If you are accused of a sexual offense such as Forcible Touching you likely have many questions and concerns about what it will mean to your future, your job, and your reputation.  Forcible Touching is one of the few sex crimes that is a misdemeanor and not a felony.  While still serious, the potential consequences [...]

A person is charged with forcible touching when: Such person intentionally and for no legitimate purpose forcibly touches the sexual or other intimate parts of another person to: Degrade or abuse the other individual; or To gratify their own sexual desire. They subject someone to sexual conduct to satisfy their own sexual desire and to [...]

Yes.  For the purposes of the crime of Forcible Touching, squeezing, grabbing, or pinching can result in criminal charges being brought against you.

Yes. Forcible Touching is a crime and is considered a class A misdemeanor.

If you plead guilty to or are convicted of Forcible Touching, you face the following penalties: Up to 1 year in Jail. Potential Sex Offender Registration. Up to 6 years of Probation. Fines up to $1000. If relevant, Sex Offender surcharges/fees totaling $1375. DNA Sample.

The answer depends on the allegations of your charge.  You will be required to register as a Sex Offender if the victim is less than 18 years of age, if you have a prior sex offense conviction, had a prior Forcible Touching conviction, or a conviction for Sex Abuse in the Third Degree. If none [...]

Yes.  New York State law mandates that any person charged with a crime must have a lawyer represent and defend them.  If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Court will appoint one for you.

No.  You can hire a lawyer at any time. It is always in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has handled similar cases as soon as there are any allegations against you. Your criminal defense lawyer may be able to prevent charges from being brought and can ensure that you [...]

No.  To be charged with Forcible Touching, you must intentionally and for no legitimate purpose touch someone inappropriately/in a sexual manner.  Under this scenario, an accidental brushing would not constitute a crime.

A case does not have to go to trial unless the person accused of the crime decides they want to go to trial or a prosecutor refuses to enter plea bargain negotiations.  The decision to proceed to trial must be made by the person charged with a crime.  This decision should be based upon a [...]