If you’re looking for the kind of criminal defense attorney sex crimes cases demand, here is what you need to know right now.
Quick answers for those facing sex crime charges:
- Hire an attorney immediately – before speaking to the police, and before accepting any plea deal.
- Stay silent – anything you say can and will be used against you.
- Do not contact the alleged victim – this can result in additional charges, such as witness tampering or violation of a no-contact order.
- Preserve evidence – texts, emails, social media messages, and witness contacts can be critical to your defense.
- Understand the stakes – convictions can mean mandatory prison time, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your career, family life, and reputation.
Sex crime accusations are unlike almost any other criminal charge. The moment an allegation surfaces, the social and legal pressure is enormous. Prosecutors move fast. Law enforcement moves fast. And the court of public opinion moves even faster.
In Rhode Island, a first-degree sexual assault conviction carries a minimum of 10 years in prison, up to life. While we also serve clients in Connecticut (where first-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony with mandatory minimums), navigating Sex Crimes in RI requires immediate, localized legal intervention. These are not charges where a “wait and see” approach makes sense.
The stakes are simply too high to go it alone.
Whether the accusation is based on a misunderstanding, a false claim, or a situation where the full story hasn’t been heard yet, you have rights. And protecting those rights starts with getting an experienced defense attorney in your corner as quickly as possible. The Law Office of Leah J. Boisclair serves clients in Rhode Island who are facing exactly this kind of pressure.
Here is what you are up against, what defenses exist, and how the right legal representation can make all the difference.
Understanding Common Sex Crimes in RI
When you are facing the legal system, the terminology can feel like a foreign language. However, understanding the specific nature of the charges against you is the first step in building a defense. As a criminal defense attorney, sex crimes represent an area of law where the details matter immensely. We see a wide range of allegations, each carrying its own set of evidentiary requirements and potential pitfalls.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-37, Rhode Island law defines a broad spectrum of offenses ranging from public indecency to the most serious forms of sexual assault.
Sexual Assault and Degrees of Severity
The most common serious charges involve “sexual assault.” In Rhode Island, these are divided into specific degrees based on the severity of the act and the circumstances:
- First-Degree Sexual Assault: This is the most severe charge. It typically involves sexual penetration achieved through force, the threat of force, or when the victim is unable to consent (due to physical helplessness, severe intoxication, or mental incapacity).
- Second-Degree Sexual Assault: This charge typically involves sexual contact—defined as the intentional touching of intimate parts for arousal, gratification, or assault—achieved through force or coercion, rather than penetration.
- Third-Degree Sexual Assault: This involves sexual penetration under circumstances where the victim cannot consent, but where the level of force or threat does not meet the criteria for First-Degree.
Crimes Involving Minors
Charges involving minors are prosecuted with extreme aggression by Rhode Island authorities and carry devastating mandatory penalties. These include:
- Child Molestation: Rhode Island law distinguishes between first and second-degree child molestation. First-degree child molestation involves victims 14 or younger and carries a staggering mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.
- Indecent Solicitation: Under indecent solicitation of a minor laws, simply attempting to urge or command a minor to perform a sexual act—even via the internet or text message—is a felony.
- Child Pornography: Possession, distribution, or manufacturing of prohibited images can lead to aggressive state and federal charges.
Other Common Charges
We also handle cases involving prostitution, solicitation, and lewd conduct. While some of these may be classified as misdemeanors, they still carry the severe risk of a permanent criminal record and, in some cases, sex offender registration. You can learn more about the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors on our dedicated practice page.
The Hidden Penalty: The Rhode Island Sex Offender Registry
Beyond prison time and fines, one of the most life-altering consequences of a sex crime conviction in Rhode Island is mandatory registration as a sex offender. Depending on the conviction, you may be classified as a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 offender.
Higher tiers require community notification, meaning your neighbors, local schools, and employers will be legally informed of your status. This severely limits where you can live, work, and travel for decades—often for the rest of your life. Preventing you from landing on this registry is one of our primary goals from day one.
Proven Defense Strategies Against Sex Crime Accusations
Just because you have been accused does not mean you will be convicted. Sex crimes are often charged based on “he-said, she-said” scenarios with little physical evidence. A skilled defense attorney will meticulously dismantle the prosecution’s case by exploring defenses such as:
- False Accusations: Sadly, false allegations of sexual assault or child molestation are frequently used as weapons during bitter divorces, child custody battles, or out of personal vengeance. We dig deep to uncover ulterior motives, inconsistencies in timelines, and digital evidence (texts, emails) that prove the allegations are fabricated.
- Consent: If the sexual contact was consensual, it is not a crime. We work to demonstrate that mutual consent was given, analyzing the context of the relationship and communications between the parties.
- Lack of Evidence / Burden of Proof: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is a lack of physical evidence, DNA, or credible witness testimony, we will aggressively challenge the state’s ability to prove its case.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights: If the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, forced a confession, or failed to read you your Miranda rights, we can file motions to have that illegally obtained evidence thrown out of court.
Why Choose the Law Office of Leah J. Boisclair?
Facing a sex crime charge is a terrifying experience, but your life is not over. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of Sex Crimes, who knows the local court systems, and who isn’t afraid to stand up to aggressive prosecutors.
At the Law Office of Leah J. Boisclair, we provide judgment-free, compassionate counsel combined with an aggressive courtroom defense. We leave no stone unturned in protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Do not wait to see what the police will do next. If you or a loved one is facing accusations, contact Boisclair Law today for a confidential consultation. Let us start building your defense immediately.
