Your Syracuse Sex Crime Attorneys
A sex crime charge can have a catastrophic lifetime impact. Cambareri & Brenneck, your criminal defense team, can help.
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OUR NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Experienced Sex Crime Attorneys
Trust former prosecutors to handle your DWAI drugs case.
Type Of Cases
How Are Sex Crimes Handled?
We carefully assess the evidence, develop effective defense strategies, and work towards favorable outcomes such as dropped charges, plea negotiations, or vigorous representation in court. Penalties for these offenses can range from several years to life in prison, and our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of our clients throughout the legal process.
Explore your legal options with an experienced and knowledgeable former prosecutor before a plea deal is entered. We take all situations into consideration to get you the best results.
At Cambareri & Brenneck we regularly examine whether or not:
- There have been rights violations against our client.
- Violation of search and seizure laws.
- There are misconduct issues.
- There are pieces of evidence that should be suppressed.
- There have been chain-of-evidence issues.
- There are witnesses (or other evidence) that dispute the state's version of events.
What Are the Penalties?
Penalties for a sex crime conviction can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific offense committed. Below are four potential penalties that can be associated with a sex crime conviction.
Sex Crime Penalties
- Prison
- Sex Offender Registration (SORA)
- Probation
- Counseling
Understanding Sex Crimes in Syracuse
Sex Crimes Common Questions and Concepts to Understand.
Forcible Touching
The act of intentionally and forcibly touching another person’s intimate body parts without their consent, with the intent to degrade, humiliate, or sexually abuse them.
Sex Abuse
Encompasses a wide range of non-consensual sexual activities or behaviors, including but not limited to sexual assault, molestation, or any form of unwanted sexual contact or penetration. It involves the violation of an individual’s sexual autonomy and can occur through physical force, coercion, or manipulation.
Rape
Rape is classified as a felony in New York. If convicted, individuals can face a range of penalties, including imprisonment for a term of years up to life. The specific sentence depends on factors such as the degree of force used, the age of the victim, and the presence of aggravating circumstances.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, encompassing various degrees of non-consensual sexual contact, is also considered a felony in New York. Penalties can include imprisonment, ranging from several years to decades, depending on the degree of the offense and other relevant factors.
Child Molestation
Child molestation crimes involving inappropriate sexual contact with a minor carry severe penalties in New York. Depending on the circumstances, child molestation can be charged as a felony, resulting in significant prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and potential post-release supervision.
Internet Sex Crimes
New York recognizes various internet sex crimes, such as possession or distribution of child pornography and online solicitation of minors. Convictions for these offenses can lead to significant prison terms, registration as a sex offender, and other consequences determined by the specific offense and its severity.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves exploiting individuals for various purposes, including sexual exploitation. In New York, felony convictions for human trafficking can result in substantial prison sentences, fines, and other penalties as outlined by state laws.
MEET THE TEAM
Your Criminal Defense ATTORNEYS
Cambareri & Brenneck is a firm founded by and comprised of former prosecutors. Because our attorneys have experience on both sides of the courtroom, our clients can trust that their case will be effectively navigated through the criminal justice system. Every viable avenue toward a positive outcome will be exhaustively pursued.
Steve Cambareri
Partner, Attorney
Scott A. Brenneck
Partner, Attorney
(Ret.) Judge John
Special Counsel
Melissa K. Swartz
Attorney
Joe Centra, Esq.
Attorney
Michele Previte
Office Manager
Jess Edwards
Administrative Assistant
Michele Previte
Office Manager
Jess Edwards
Administrative Assistant
WHY CHOOSE US
The Defense Firm You Have Been Looking For
Strong Reputation
Our honest, transparent approach to criminal defense helps us better protect our clients' best interests.
Former Prosecutors. Proven Defense.
With 75+ years of collective experience, we leverage our insight to benefit our clients.
Available 24/7
We are available 24/7 to help you with the personal, private, and professional consequences associated with your situation.
Free Case Consultations
Please contact our team to schedule your free case consultation.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm accused of a sex crime in Syracuse?
Say nothing to police, investigators, or anyone else until you have spoken with an attorney. Sex crime accusations move fast — law enforcement often begins building a case before an arrest is made. Do not attempt to contact the accuser or explain your side of the story without legal counsel. Call Cambareri & Brenneck immediately at 315.424.TEAM. Early intervention is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself.
What types of sex crime charges does Cambareri & Brenneck handle in New York?
Our Syracuse sex crime attorneys handle the full range of charges under New York law, including forcible touching, sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, child molestation, internet sex crimes, and human trafficking. Each charge carries its own evidentiary standards and penalties — and each requires a defense strategy built specifically around the facts of that case.
What are the penalties for a sex crime conviction in New York?
Penalties range from several years to life in prison depending on the charge and degree. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can result in mandatory sex offender registration under SORA (Sex Offender Registration Act), probation, mandatory counseling, and permanent damage to your reputation, career, and family life. The stakes are too high to navigate without an experienced sex crimes attorney in Syracuse.
What is SORA and how does sex offender registration work in New York?
SORA — the Sex Offender Registration Act — requires individuals convicted of qualifying sex offenses in New York to register with law enforcement. Registrants are assigned a risk level (Level 1, 2, or 3) that determines how widely their information is disclosed to the public. Higher-level designations can mean community notification and permanent public listing. Fighting the underlying charge — and the SORA designation — requires aggressive legal representation from the start.
Can a sex crime charge be beaten if it's just one person's word against mine?
Yes. Many sex crime cases rely heavily or entirely on the testimony of the accuser. Our attorneys rigorously examine the accuser’s credibility, prior statements, motive to fabricate, and consistency across accounts. We also challenge physical evidence, DNA analysis, and digital evidence for chain-of-custody problems and procedural violations. An accusation is not a conviction — the prosecution must still prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Free Confidential Consultation
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