Fighting To Uphold The Rights Of Individuals Facing Sex Crime Charges
People often ask me if they can be convicted of a sex crime based on one person’s word. The simple answer is yes. Since the late 1970s, the state of New York has said it does not need corroboration of a sex crime, except in limited circumstances. Thus, the word of one person, if believed by a jury, is enough to convict you. Within recent years, the New York State Legislature has also eliminated and amended the statute of limitations for certain sex crimes. This means that people can be subject to more remote allegations of a sex crime, which are harder to defend.
Many people are falsely charged with child sexual abuse or endangering the welfare of a child in divorces involving a contested child custody dispute. In these cases, the real abuse is the use of a child as a pawn. If you have been unjustly accused of child abuse, or any other sex crime, I will use all of my experience and legal tools to vigorously defend your rights.
New York’s Sex Offender Registry
Individuals who are convicted of a sex crime must comply with the guidelines set forth in the state’s sex offender registry. Registrants must submit personal identifying information, including:
- Legal name and any aliases
- Recent photographs
- Home and work (for level 2 and 3 offenders) addresses
- Name and address of any higher education institution attending
- Internet accounts and login information
Depending on the criminal charges, registrants are classified as a level 1, 2 or 3 offenders. A level 1 offender must register for 20 years and level 2 and 3 offenders must register for life. Additionally, the registry information of level 2 and 3 offenders is listed in a public directory.
Strong Defense Against Sex Crimes
I have been successful in representing people on sex accusations, and sex charges during both the investigative stage and the post-arrest stage. However, the sooner you contact me, the better I can protect your rights and your freedom. My goal will be to aggressively defend you and protect you from possible registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).
If you have been charged with a sex crime in the New York City area, contact a lawyer at The Law Firm of Michael S. Berardino, formerly Mangialardi & Berardino, as soon as possible locally at 914-618-4167, or toll free at 877-776-5584. I believe in defending your rights and your freedom.
Learn More:
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
