Sex-Related Crimes Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island

Sex crimes allegations are serious and could cause irrevocable damage to your liberty, reputation, education, quality of life, and future opportunities.

If you are under investigation for a sex-related crime, or if you are facing rape, sexual assault, or sexual misconduct allegations, it is crucial that you retain a skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney immediately. The Savage law provides experienced and comprehensive legal representation to clients facing sex crime charges in Providence, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas. She will fight aggressively to protect your rights and attempt to refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence.

Rhode Island

Sexual misconduct involves exhibiting a series of behaviors, in a sexual manner, to another person without the person's consent. In Rhode Island, sex crimes may include sexual assault in the first degree, sexual assault in the second degree, statutory rape, or child pornography.

The age of consent is 16 years old.

Sexual Assault in the First Degree

This is the offense of sexual penetration with another person:

• Who is not the defendant's spouse

• Who is physically helpless, mentally disabled, or mentally incapacitated

• Using force, coercion, or element of surprise

• Through medical treatment or examination for the purpose of sexual arousal, stimulation, or gratification

Penalty: 10 years to life imprisonment.

Sexual Assault in the Second Degree

This is the offense of engaging in sexual contact with someone:

• Who is physically helpless, mentally disabled, or mentally incapacitated

• Using force, coercion, or element of surprise

• Through medical treatment or examination for the purpose of sexual arousal, stimulation, or gratification

Penalty: 3 to 15 years of imprisonment.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape involves a series of sexual offenses, including:

Sexual Assault in the Third Degree: This involves sexual penetration of a person between 14 and 16 years of age by an adult over the age of 18. The possible penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment.

Child Molestation Sexual Assault in the First Degree: This involves sexual penetration of a person under 14 years of age. The possible penalty is 25 years to life imprisonment.

Child Molestation Sexual Assault in the Second Degree: This involves sexual contact with a person under 14 years of age. The possible penalty is 6 to 30 years of imprisonment.

In addition to the prison sentence, offenders will be required to pay a special assessment fee of $100 and the cost of any medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment needed by the victim to recover from the act.

Child Pornography

Under Rhode Island law, the production or transfer of child pornography, by any means, is prohibited. Pursuant to Rhode Island General Law Section 11-9-1.3(a), if convicted, the possible penalty includes:

• Up to fifteen (15) years in state prison

• Up to a $5,000 fine

• Mandatory sex offender registration

Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts law, sexual assault is described as any crime that involves subjecting a victim to any form of sexual touching that is offensive, unwanted, or without consent. The age of consent is 16 years old. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, section 13, criminalizes the crime of sexual assault. Some of the most common examples of sex-related crimes in Massachusetts include:

Rape

Rape is described as sexual intercourse with a person, by force and against the person's will, or by the threat of harm or bodily injury. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, rape is punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment.

Forcible Rape of a Child

Forcible rape of a child is sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years of age, by force and against the child's will, or by the threat of harm or bodily injury. The possible punishment is life imprisonment.

Sodomy

Sodomy can be described as an abominable crime against nature, either with mankind or with an animal. The possible punishment includes at least 20 years of imprisonment in state prison

Inducement

Inducement involves enticing a person under 18 years of age, living a chaste life, to have unlawful sexual intercourse. The possible penalty includes up to 3 years imprisonment in state prison, 1.5 years, in a house of correction, and a fine of up to $1,000.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape can be described as unlawful sexual intercourse and abuse of a child, under 16 years of age. The offense is punishable by life imprisonment in state prison.

Child Pornography

Under Massachusetts law, possessing, distributing, secretly recording child phonography, or posing a child in a sexual state is prohibited. Massachusetts General Law chapter 272 section 29C criminalizes the possession of child pornography. If convicted, the possible penalty includes:

• Up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in a county facility

• A fine between $1,000 and $10,000

Getting Help from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Allegations of sexual misconduct, rape, sexual assault, and other forms of sex crimes can permanently damage your quality of life and future opportunities. When defending a sex crime charge, it is important to have the right legal defense strategy that fits your unique situation.

The Savage law is committed to defending individuals facing sex crime charges or those who have been wrongfully accused. As your legal counsel, she will review every aspect of your case, carry out a thorough investigation, and determine your best defense strategy.

As an experienced criminal defense attorney, she will fight vigorously on your side to protect your rights and refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence. She will attempt to establish your innocence and do everything in her capacity to ensure that these allegations don't affect you for the rest of your life.