving violent crimes, where the stakes are equally high. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can position your case for the best outcome possible. That can mean better resolutions while helping you move on with your life.

Overall, hiring an experienced defense attorney early on is critical to preserving evidence, preventing self-incrimination, and developing a defense strategy that addresses every aspect of the prosecution’s case. Let Attorney Michael J. Borrelli and his team navigate these steps for you.

Many Sex Crimes Are Registrable Offenses

In addition to the legal consequences of a conviction, such as incarceration, probation, mandatory classes, or strict court-imposed conditions, many sex-related offenses in New York trigger long-term registration requirements under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). These obligations can affect where you live, where you work, and how your information is publicly displayed for years to come.

Numerous offenses are considered registrable under SORA, including:

• All Degrees of Rape
• All Degrees of Sexual Abuse
• Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child
• Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree
• Forcible Touching
• Incest
• Child Pornography
• Even certain kidnapping charges, depending on the circumstances, can require registration

Once someone is required to register, they must keep their name, address, and other personal information up-to-date with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to additional criminal charges.

The Degrees of Sex Crimes in New York

Sex crime charges in New York vary widely in severity, and the penalties a court may impose depend on several key factors. These include the nature of the allegations, whether force, violence, or a weapon was involved, the age of the accuser, the age of the accused, and whether the accused has any prior convictions for sexual offenses.

New York’s Penal Law categorizes sexual offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, each assigned a class that carries its own sentencing range and potential consequences.

New York Sex Crime Classifications & Potential Penalties

• Class A Felony — Maximum sentence: Life imprisonment
• Class B Felony — Maximum sentence: Up to 25 years in prison (violent offenses carry a five-year minimum for first-time offenders)
• Class C Felony — Maximum sentence: Up to 15 years in prison (violent offenses carry a three-and-a-half-year minimum for first-time offenders)
• Class D Felony — Maximum sentence: Up to seven years in prison (violent offenses carry a two-year minimum for first-time offenders)
• Class E Felony — Maximum sentence: Up to four years in prison
• Class A Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence: Up to one year in jail
• Class B Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence: Up to three months in jail

Westchester County Prostitution Defense Attorney

Prostitution is the illegal act of charging a fee in exchange for a sex act. New York law classifies prostitution as a Class B misdemeanor for first offenses. Upon conviction, prostitution can be punishable by up to 3 months in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.

Patronizing a prostitute is also a crime under New York law. Classified as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, charges of patronizing a prostitute can be punishable by up to one year in prison and/or up to $1,000 in fines. If the prostitute is younger than 14, felony charges and prison time can come into play.

If you’re facing one of these charges, connect with our law office today to speak with a prostitution defense attorney.

Unlicensed Massage Defense Attorney in Westchester County, NY

Offering or providing massage therapy without a valid New York State-issued license is a criminal offense. In fact, under New York Education Law Section 6512, performing massage therapy without a license is typically classified as a Class E felony. This means a conviction can carry up to four years in prison, along with significant fines and long-lasting consequences for employment, immigration status, and professional opportunities.

Prosecutors may also attempt to combine unlicensed massage allegations with additional charges (such as prostitution, unauthorized practice of a profession, or maintaining a premises for illegal activity), depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Even when no sexual conduct occurred, law enforcement may make assumptions based solely on the business location, advertising, complaints, or undercover operations.

Because these cases are often built on misunderstandings, overly broad sting operations, or misinterpretations of legitimate massage-related work, it is critical to have representation from a defense attorney who understands both the criminal and regulatory aspects of these allegations. Attorney Michael J. Borrelli works to challenge the basis for the charges, suppress improper police conduct, and pursue dismissals or reduced charges whenever possible.

If you’ve been accused of providing or facilitating unlicensed massage services in Westchester County, reach out to our office immediately for a confidential consultation.

Sex Assault Defense Lawyer in Westchester County, NY

Sexual assault charges can arise in a variety of contexts, from misunderstandings between acquaintances to false accusations made during contentious marital disputes. Regardless of the circumstances, these charges carry life-altering implications.

Generally, sexual assault charges in Westchester County are filed:

• When there is reasonable evidence to suspect inappropriate and sexually motivated touching. This can be any sort of touching that falls short of penetration. When the use of a foreign object is involved, aggravated sexual assault charges may be filed.
• As charges with varying levels of severity. The details of the case play a role in determining the severity of the charges and penalties involved in Westchester County sexual assault cases. Factors like (but not limited to) the age of the alleged victim, the circumstances, and the conduct all matter.

Sexual Abuse Attorney Borrelli works diligently to uncover inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements, question the reliability of forensic evidence, and challenge improper police procedures. We also utilize expert testimony, digital communications, and other supporting materials to help establish the facts of the case. In this way, we achieve justice on your behalf.

Rape Defense Attorney in Westchester County, NY

Statutory rape charges are not the only types of rape charges that can be brought under New York law. Criminal statutes also provide for:

• Date Rape Charges: These may be filed when there are allegations of nonconsensual sexual contact when the defendant and the alleged victim have a prior relationship (i.e., they are not strangers).
• Rape in the First, Second, or Third Degree: These range from Class B to Class E felony charges. Convictions for first-degree rape charges can be punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Commonly, rape charges are he said/she said cases, in which factors like character, credibility, and corroborating evidence matter. As an experienced sex offender lawyer, Michael J. Borrelli knows to examine consent issues, challenge forensic evidence, and protect against false allegations. From investigation to trial, our team provides unwavering advocacy to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Why Should You Consider Hiring Michael Borrelli as Your Sex Offense Attorney?

With experience as an Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Borrelli has extensive knowledge of New York’s criminal law. But that’s not all. He also has:

• More than 29 years of criminal law experience.
• First-hand knowledge of how prosecutors structure their cases and arguments for an array of sex crime charges.
• Lasting relationships with the police and courts in Westchester County.
• A near-perfect success rate in more than 40 felony criminal trials.
• Personal attendance for 99% of client court appearances.
• A 9.2 rating from former clients on Avvo.

One of the greatest reasons Attorney Borrelli is trusted by people just like you is because he offers responsive, personalized service. With him on your team, you will always have the information you need and you’re never under pressure when it’s time to go to court. That can give you confidence, a little peace of mind, and the best chances of securing favorable, efficient resolutions.

Find out your best defense options against sex crimes charges now in a FREE consultation.

Get Superior Defense by Contacting Sex Crime Lawyer Michael J. Borrelli

If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony sex crime in Westchester County, you need an experienced lawyer who can provide exceptional defense representation at every phase of your case. You need Sex Crimes Lawyer Michael J. Borrelli.

Call today or contact us online for a FREE, confidential consultation. We offer consultations 24/7 because the sooner you have Attorney Borrelli in your corner, the better. He has handled tens of thousands of criminal cases of varying degrees, and he can help you with all aspects of a sex crimes case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources for Westchester County, New York

• New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services - Sex Offender Registry: Offers comprehensive information on sex offender registration laws and procedures in New York. It includes details on how to search for registered offenders, the requirements for registration, and legal obligations for offenders.
• Overview of New York Penal Law Article 130: Sex Offenses: This section provides a detailed explanation of the various sex offenses defined under New York law, including legal definitions, potential penalties, and specific provisions for each type of offense. It is a valuable resource for understanding the legal framework surrounding sex crimes in New York.
• Sex Crime Convictions Admissible in Civil Fraud Case: This article discusses a significant legal ruling that allows sex crime convictions to be used as evidence in civil fraud cases. It explores the implications of this decision for future litigation and the potential impacts on defendants and plaintiffs in such cases.