Rhode Island Sexual Assault Attorney
What is Sexual Assault?
Rhode Island First Degree Sexual Assault Attorney
The State of Rhode Island is extremely serious about the investigation and the prosecution of first degree sexual assault (“rape”) cases. A person is guilty of first degree sexual assault if he or she engages in non-consensual sexual penetration with another person. Rhode Island’s most recent sexual assault statute expands the meaning of sexual penetration by force to include, in addition to sexual intercourse, the intrusion of any part of a person’s body or any object into the genital or anal openings of another person’s body. Defense theories in these types of sexual assault cases usually include the need to prove the element of penetration beyond a reasonable doubt. The Prosecution is also required to prove the use of force or coercion and lack of consent of the alleged victim.
The penalty for first degree sexual assault includes imprisonment for a period of not less than ten (10) years and may result in imprisonment for life. The Superior Court Sentencing Benchmarks state that one count of first degree sexual assault with no injury to the victim should result in 10-15 years of imprisonment. Other penalties include sex offender registration and sex offender counseling.
If you've been accused of sexual assault, do not hesitate to call our firm at (401) 441-5486. We offer free case evaluations and can begin strategizing for your defense. Contact the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey today!
Rhode Island Second Degree Sexual Assault Attorney
A person is guilty of second degree sexual assault if he or she engages in non-consensual sexual contact with another person. Sexual contact can be defined as any offensive touching for the purposes of sexual arousal, gratification, or stimulation.
Defenses to second degree sexual assault usually revolve around the concept that the touching involved, although offensive, was not for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation. If the sexual contact cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, these charges are often amended to felony or misdemeanor assault.
The penalty for second degree sexual assault includes imprisonment for not less than three (3) years and not more than fifteen (15) years. The Superior Court Sentencing Benchmarks penalties distinguish between touching/groping over clothing and touching/groping under clothing.
If you've been accused of sexual assault, do not hesitate to call our firm at (401) 441-5486. We offer free case evaluations and can begin strategizing for your defense. Contact the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey today!
Rhode Island Third Degree Sexual Assault Attorney
Pursuant to Rhode Island law, a person is guilty of third degree sexual assault if he or she is over the age of eighteen (18) years and engages in sexual penetration of another person over the age of fourteen (14) years and under the age of consent. The age of consent in Rhode Island is sixteen (16) years old.
Consent of the under-aged individual involved in the sexual intercourse is not a defense to the crime of third degree sexual assault.
The penalty for third degree sexual assault includes imprisonment for not more than five (5) years. Sex offender registration and sex offender counseling are also requirements for individuals convicted of third degree sexual assault.
If you've been accused of sexual assault, do not hesitate to call our firm at (401) 441-5486. We offer free case evaluations and can begin strategizing for your defense. Contact the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey today!
I can’t thank you enough for saving my son’s life. We have friends with college-aged students whose lives have been destroyed by one stupid mistake. Your name will be forever emblazoned in my mind. - Lee
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