Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Suffolk County, New York

Being charged with a sex crime in Suffolk County is one of the most serious and life-altering accusations you can face. Sex crime convictions carry severe criminal penalties including lengthy prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, civil commitment proceedings, strict residency restrictions, and devastating consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. These cases are emotionally charged, aggressively prosecuted, and often based on allegations that are false, exaggerated, or result from misunderstandings. The stakes could not be higher—your freedom, your family, your career, your reputation, and your entire future hang in the balance. Attorney Michael Brown is Suffolk County’s most experienced sex crimes defense lawyer, with a proven track record of successfully defending clients against all types of sex crime charges.

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Understanding Sex Crimes Under New York Law

Sex crimes in New York are primarily governed by Article 130 of the Penal Law, which addresses sex offenses, and Article 263, which addresses child pornography and sexual performance by a child. These offenses range from misdemeanors to the most serious violent felonies and carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system.

What makes sex crime charges uniquely devastating is not just the potential prison time, but the mandatory sex offender registration requirements, which create lifetime restrictions and public stigma that affect where you can live, where you can work, and every aspect of your life. Additionally, sex crime allegations often arise from circumstances where there is no physical evidence—just accusations—making these cases particularly dependent on credibility determinations and vulnerable to false accusations.

Rape Offenses

Rape is one of the most serious sex crimes in New York, involving sexual intercourse without consent.

Rape in the Third Degree

Rape in the Third Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.25, is a Class E felony. A person is guilty when they engage in sexual intercourse with another person who:

Is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than 17 years old (such as mental disability or incapacity)
Is less than 17 years old

This charge most commonly involves consensual sexual activity with someone under 17, which is below New York’s age of consent.

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 4 years in state prison
Probation: Possible probation for first-time offenders in limited circumstances
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration as a Level 1, 2, or 3 sex offender
Fines: Substantial fines and surcharges
Permanent Felony Record: Devastating lifetime consequences

Rape in the Second Degree

Rape in the Second Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.30, is a Class D violent felony. A person is guilty when:

Being 18 years old or more, they engage in sexual intercourse with another person less than 15 years old
They engage in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapable of consent because they are mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated

Penalties:

Prison Time: 2 to 7 years in state prison, with potential for longer sentences
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration, typically at higher levels
Violent Felony Designation: Classified as a violent felony offense
Substantial Fines: Up to $5,000 plus surcharges
Permanent Violent Felony Record: Career-ending conviction
Immigration Consequences: Nearly certain deportation for non-citizens

Rape in the First Degree

Rape in the First Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.35, is a Class B violent felony. A person is guilty when they engage in sexual intercourse with another person:

By forcible compulsion
Who is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless
Who is less than 11 years old
Who is less than 13 years old and the defendant is 18 or older

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 5 to 25 years in state prison
Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Substantial required prison time
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration, typically Level 3 (highest risk)
Violent Felony Classification: Most serious violent felony designation
Massive Fines: Up to $5,000 plus extensive surcharges
Permanent Serious Violent Felony Record: Life-destroying conviction
Immigration Consequences: Certain deportation with no relief

Criminal Sexual Act Offenses

Criminal sexual act involves oral or anal sexual conduct without consent, parallel to rape statutes.

Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree

Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.40, is a Class E felony. A person is guilty when they engage in oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with a person who:

Is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than 17 years old
Is less than 17 years old

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 4 years in state prison
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Fines: Substantial fines and surcharges
Permanent Felony Record

Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree

Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.45, is a Class D violent felony. A person is guilty when:

Being 18 years old or more, they engage in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person less than 15 years old
They engage in such conduct with another person who is incapable of consent because they are mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated

Penalties:

Prison Time: 2 to 7 years in state prison
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Violent Felony Designation: Serious violent felony classification
Substantial Fines: Up to $5,000
Permanent Violent Felony Record

Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree

Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.50, is a Class B violent felony. A person is guilty when they engage in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person:

By forcible compulsion
Who is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless
Who is less than 11 years old
Who is less than 13 years old and the defendant is 18 or older

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 5 to 25 years in state prison
Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Substantial required prison time
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory Level 3 registration typically
Violent Felony Classification: Most serious designation
Massive Fines: Up to $5,000
Permanent Serious Violent Felony Record
Immigration Consequences: Certain deportation

Sexual Abuse Offenses

Sexual abuse involves sexual contact (as opposed to intercourse) without consent.

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.55, is a Class B misdemeanor. A person is guilty when they subject another person to sexual contact without that person’s consent.

Sexual contact means touching of the sexual or intimate parts for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either party.

Penalties:

Jail Time: Up to 90 days in county jail
Probation: Probation possible
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration in many cases
Fines: Fines and surcharges
Criminal Record: Permanent misdemeanor conviction

Even misdemeanor sex offenses carry sex offender registration requirements, making them far more serious than typical misdemeanors.

Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree

Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.60, is a Class A misdemeanor. A person is guilty when they subject another person to sexual contact and:

The other person is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than 17 years old
The other person is less than 14 years old

Penalties:

Jail Time: Up to one year in county jail
Probation: Up to three years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Fines: Up to $1,000 plus surcharges
Criminal Record: Permanent misdemeanor conviction

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.65, is a Class D felony. A person is guilty when they subject another person to sexual contact:

By forcible compulsion
When the other person is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless
When the other person is less than 11 years old
When the other person is less than 13 years old and the defendant is 21 or older

Penalties:

Prison Time: 2 to 7 years in state prison
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Substantial Fines: Up to $5,000
Permanent Felony Record

Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Aggravated Sexual Abuse, under New York Penal Law §§ 130.66 through 130.70, involves inserting a foreign object into another person’s vagina, urethra, penis, rectum, or anus without consent. These charges range from Class D to Class B violent felonies depending on circumstances, with penalties including:

Fourth Degree (Class D felony): 2 to 7 years Third Degree (Class D felony): 2 to 7 years Second Degree (Class C violent felony): 3.5 to 15 years First Degree (Class B violent felony): 5 to 25 years

All aggravated sexual abuse convictions require sex offender registration.

Forcible Touching and Sexual Misconduct

Forcible Touching

Forcible Touching, under New York Penal Law § 130.52, is a Class A misdemeanor. A person is guilty when they intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, forcibly touch the sexual or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person or for gratifying sexual desire.

This charge commonly arises from allegations of groping or unwanted touching.

Penalties:

Jail Time: Up to one year
Probation: Up to three years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Fines: Up to $1,000
Criminal Record: Permanent misdemeanor conviction

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct, under New York Penal Law § 130.20, is a Class A misdemeanor. A person is guilty when:

They engage in sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent
They engage in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without that person’s consent
They engage in sexual conduct with an animal or a dead human body

Penalties:

Jail Time: Up to one year
Probation: Up to three years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Fines: Up to $1,000
Criminal Record

Offenses Involving Children

Sexual Conduct Against a Child

Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree, under New York Penal Law § 130.60, and First Degree, under § 130.65, involve enhanced charges when victims are children. These provisions increase penalties and ensure longer sentences for sex crimes against children.

Predatory Sexual Assault

Predatory Sexual Assault, under New York Penal Law § 130.95, is a Class A-II felony. A person is guilty when they commit rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, or course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, and:

They cause serious physical injury to the victim
They use or threaten immediate use of a dangerous instrument

Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, under New York Penal Law § 130.96, is a Class A-II felony when someone 18 or older commits certain sex crimes against a child less than 13 years old.

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 10 to 25 years to life in state prison
Mandatory Minimum: 10-25 year minimum sentence
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory Level 3 registration
Civil Commitment: Possible civil commitment after sentence completion
Permanent Class A-II Felony Record: Most devastating classification

Child Pornography and Sexual Performance by a Child

Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child

Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, under New York Penal Law § 263.10, is a Class D felony when someone knowingly produces, directs, or promotes any performance that includes sexual conduct by a child less than 17 years old.

Penalties:

Prison Time: 2 to 7 years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Permanent Felony Record

Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child

Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, under New York Penal Law § 263.16, is a Class E felony when someone knowingly possesses or accesses child pornography (images or videos depicting sexual conduct by children under 16).

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 4 years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Permanent Felony Record
Federal Prosecution: Often prosecuted federally with harsher sentences

Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child

This Class C felony under New York Penal Law § 263.15 involves promoting child pornography and carries 3.5 to 15 years in prison.

Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance

Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, under New York Penal Law § 263.05, is a Class C felony when someone employs, authorizes, or induces a child less than 17 to engage in sexual conduct for purposes of performance or visual depiction.

Penalties:

Prison Time: 3.5 to 15 years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration
Serious Felony Record

Incest

Incest, under New York Penal Law § 255.25, is a Class E felony when a person marries or engages in sexual intercourse with someone they know to be related to them within prohibited degrees of consanguinity.

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 4 years
Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory in many cases
Permanent Felony Record

Patronizing a Prostitute

While prostitution-related offenses have been reformed, patronizing a person for prostitution can still be charged:

Patronizing a Prostituted Person in the Third Degree (violation): Paying for sexual contact

Patronizing a Prostituted Person in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor): Paying for sex with someone less than 18

Patronizing a Prostituted Person in the First Degree (Class E felony): Paying for sex with someone less than 14, or when using forcible compulsion

These charges can carry sex offender registration requirements depending on circumstances.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Sex offender registration is one of the most devastating consequences of sex crime convictions, creating lifetime restrictions and public stigma.

Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA)

New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act requires individuals convicted of sex offenses to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Registration requirements include:

Personal Information: Name, address, place of employment, vehicle information, email addresses, internet identifiers
Photograph: Current photograph updated regularly
Annual Verification: In-person verification of information
Address Changes: Immediate notification of address changes
Employment Information: Current employment location
Vehicle Information: All vehicles owned or operated

Risk Levels

Sex offenders are classified into three risk levels based on likelihood of re-offense:

Level 1 (Low Risk): Registration information not publicly available online but available at police stations

Level 2 (Moderate Risk): Some information publicly available online through the state sex offender registry

Level 3 (High Risk): Full information publicly available online, community notification, enhanced restrictions

Risk levels are determined at SORA hearings following conviction, where judges consider factors including offense severity, criminal history, response to treatment, and risk assessments.

Duration of Registration

Level 1: Minimum 20 years, with possibility of removal after 20 years
Level 2: Lifetime registration, with possibility of relief after 30 years
Level 3: Lifetime registration, with possibility of relief after 30 years

Some offenses require lifetime registration with no possibility of removal.

Residency Restrictions

Sex offenders face strict residency restrictions:

Cannot live within 1,000 feet of schools (for certain offenses)
Many municipalities have additional local restrictions
Public housing is generally unavailable
Many landlords refuse to rent to registered sex offenders

Employment Restrictions

Registered sex offenders face employment barriers:

Cannot work in schools or with children
Many employers refuse to hire registered sex offenders
Professional licenses are often revoked
Self-employment options are limited by restrictions

Internet and Technology Restrictions

Sex offenders face various technology restrictions:

Registration of all email addresses and internet identifiers
Restrictions on social media use in some circumstances
Monitoring of internet activity
Restrictions on accessing certain websites

Failure to Register

Failing to register or update registration information is itself a crime:

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender: Class E felony carrying up to 4 years in prison, or Class D felony for subsequent offenses

Civil Commitment Proceedings

Beyond criminal sentences, some sex offenders face civil commitment under New York’s Mental Hygiene Law Article 10. Civil commitment allows the state to confine “dangerous sex offenders” in secure treatment facilities after completing their criminal sentences.

Civil commitment proceedings can result in indefinite detention beyond the criminal sentence, sometimes lasting decades.

Long-Term Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions

Lifetime Sex Offender Registration

The sex offender registry creates:

Public stigma and humiliation
Difficulty finding housing due to residency restrictions
Employment barriers in virtually all fields
Social isolation and strained relationships
Harassment from community members
Restrictions on travel and where you can go
Requirements to register in every jurisdiction you visit

Employment Devastation

Sex crime convictions destroy employment opportunities:

Automatic disqualification from working with children, in schools, or in youth programs
Most employers refuse to hire registered sex offenders
Professional licenses are revoked (teaching, healthcare, law, etc.)
Government employment is unavailable
Self-employment is hindered by registration requirements and restrictions
Even menial jobs become difficult to obtain

Housing Impossibility

Finding housing as a registered sex offender is extremely difficult:

Residency restrictions eliminate many housing options
Private landlords routinely refuse to rent to sex offenders
Public housing is unavailable
Family members may be unable to house you due to restrictions
Homelessness rates among sex offenders are extremely high

Family Destruction

Sex crime convictions devastate families:

Child custody is almost always awarded to the other parent
Visitation is severely restricted or supervised
Contact with your own children may be prohibited
Family relationships are strained or destroyed
Marriages often end
Extended family may shun you

Social Isolation

Registered sex offenders face:

Community ostracism and harassment
Inability to participate in community activities
Restrictions on where they can go (parks, schools, libraries in some jurisdictions)
Social media and dating restrictions
Extreme difficulty forming new relationships
Profound isolation and mental health consequences

Immigration Consequences

For non-citizens, sex crime convictions are immigration death sentences:

Almost all sex crimes are “aggravated felonies” or “crimes involving moral turpitude” under immigration law
Convictions trigger mandatory deportation with no relief
Legal permanent residents with decades of residence face removal
Re-entry to the United States is permanently barred
Even misdemeanor sex offenses can cause deportation

Education Consequences

Sex crime convictions affect education:

Expelled from current schools or colleges
Denied admission to educational institutions
Prohibited from campus housing
Federal financial aid ineligible
Professional school admission impossible

Travel Restrictions

Registered sex offenders face travel restrictions:

International travel is difficult or impossible (many countries bar entry)
Must register in every jurisdiction visited
Advance notification required for travel
Some states prohibit visits by out-of-state sex offenders
Hurricane and disaster evacuations create compliance challenges

Professional Licensing

Sex crime convictions result in:

Automatic revocation of teaching licenses
Loss of healthcare licenses (doctors, nurses)
Revocation of law licenses
Loss of licenses for counselors, therapists, social workers
Prohibition on licenses involving trust or vulnerable populations

Common Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

As Suffolk County’s most experienced sex crimes defense attorney, Michael Brown employs comprehensive, aggressive defense strategies:

False Accusations

Unfortunately, false accusations of sex crimes are far more common than in other criminal cases. False allegations often arise from:

Custody Disputes: Parents fabricate abuse allegations to gain advantage in custody battles
Divorce Proceedings: Spouses make false claims for financial or custody leverage
Teenage Rebellion: Adolescents make false claims to punish parents or avoid consequences
Revenge: Former romantic partners fabricate allegations following breakups
Mental Health Issues: Individuals with certain mental health conditions make false reports
Misunderstandings: Children misinterpret innocent conduct or are coached to report abuse
Suggestive Interviewing: Children subjected to improper forensic interviews develop false memories

Attorney Brown aggressively investigates false accusation scenarios and presents evidence of:

Accuser’s motive to lie
History of false accusations
Inconsistencies in allegations
Impossibility of allegations
Evidence contradicting accusations
Expert testimony on false allegations and suggestive interviewing

Consent

In cases involving adults, consent is often a complete defense. Attorney Brown can establish:

The alleged victim consented to sexual activity
Communications showing consensual relationship
Witness testimony confirming consensual conduct
Prior sexual history demonstrating consent (in limited circumstances where admissible)
Absence of force or coercion

Consent defenses require careful handling due to rape shield laws limiting evidence of prior sexual history.

Mistaken Identity

Sex crime accusations sometimes involve mistaken identification. Attorney Brown challenges:

Whether you were actually the perpetrator
Reliability of victim identifications
Quality of any photo arrays or lineups
Poor viewing conditions or brief encounters
Lack of physical evidence linking you to the crime
Alibi evidence placing you elsewhere

Lack of Criminal Intent

Some sex crimes require specific intent. Attorney Brown demonstrates:

You lacked intent to touch for sexual gratification
Contact was accidental or for legitimate purposes
You reasonably believed the alleged victim was of legal age
You lacked knowledge of incapacity or inability to consent

Age Mistake Defense

In statutory rape cases involving teenagers, Attorney Brown may argue:

You reasonably believed the alleged victim was of legal age
The victim misrepresented their age
The victim appeared to be of legal age
Circumstances supported reasonable belief in legal age

Note: New York law limits this defense and it’s unavailable in cases involving very young children.

Challenging Forensic Interview Evidence

Many child sex abuse cases rely heavily on forensic interviews of child victims. Attorney Brown challenges:

Whether interviews were conducted properly
Whether interviewers used suggestive or leading techniques
Whether interviewers had biases
Whether children were coached by parents or others
Whether children developed false memories through repeated questioning
Reliability of interview techniques

Challenging Medical Evidence

Prosecutors often present medical evidence in sex crime cases. Attorney Brown challenges:

Interpretation of medical findings
Whether injuries are consistent with abuse or have alternative explanations
Whether medical examiners are qualified
Whether examinations were properly conducted
Expert testimony contradicting prosecution medical evidence

Challenging DNA and Physical Evidence

When physical evidence is presented, Attorney Brown scrutinizes:

Chain of custody for evidence
Proper collection and preservation of evidence
DNA testing methodology and reliability
Whether evidence proves the alleged crime
Alternative explanations for physical evidence

Violation of Constitutional Rights

Attorney Brown challenges whether:

Statements were obtained in violation of Miranda rights
Searches were constitutional
Evidence should be suppressed
Police procedures violated your rights

Insufficient Evidence

Attorney Brown demonstrates:

Prosecution evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Cases based solely on uncorroborated accusations lack sufficient evidence
Physical evidence doesn’t support allegations
Witnesses lack credibility

Challenging SORA Classification

After conviction, Attorney Brown advocates during SORA hearings to:

Achieve the lowest possible risk level classification
Present mitigating evidence
Challenge risk assessment instruments
Argue for Level 1 classification to avoid public registry listing

Negotiating Favorable Resolutions

Even in difficult cases, Attorney Brown’s experience sometimes results in:

Reduction from felony to misdemeanor charges
Reduction to non-sex offenses avoiding registration requirements
Plea agreements minimizing prison time
Resolutions avoiding highest-level charges
Agreements that don’t require lifetime registration

However, sex crime cases are among the most difficult to negotiate due to political pressure on prosecutors.

Five Reasons Attorney Michael Brown Is Your Best Choice for Sex Crimes Defense

Unmatched Experience in High-Stakes Sex Crime Cases: As Suffolk County’s most experienced sex crimes defense attorney, Michael Brown has successfully defended hundreds of clients against sex crime charges ranging from misdemeanor sexual abuse to the most serious charges including predatory sexual assault, rape in the first degree, child pornography, and cases involving allegations of abuse against multiple victims. His extensive experience with the unique dynamics of sex crime prosecutions—including false accusations, forensic interviews of children, medical evidence, DNA evidence, and SORA proceedings—provides clients with sophisticated defense strategies that less experienced attorneys cannot match.
Expertise in False Accusation Cases: Attorney Brown has deep expertise in defending false accusation cases, which are unfortunately common in sex crime prosecutions. He understands the psychology of false allegations, the common patterns and motivations for fabricated accusations, the dynamics of custody disputes and divorce proceedings that spawn false claims, and the techniques for exposing false allegations through thorough investigation, impeachment of accusers, and presentation of evidence of ulterior motives. His track record of achieving acquittals and dismissals in false accusation cases demonstrates his exceptional skill in this critical area.
Scientific and Forensic Expertise: Sex crime prosecutions often involve complex scientific and forensic evidence including DNA analysis, medical examinations, forensic interview techniques, and psychological evaluations. Attorney Brown has extensive knowledge of forensic science, DNA testing, medical evidence interpretation, and child forensic interview protocols. He works with medical experts, DNA experts, and psychologists to challenge prosecution evidence, identify errors in forensic procedures, and present compelling scientific defenses. This technical expertise is invaluable for challenging the prosecution’s scientific case.
Strategic SORA Defense: Beyond the criminal case, sex offender registration hearings determine risk level classification and the extent of lifetime consequences. Attorney Brown has extensive experience with SORA proceedings and fights aggressively to achieve the lowest possible risk level classification, present mitigating evidence, challenge risk assessment methodologies, and protect clients from the most severe registration consequences. His expertise in SORA defense can mean the difference between private Level 1 registration and public Level 3 classification with community notification and enhanced restrictions.
Understanding of Collateral Consequences and Family Impact: Sex crime convictions affect not just the defendant but entire families, with devastating consequences for child custody, visitation, employment, housing, and family relationships. Attorney Brown understands these collateral consequences and structures defenses to minimize family impact, coordinates criminal defense with family court proceedings, protects parental rights where possible, and provides comprehensive representation addressing all aspects of how sex crime charges affect families. His compassionate approach recognizes that families are torn apart by these accusations and works to minimize damage to family relationships.

The Critical Importance of Immediate Representation

Sex crime cases require immediate legal intervention. Contact Attorney Michael Brown right away because:

Preventing Damaging Statements: People accused of sex crimes often try to explain themselves to police, provide their version of events, or demonstrate their innocence, making statements that become devastating evidence. Attorney Brown ensures you exercise your right to remain silent and make no statements to investigators.

Early Investigation: Physical evidence, witness memories, electronic evidence, and critical information must be preserved immediately. Attorney Brown acts fast to preserve exculpatory evidence, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and conduct independent investigations.

Preventing Additional Charges: Sex crime investigations often expand. Early legal intervention can prevent additional charges, limit the scope of investigations, and protect you from making statements or providing evidence that leads to additional allegations.

Orders of Protection: Sex crime allegations often result in orders of protection keeping you from your home and family. Attorney Brown can address these orders immediately, seek modifications, and protect family relationships.

Child Custody Protection: Sex crime allegations trigger emergency custody modifications in family court. Immediate legal intervention is critical to protect your parental rights.

Forensic Interview Challenges: If children are involved, forensic interviews occur quickly. Attorney Brown can sometimes influence interview procedures or prepare challenges to interview techniques.

Grand Jury Proceedings: Sex crime cases typically involve grand jury proceedings. Early intervention allows Attorney Brown to potentially present evidence to grand juries or challenge indictments.

Media and Reputation: Sex crime accusations attract media attention. Attorney Brown can advise on media strategy and reputation protection.

Understanding Federal Sex Crime Prosecutions

Some sex crimes are prosecuted federally, particularly:

Child pornography offenses
Sex trafficking
Travel for illicit sexual conduct
Production of child pornography
Online enticement of minors

Federal sex crime sentences are often harsher than New York State sentences:

Federal sentencing guidelines impose lengthy mandatory minimum sentences
Federal child pornography convictions carry 5-20 year mandatory minimums
Federal supervised release terms are extensive (often lifetime)
Federal sex offender registration requirements are strict

Attorney Michael Brown coordinates with federal defense counsel when cases involve federal charges.

What to Do If You’re Accused of a Sex Crime

If you’ve been accused, arrested, or are under investigation for a sex crime:

Immediately Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Do not answer any questions from police, investigators, or anyone else about the allegations. Do not try to explain, deny, or provide your version of events. State clearly: “I want to speak with my attorney and I am exercising my right to remain silent.” Then say absolutely nothing more.

Request an Attorney Immediately: If questioned, clearly invoke your right to counsel: “I want an attorney.” Police must stop questioning you once you invoke this right.

Do Not Contact the Alleged Victim: Any contact with the alleged victim or their family, including attempts to discuss the allegations or persuade them to drop charges, can result in additional criminal charges including witness tampering, intimidation, and criminal contempt. Even if the alleged victim contacts you, do not respond.

Do Not Discuss the Case: Do not talk about the accusations with anyone except your attorney—not family members, friends, coworkers, or others. Do not post anything on social media. These communications are not privileged and can be used against you.

Preserve Evidence: If you have evidence supporting your innocence—text messages, emails, photographs, social media posts, phone records, witness information—preserve it immediately and provide it only to your attorney.

Do Not Delete Anything: Do not delete emails, text messages, social media posts, photos, or any electronic evidence. Deleting evidence can result in obstruction charges and creates an appearance of guilt.

Identify Witnesses: Make note of anyone who may have information supporting your innocence, including people who can establish your location, character witnesses, or witnesses to relevant events.

Document Everything: Write down everything you remember about relevant events, interactions with the alleged victim, your relationship with them, and circumstances surrounding allegations. Provide this only to your attorney.

Comply with Any Orders of Protection: If an order of protection is issued, comply strictly with all terms regardless of who initiates contact. Violations result in immediate arrest.

Contact Attorney Michael Brown Immediately: Sex crime cases move quickly and carry life-destroying consequences. Every hour without experienced representation can irreparably harm your case. Attorney Brown needs to begin immediately preserving evidence, investigating allegations, protecting your rights, and developing your defense strategy.

Your Life, Your Family, and Your Future Are at Stake

Sex crime accusations threaten everything—your freedom, your family, your reputation, your career, your home, and your entire future. A sex crime conviction doesn’t just mean prison time; it means lifetime registration as a sex offender, public stigma, inability to find housing or employment, loss of your children, destruction of your family, and consequences that follow you every single day for the rest of your life.

But sex crime accusations are defensible. Many sex crime cases are based entirely on false allegations with no physical evidence. Others involve consent issues, misunderstandings, or relationships that don’t constitute crimes. Even cases with evidence can be defended through challenging forensic procedures, questioning expert testimony, impeaching accusers, and presenting alternative explanations. Every sex crime case deserves aggressive, sophisticated defense by an attorney who understands the unique dynamics of these prosecutions.

You need Suffolk County’s most experienced sex crimes defense lawyer—someone who has successfully defended hundreds of sex crime cases, who understands false accusation dynamics, who can challenge forensic evidence and expert testimony, who knows how to defend SORA proceedings, and who will fight tirelessly with every ounce of skill and determination to protect your freedom, your family, your reputation, and your future.

Contact Attorney Michael Brown today for a confidential consultation about your case. Time is absolutely critical in sex crime cases. Do not speak to police. Do not try to handle this yourself. Do not wait. Your entire life hangs in the balance. Let Suffolk County’s most experienced sex crimes defense attorney put his expertise, his experience, and his unwavering commitment to work protecting you and fighting for your freedom, your family, and your future.