Westchester County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney 

Registration as a Sex Offender in New York State

If you are convicted for a sex offense the court, after a hearing, will determine the risk level of the offender for committing another sex offense and harm to the community. Level 1 is designated as a low risk, Level 2 is a moderate risk and Level 3 is a high risk. There are also three designations assigned to a sex offender; sexual predator, sexually violent offender or predicate sex offender.

Level 1 requires registration as a sex offender for 20 years and level 3 and 4 requires registration for life. The basic obligations of a registered sex offender include verification of home address every year, providing a current photograph to law enforcement, notification of attendance at any school, providing information regarding internet service providers, screen names and e-mail accounts. However, there are several other requirements including reporting to employers, release of personal information, prohibition from being near children, treatment, disqualifications from certain employment and many others.

Westchester County Sex Crimes FAQ 

What are the potential penalties for sex crimes in Westchester County?

Penalties for sex crimes in Westchester County can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences. The severity of the punishment often depends on the nature of the offense, the defendant's prior criminal history, and other case-specific factors.

How does the legal process work for sex crime charges in Westchester County?

The legal process typically begins with an arrest and arraignment, where charges are formally presented. This is followed by pre-trial motions, potential plea bargaining, and possibly a trial. If convicted, sentencing will occur, and there may be an opportunity for appeal.

What rights do the accused have when facing sex crime charges in Westchester County?

Individuals accused of sex crimes in Westchester County have the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, the right to a fair trial, and the right to confront witnesses. It's crucial to understand these rights to ensure a proper defense.

What should I do if I’m accused of a sex crime in Westchester County?

If accused, it's critical to remain calm, avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney, and seek legal representation immediately. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.

Can sex crime charges be expunged from my record in NY?

Expungement options depend on the nature of the crime and the outcome of the case. Some sex crime convictions may not be eligible for expungement, but an attorney can provide guidance based on specific circumstances.

What is the role of a plea bargain in sex crime cases in Westchester County?

A plea bargain involves negotiating with the prosecution to potentially reduce charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. It can be a strategic option to consider, but requires careful evaluation by the defendant and their attorney.

The Defense of a Sex Crime

We advise our clients to get past the embarrassment, fear and outrage of the crime to focus on the best criminal defense.

Many sexual offenses are as a result of false accusations from a bitter, jealous or mistaken accuser. Sometimes people are manipulated by friends, family or even professional agencies to make a complaint to the police. In adult situations consent is always investigated as a potential defense to the charge. All of these circumstances must be explored and pursued by your defense attorney.

Our Goals

As sex offender criminal defense attorneys our goal is to protect your rights by fighting to avoid a sex related charge, to avoid prison sentences, to avoid sex offender registration, to avoid probation, to suppress evidence and to seek a dismissal of the charges wherever possible.

At the law offices of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, we represent clients in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Bronx counties. We maintain offices in White Plains and Peeskill, New York.