The term “sex offense” encompasses many different crimes, both violent and non-violent, as well as many different types of conduct. Almost all sex offenses are felonies, and some sex offenses are “A-II” felonies, which carry the possibility of life in prison. Whatever the level of the specific offense may be, one thing is certain, the government will pursue these types of charges vigorously, and the penalties sought will be severe.

Crimes are categorized as “sex offenses” by the Sex Offender Registration Act. Those individuals who are ultimately convicted of any sex offense named in the Sex Offender Registration Act (“SORA”) will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to the Act’s requirements in addition to the punishments imposed by the Penal Law. Being a registered sex offender may disqualify someone from certain types of employment, and local laws may forbid a sex offender from living in certain areas. Furthermore violating the terms of SORA will result in another felony conviction.

Types of Sex Offenses Commonly Charged in Rochester

  • Prostitution Offenses
  • Rape
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Forcible Touching

Conclusion

Unfortunately, sixty (60) percent of sex offenses are committed by individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

[1] Often times those accused and convicted of these types of crimes, had they had access to proper treatment, would not have engaged in the type of conduct that constituted the underlying sex offense. An experienced criminal defense attorney understands that every person accused of a crime deserves legal representation, and advocacy. Furthermore sometimes cases such as these involve showing the court and the government that a fair result is to get an individual the treatment and counseling they need to avoid the behavior that subjected them to prosecution in the first place.

[1] http://nycats.net/sex-offender-counseling/