Sex Crimes

Connecticut Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer – Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Bridgeport & New Haven

Facing a sex crime charge in Connecticut is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences anyone can endure. Even an accusation can destroy your reputation, your career, and your family life. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively, and the penalties can last a lifetime.

I’m Allan F. Friedman, a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing clients in Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, and throughout Connecticut. My goal is to fight for your rights, protect your reputation, and give you the strongest possible defense.

Understanding Connecticut Sex Crimes

Connecticut law recognizes four degrees of sexual assault, ranging from serious felonies to misdemeanors. Prosecutors often add related charges such as risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint, or prostitution-related offenses.

Sexual Assault in the First Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-70

• Class B Felony
• 10–25 years in prison (with mandatory minimums in some cases)
• Mandatory sex offender registration

This is the most serious charge, involving allegations of forcible sexual intercourse, threats, or very young victims.

Example Defense Strategy: In one Stamford case, prosecutors charged a man with Sexual Assault in the First Degree after a night out at a bar. The state claimed force was used. My defense team obtained video footage from the bar showing the interaction appeared consensual. An Uber driver confirmed there were no signs of distress. Evidence also revealed the alleged victim spent the next day socializing with the defendant at her pool. This combination exposed major credibility issues and helped achieve a favorable outcome.

Sexual Assault in the Second Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-71

• Class C Felony (up to 10 years; includes a 9-month non-suspendable minimum)
• Elevated to Class B Felony if the victim is under 16

You can be charged with Sexual Assault in the Second Degree if you engage in intercourse and:

• The person is unconscious, drugged, or too intoxicated to resist
• The person has a mental disability that makes them unable to consent
• You are a guardian, caretaker, therapist, coach, or teacher in a position of trust or authority
• You misrepresent medical or therapeutic treatment to obtain sex
• You are 20 or older and in a position of authority over someone under 18

Common scenarios: college or party situations involving alcohol, or authority-based relationships such as teachers, coaches, therapists, or caregivers.

Sexual Assault in the Third Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-72a

• Class D Felony (up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine)
• Mandatory sex offender registration in many cases

Third-degree sexual assault involves sexual contact (not intercourse) when:

• It was obtained by force or threat
• The other person was incapacitated or intoxicated
• The person has a mental defect or disease that prevents consent
• It involves prohibited family or consanguinity relationships

Example: A Stamford case where accusations arose after a party. Alcohol was involved, and the issue turned on conflicting accounts of consent.

Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-73a

• Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine)
• Sex offender registration required only if the victim is under 16

This charge covers unwanted sexual contact without intercourse. It also applies in authority-based contexts, such as teachers, coaches, or caregivers accused of crossing boundaries.

Examples include:

• A patron accused of groping at a New Haven nightclub
• A commuter in Bridgeport accused of rubbing against someone on public transit
• A Norwalk employee accused of inappropriate touching of a coworker
• A Greenwich dating dispute where consensual kissing escalated to disputed contact
• A Stamford coach accused of inappropriate touching of a student

These cases often rely heavily on testimony and perception rather than physical evidence, making credibility challenges critical.

Other Common Sex Crime Charges in Connecticut
Risk of Injury to a Minor – C.G.S. § 53-21

A very broad statute often charged alongside sex crimes.

• Class B Felony– up to 20 years if sexual contact is alleged
• Class C Felony– up to 10 years in other cases

Example: A Bridgeport client accused of inappropriate texting with a minor faced a Risk of Injury charge even without physical contact.

Unlawful Restraint – C.G.S. §§ 53a-95, 53a-96

Prosecutors add this charge when they claim the alleged victim was prevented from leaving or held against their will.

• First Degree (53a-95): Class D felony
• Second Degree (53a-96): Class A misdemeanor

Example: In Norwalk, a client was accused of blocking an ex-partner’s exit during an argument. No sexual contact occurred, but unlawful restraint was still charged.

Prostitution & Patronizing a Prostitute

• Prostitution – C.G.S. § 53a-82: Engaging in or offering sexual conduct for a fee
• Patronizing – C.G.S. § 53a-83: Soliciting or paying for sexual services

Both are Class A misdemeanors with up to 1 year in jail and a permanent record.

Example: Many Stamford and Bridgeport clients facing patronizing charges were arrested in sting operations. Even without money changing hands, text messages or chats were used as evidence.

Collateral Consequences

Convictions for sex crimes can lead to:

• Mandatory sex offender registration (felonies and certain misdemeanors)
• A permanent criminal record
• Job loss or professional license issues
• Family and custody consequences
• Immigration problems for non-citizens

Defense Strategies

Every case is different, but common defense strategies include:

• Challenging the accuser’s credibility
• Raising consent as a defense when applicable
• Attacking weak or inconsistent evidence
• Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained statements or searches
• Applying for diversionary programs such as Accelerated Rehabilitation in eligible cases

Why Early Action Matters

In Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and New Haven, prosecutors move quickly in sex crime cases. Hiring a lawyer early allows me to:

• Protect you during police questioning
• Challenge arrest warrants and probable cause
• Negotiate with prosecutors before charges are finalized
• Pursue dismissals or diversionary programs immediately

FAQs About Connecticut Sex Crimes1. What Are the Four Degrees of Sexual Assault?

Connecticut divides sexual assault into four degrees. First Degree is the most serious, carrying 10–25 years in prison, while Fourth Degree is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year. Each level has unique elements, and penalties escalate with severity. Knowing the differences is important for understanding what you are facing.

2. Do All Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?

No. While most felony sex crimes require mandatory registration, not all misdemeanors do. For example, Fourth Degree only requires registration if the victim is under 16. This distinction can dramatically impact your future, as registration carries lasting stigma.

3. Can False Accusations Be Fought?

Yes. Many sex crime cases rely heavily on testimony rather than physical evidence. Through cross-examination and a thorough review of the facts, it is possible to expose contradictions and ulterior motives. False allegations are common in disputes involving relationships, custody, or revenge.

4. What if the Accuser Doesn’t Want to Press Charges?

In Connecticut, it is up to the state, not the accuser, to pursue charges. Even if the alleged victim asks for the case to be dropped, the prosecutor can move forward if they believe there is evidence. This is why having an experienced lawyer to challenge the state’s case is critical.

5. Are Prostitution Charges Serious?

Yes. Even though they are misdemeanors, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. First-time offenders may be eligible for the AR program, which can lead to dismissal. Still, without legal help, the stigma and collateral consequences of a conviction can be damaging.

6. Can a Misdemeanor Sex Crime Still Affect Me?

Absolutely. Even without jail time, a misdemeanor sex crime conviction can affect your job, housing, and family life. Employers and licensing boards may treat any sex-related conviction very harshly. That is why defending even misdemeanor charges aggressively is essential.

7. What Defenses Are Available?

Defenses depend on the facts of the case but may include consent, mistaken identity, lack of intent, entrapment, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters, from text messages to witness testimony. A skilled lawyer will tailor the defense to your specific circumstances.

8. What Happens at My First Court Date?

You will be arraigned in Superior Court, where the judge may set bond and issue protective orders. If the case is classified as domestic violence, you will also meet with Family Relations for a risk assessment. Having an attorney at this stage ensures your rights are protected from the start.

9. How Long Does a Case Last?

Most sex crime cases take between 6–12 months, though serious felonies can take longer. Pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial preparation add time. The earlier you hire a lawyer, the sooner defense strategies can be put in place to push for dismissal or resolution.

10. Why Do I Need a Lawyer Immediately?

Because prosecutors act quickly, and the earlier you have representation, the stronger your defense will be. A lawyer can intervene before charges are finalized, protect you during questioning, and preserve evidence that may prove your innocence. Early action often makes the difference between dismissal and conviction.

Call to Action

If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, or anywhere in Connecticut, your future is at risk. These are life-changing charges.

📞 Call me, Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, today at (203) 357-5555 or contact me online for a free consultation.

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