Sexual assault and battery are considered amongst the most serious criminal charges one can face in Providence, RI, with long-lasting legal repercussions.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Providence sexual assault/battery attorneys have 36 years of combined experience, and we’re dedicated to pursuing justice for the accused. We understand how difficult this time can be for you and will do everything we can to defend you and protect your future.
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault and require help navigating these trying times, contact our law firm today at (401) 854-7794 for a free consultation.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Sexual Assault in Providence, RI
If you’re facing allegations of sexual assault or battery in Providence, Rhode Island, seeking experienced legal representation is essential.
Here’s how our Rhode Island criminal defense attorneys can assist with these sex crime charges:
- We’ll thoroughly review your case to uncover all evidence we can use to defend you.
- We will analyze law enforcement conduct to identify any rights violations or investigative errors that could make evidence inadmissible.
- We will negotiate with the prosecutor to try to come to an agreement that will lessen your penalties or reduce charges.
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys is here for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Providence sexual assault/battery lawyer.
Overview of Sexual Assault Crimes in Rhode Island
Sexual assault is one of the most severe criminal offenses in Rhode Island. Understanding the law and the legal ramifications is crucial due to the profound impact a conviction can have on your life:
First-Degree Sexual Assault
First-degree sexual assault in Providence is a serious crime. It involves sexual penetration without legal consent, where the victim is mentally incapacitated or has a mental disability, rendering them physically helpless or unable to provide consent.
This charge can also be applied when sexual penetration occurs by use of force, coercion, concealment, or surprise. Also falling under this statute is sexual assault during medical treatment or examination.
Second-Degree Sexual Assault
In Providence, second-degree sexual assault is a charge that shares many of the same elements as first-degree sexual assault. However, it refers to non-consensual sexual contact as opposed to intercourse.
Statutory Rape (Third-Degree Sexual Assault)
Under Rhode Island law, statutory rape – referred to as third-degree sexual assault – involves an adult engaging in sexual activity with a minor who is under the age of consent, which in Rhode Island is 16 years old.
While it may sometimes seem that consent exists because the minor agrees to participate in sexual activity, they’re legally incapable of giving such permission due to their age.
All types of sexual assault charges in Providence should be taken seriously. If you’re facing this difficult situation, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties For a Sexual Assault Conviction in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, most sex offenses are felonies, and the penalties for sexual assault can be quite severe, often including the following:
Jail/Prison Time
Depending on the specifics of the assault and what you’re charged with, you could face serious prison time – even up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree sexual assault.
Probation
In certain cases, along with or instead of incarceration, probation can be imposed. This requires you to abide by specific conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs and maintaining employment.
Fines
Conviction of sexual assault can carry significant fines on top of any prison time given.
Sex Offender Registration
If convicted of a sex offense in Rhode Island, you’ll typically need to register as a sex offender, which has lasting and severe implications – like restrictions on where you can live and what types of jobs you can hold.
Community notification laws require that neighbors and, in some cases, employers be alerted about your criminal history, making it difficult to rebuild your life once you’re released from prison.
The repercussions of a sexual assault charge in Providence, Rhode Island can be extreme and long-lasting. If you’re facing such charges, it is essential to obtain knowledgeable legal representation immediately to protect your rights and future.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Sexual Assault in Providence, RI?
If you have been arrested for sexual assault/battery, there are several defenses that can be raised depending on your specific circumstances. Some of the most common ones include:
Consent
This defense argues that the sexual activity was agreed to by all parties. If it can be shown through various forms of evidence – like messages or testimony from witnesses – that consent was given before and maintained during an encounter, this could lead to an acquittal.
False Allegations
In cases where charges are based on false allegations, your goal will be to discredit the accuser’s reliability and counter any evidence presented. Your lawyer will also want to point out the accuser’s motivations for lying, such as personal grudges or ongoing divorce/child custody proceedings, for example.
Alibi
An alibi defense asserts that you were not at the crime scene at the time when the alleged offense occurred. This means you couldn’t have possibly committed it. This can be backed up with witness testimony, video footage, or other types of receipts or time-stamped evidence showing you were somewhere else at the time.
Mistaken Identity
This defense can be used when the accuser improperly identifies you as the perpetrator. This can occur because of improper/suggestive police lineups or simply making a mistake.
Defending against sexual assault/battery charges is complex. With sound legal strategies and an experienced Providence criminal defense lawyer in your corner, you can effectively challenge the claims made against you.
Facing a sexual assault charge can be incredibly stressful and impact your life forever. If you’re in this situation, don’t face it alone – your future and freedom are too important to try to handle it without experienced legal assistance. Contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys today to speak with a Providence sexual assault lawyer.
