Sexual Assault Defense in New York

Sex-offense allegations are among the most consequential charges a person can face. The collateral consequences — SORA registration, lifetime employment restrictions, immigration removal, professional license revocation — can extend long beyond any sentence. The investigative posture — controlled phone calls, pretext meetings, social-media subpoenas — produces evidence quickly. Pre-arrest representation is often decisive.

The Charges

• Forcible touching (PL § 130.52) — Class A misdemeanor
• Sexual abuse in the third, second, and first degrees (PL §§ 130.55, 130.60, 130.65)
• Criminal sexual act in the first through third degrees (PL §§ 130.40, 130.45, 130.50)
• Rape in the first through third degrees (PL §§ 130.25, 130.30, 130.35)
• Predatory sexual assault (PL § 130.95) — Class A-II felony
• Federal child-exploitation offenses under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2251, 2252, 2422 and 2423

SORA

A conviction for a registerable offense triggers risk-level classification under the Sex Offender Registration Act, Correction Law Article 6-C. The hearing — held shortly before release — determines whether you will be Level 1, 2, or 3 and what residence, employment, and travel restrictions follow. The SORA hearing is its own case within the case, and the lawyering for it is specialized.

Pre-Arrest Representation

If you know an allegation is being investigated, the most important thing you can do is stop talking and call counsel. Do not call the complainant. Do not text. Do not "apologize" to clear the air — investigators record those calls. Letters of representation, document holds, and proffer decisions made during the investigation can stop a case before charges are filed.

Where Cases Are Won

• Consent. The most common dispute. Defense work focuses on the complainant's communications, the timeline, and the witnesses around the event.
• Motive to fabricate. Custody disputes, divorces, employment grievances, and other tensions are frequently part of the picture.
• Forensic evidence. SANE-exam interpretation, DNA mixture analysis, and the absence of expected forensic traces all play out at trial.
• Identification. Where the complainant did not know the accused, identification procedures and Wade-Crews issues become central.

If you have been arrested, contacted by an investigator, or learned that an allegation has been made against you, call us at 212-233-1233 or email email@goodwindefense.com. All communications are confidential.