Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
Course of conduct charges relies on repeated sexual offenses. Any sexual offense against a child is a felony sentence if convicted, but if the court believes that multiple offenses were committed within a short time span, then it may pursue a course of conduct charge.
These charges show a pattern of behavior and may result in longer sentences and harsher penalties.
Course of Conduct Attorney in Nassau County
Sex offenses are difficult topics to navigate, and simply being accused of one carries strong social stigma. Strong legal representation is critical to combat these accusations. The Law Office of Stephanie Selloni is experienced in defending our clients against sex offense charges, including course of conduct charges.
Stephanie Selloni is recognized by the legal community through her admittance to reputable law associations such as the Nassau County Criminal Courts Law and Procedure Committee and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL).
The Law Office of Stephanie Selloni represents clients for traffic charges throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County including the towns, villages and cities of Riverhead, Garden City, Stony Brook, Westbury, Glen Cove, and Hempstead.
Call (516) 972-1212 or simply submit an online contact form for more information.
Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
- Understanding Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in New York
- Defenses Against Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child Explained
The state of New York defines a number of felony offenses for sexual conduct towards children. Violation of multiple offenses over a three-month period may result in the addition of a “Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child” chard. This elevates the charge, and will likely result in lengthened prison sentence if convicted.
Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree
The requirements for a second-degree charge are to engage in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than eleven years old. Alternatively, if the offender is 18 years or older, the offense may involve engaging in two ore acts of sexual conduct with a child less than thirteen years old.
Convictions of a second-degree charge are a Class D Felony.
Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree
Course of conduct charges may be elevated to the first degree if the offender committed at least one act of sexual intercourse or aggravated sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old.
Convictions of a first-degree charge are a Class B Felony.
Common Defenses
When a client is accused of course of sexual conduct against a child, the court generally uses the charge as an enhancement for existing charges that it believes it has evidence enough to convict.
Pattern of Behavior
Fighting a course of conduct charge begins with halting accusations of course of conduct. This includes contesting charges of sexual misconduct with the child, and especially fighting sexual conduct charges like inciting a minor and others. Building these defenses may include finding character witnesses and establishing an alibi.
Mitigating Charges
If it appears impossible to entirely refute accusations of sexual conduct in the manner established by state code, it may instead be in the client’s best interest to attempt to mitigate the charge down to the second degree.
This includes fighting accusations of sexual intercourse, or attempted sexual intercourse, between the client and a person 11 years or younger.
Additional Resources
RAINN – The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network provides information on contacting law enforcement in the case of sexual misconduct, domestic abuse and incest. Visit their website or call the toll-free hotline to speak with a professional.
Hire a Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child Defense Attorney in Nassau County, New York
The Law Office of Stephanie Selloni represents clients for traffic charges throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County including the towns, villages and cities of Riverhead, Garden City, Stony Brook, Westbury, Glen Cove, and Hempstead.
Call (516) 972-1212 or simply submit an online contact form for more information.