Sex crimes cover a broad spectrum of sex-related offenses. An accusation of a sex crime can cause irreparable damage to a person’s social status, job opportunities, and personal relationships. Their entire life may be turned upside down which is why these types of crimes are always treated with caution and utmost attention.
If you or your loved one have been arrested for a sex crime, the first thing you need to do is contact reliable professionals who handle issues of bail for sexual offenses in Connecticut. In the following article, we’ll take a look at the categorization and punishment of sex offenses.
What are the degrees and penalties for sex crimes?
Based on the seriousness of the crime, the victim, and the manner in which the crime was committed, sex crimes under Connecticut law are divided into degrees and penalized accordingly. Therefore, punishment will vary depending on the degree of the offense.
Sexual assault in the fourth degree
- An offender subjects another person to sexual contact who is under thirteen years of age and is more than two years older than the victim.
- The victim is thirteen years of age or older but under fifteen years of age and the offender is more than three years older.
- The victim is less than eighteen years old and the offender is the victim’s guardian or responsible for their general supervision of the victim’s welfare.
Penalty: Sexual assault in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by less than one year of imprisonment. If the victim is the age of sixteen, it is a class D felony and punishable by one to five years imprisonment.
Sexual assault in the third degree
- When the offender forces sexual contact with the threat of using force.
- If the victim is mentally incapacitated or impaired and is unable to give consent.
- Engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is their parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or a close relative.
Penalty: Sexual assault in the third degree is a class D felony and is punishable by one to five years of imprisonment. If the victim is under the age of sixteen, it is a class C felony punishable by one to ten years imprisonment.
Sexual assault in the second degree
- When the offender engages in sexual intercourse with a person who is thirteen years of age or older, but three or more years younger.
- The victim is mentally impaired or physically unable to consent to the sexual act.
- If the victim is under eighteen years of age and the offender is their legal guardian or has other supervisory authority over them.
Penalty: Sexual assault in the second degree is a class C felony and is punishable by one to ten years of imprisonment. If the victim is under the age of sixteen, it is considered a class B felony punishable by one to twenty years imprisonment.
Sexual assault in the first degree
- When the offender engages in sexual intercourse by the use of force against the victim or a third person.
- When the threat of use of force against the victim or a third person reasonably causes them to fear physical injury.
- If the offender engages in sexual intercourse with a victim who is under the age of thirteen, and the offender is more than two years older.
Penalty: Sexual assault in the first degree is a class B felony punishable by at least ten years of imprisonment.
Aggravated sexual assault in the first degree
- When a person commits sexual assault in the first degree and in the process is armed, displays, or threatens the use a deadly weapon.
- When the offender causes or has the intent to disfigure the victim seriously or permanently, or to amputate or permanently disable a member or organ of the victim’s body.
- When the offender is aided by two or more other persons in the act.
Penalty: Aggravated sexual assault in the first degree is a class B felony and is punishable by at least ten years, five years of which may not be suspended or reduced by the court. If the victim of the offense is under the age of sixteen, the crime is a class A felony.
Looking for professional bail bond services for sex offenses in Connecticut? Contact us now!
Here at BailCo Bail Bonds Manchester, our goal is to provide clients in New Haven County and across Connecticut with discreet, efficient, and dependable bail bond services. We boast a team of seasoned bondsmen and women who are renowned for their swift response and commitment to meeting the needs of each client. So whether you are arrested for a sex crime and need bail, looking for information on the sex offender registry, or simply want to know more about the types of sex crimes, our services are available 24/7. Get in touch now!