Facing child molestation charges in Providence, RI, is one of the most serious situations you can go through in your entire life. The mere allegations can change your life forever, as it can lead to judgment and have a significant effect on your personal and professional life. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer who can fight for you and defend your future and freedom.
For help with child molestation charges in Providence, Rhode Island, we’re here to help. Contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation with a Providence child molestation lawyer. Call us at (401) 854-7794.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested for Child Molestation in Providence
Facing child molestation charges is one of the most frightening experiences you can go through, as these charges carry significant, lifelong penalties. In these cases, working with a trusted Providence criminal defense lawyer is essential.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Providence sex crimes attorneys have 36 years of combined experience and are both former public defenders. We understand how the other side thinks, and we’re prepared to help you fight back against your charges effectively. Here’s how we can help you:
- We will listen to your side of the story and thoroughly investigate your case to uncover evidence that will help prevent a conviction
- We will file any available pre-trial motions, like a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence
- We will negotiate with the prosecutor to obtain a plea deal that can help you avoid serious consequences like prison time and sex offender registration
- If a plea deal is not available or you’re not interested in one, we will take your case to trial and fight for you in front of a judge and jury
For help with child molestation charges in Providence, let us help you. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to get started with a free case review.
Overview of Child Molestation Charges in Rhode Island
Child molestation charges in Rhode Island are serious felony offenses that carry severe penalties and lasting consequences. These charges are divided into two main classes based on the nature of the alleged sexual conduct.
First Degree Child Molestation
First degree child molestation is among the most grave accusations under Rhode Island law, involving any form of sexual penetration (vaginal, anal, or oral) with a minor victim 14 years or younger.
Second Degree Child Molestation Sexual Assault
Second degree child molestation occurs when an adult engages in non-penetrative sexual contact with anyone aged 14 or under. ‘Sexual contact’ tends to cover a broad range of behaviors falling short of penetration but encompassing inappropriate touching.
The distinction between first-degree and second-degree directly impacts potential sentencing outcomes, but both of these charges should be taken seriously.
What Are the Penalties for Child Molestation Charges in Providence, Rhode Island?
In Providence, Rhode Island, the legal consequences of child molestation charges are harsh and designed to reflect the gravity of offenses committed against minors. The law distinguishes between first-degree and second-degree child molestation sexual assault, with each carrying its own set of penalties upon conviction.
First Degree Child Molestation
Convicted individuals face a minimum of 25 years in prison, which can extend up to life in prison.
Second Degree Child Molestation
Those found guilty will be subject to imprisonment ranging from a minimum of 6 years all the way up to 30 years maximum.
It’s clear that both degrees carry heavy punitive measures reflecting the seriousness Rhode Island attributes to protecting minors from sexual exploitation and harm.
Sex Offender Registration
A conviction for child molestation in Rhode Island not only results in lengthy prison sentences but also mandates the offender’s registration as a sex offender within the state.
Additionally, for those convicted of the most severe crimes, the Jessica Lunsford Child Predator Act of 2006 imposes even stricter requirements. These individuals are subject to “electronic monitoring via an active global positioning system for life.” This means their movements will be constantly monitored, significantly restricting their freedoms even after serving time.
The penalties for either degree of child molestation are severe and should be taken seriously, requiring legal help as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Child Molestation?
If charged with child molestation, your options may feel limited, and the path ahead might seem dire. However, experienced criminal defense lawyers know that there are ways to challenge such serious allegations effectively. Some common defenses include:
False Allegations
In some child molestation cases, false accusations form the cornerstone of a person’s defense. In these situations, it is vital for your lawyer to investigate the claims to uncover inconsistencies or conflicting statements in the accuser’s story, aiming to expose these falsehoods and reinforce that such allegations are baseless and lack evidence.
Determining and explaining the accuser’s motives for false allegations can be helpful as well.
Improper Police Investigation
Should there be any issues with the way law enforcement conducted their investigation – whether it was a violation of your rights during questioning or when obtaining physical evidence – these discrepancies can significantly weaken the prosecutor’s case.
Age of The Alleged Victim
Another potential defense focuses on contesting the age of the alleged victim. If the victim is over the age of 14, the crime will not qualify as child molestation, which can decrease potential penalties.
These defenses are complex and require a nuanced approach from an experienced defense attorney.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Rhode Island Sex Crimes Lawyer
If you’re facing child molestation charges, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical and is the first step you should take. With more than three decades of combined experience, our lawyers know what it takes to fight these charges and get the best outcome for your case.
For help, contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Providence child molestation lawyer.
