Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney in New York

Former Prosecutors. A Former Judge. 200+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience.

Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP defends individuals accused of sexual abuse and related sex offenses across New York State, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Manhattan, and Long Island. Our team includes former prosecutors, former public defenders, and Hon. David J. Ayres, a former Nassau County Court judge. With over 200 years of combined criminal defense experience, we bring substantial courtroom knowledge to every case we handle.

A sexual abuse accusation can trigger an investigation, arrest, and arraignment before a defense attorney is ever involved. The decisions made in those first hours matter. We answer calls 24/7 so you can reach us the moment you need to.

Sexual Abuse Charges Under New York Penal Law Article 130

New York Penal Law Article 130 governs all sex offenses in the state, including the full range of sexual abuse charges. Sexual abuse isn’t a single charge. The degree and classification depend on the specific facts alleged, and prosecutors have meaningful discretion in how they charge the offense.

The four primary sexual abuse charges under Article 130:

• Third-Degree Sexual Abuse (PL 130.55): A Class B misdemeanor involving non-consensual sexual contact
• Second-Degree Sexual Abuse (PL 130.60): A Class A misdemeanor, applies when the victim is under 14 or is incapable of consent for reasons unrelated to age
• First-Degree Sexual Abuse (PL 130.65): A Class D felony, applies where there is forcible compulsion, a physically helpless victim, a victim under 11, or a victim under 13 where the actor is 21 or older
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse (PL 130.65-a through 130.70): Charged in four degrees ranging from Class E to Class B felony, with degree determined by factors including physical injury, use of an instrument, and the victim’s age

Related charges that often accompany sexual abuse accusations include forcible touching (PL 130.52), persistent sexual abuse (PL 130.53), predatory sexual assault (PL 130.95), and predatory sexual assault against a child (PL 130.96). Identifying the precise charges and their evidentiary requirements is the first step in building a defense.

What a Sexual Abuse Conviction Carries in New York

The consequences extend well beyond imprisonment. Potential prison terms range from up to 3 months for a Class B misdemeanor to up to 25 years for a Class B felony. Nearly every degree of conviction also triggers mandatory registration under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

SORA assigns a Level 1, 2, or 3 designation based on assessed risk of re-offense. Level 2 and Level 3 registrants appear in the publicly searchable database; Level 1 registrants don’t. Registration lasts a minimum of 20 years and can extend for life. Beyond the registry, a conviction can affect professional licenses, immigration status, child custody, housing near schools or child-serving facilities, and long-term employment. An arrest alone, before any conviction, can cause serious reputational and professional harm. Getting an attorney involved early matters.

Why Clients Facing Sexual Abuse Charges Choose Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP

We represent the accused in criminal proceedings. That distinction matters when you’re deciding who to call. Our team’s background gives us a view of these cases from every angle: former prosecutors understand how district attorneys and special victims units build sex crimes cases and what evidence they prioritize. Hon. David J. Ayres, our former Nassau County Court judge, brings insight into how courts evaluate credibility, weigh evidence, and approach sentencing in sex offense matters.

Recognition & Results

Bruce A. Barket received the 2020 Charles F. Crimi Award from the New York State Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section. Many of our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers. We are regularly featured on CNN, ABC Nightline, the New York Times, and 60 Minutes for commentary on significant legal matters. In high-profile cases, we defend clients in court and in the court of public opinion.

How We Work with Clients

Every case draws on the collective knowledge of our attorneys, not just one assigned lawyer. We’ve handled thousands of criminal defense cases and offer a fair, transparent fee structure. We treat every client with the dignity and candor that a serious accusation demands.