Forcible Touching

Forcible Touching Charges in New York

Being accused of forcible touching in New York is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences on your career, reputation, and future.  Although it is not classified as a felony, it is still a sex offense under New York Penal Law § 130.52, which means a conviction can carry severe penalties including possible jail time and mandatory sex offender registration.

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan,, our experienced New York criminal defense attorneys have successfully represented clients facing forcible touching and related sex offense charges. In many cases, we have negotiated favorable outcomes, including Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACDs) and reductions to non-criminal dispositions.

What Is Forcible Touching Under New York Law?

Under New York Penal Law § 130.52, forcible touching occurs when someone intentionally, and for sexual gratification, touches another person’s intimate parts without consent.  This can include touching over or under clothing and applies regardless of whether the contact was brief or occurred in a public or private setting.

Key Elements of the Offense:

• Intentional contact: The act must be deliberate, not accidental.
  
  
• Sexual purpose: The touching must be for sexual gratification or to degrade or abuse the victim.
  
  
• Lack of consent: The contact occurred without the other person’s agreement.

Common scenarios include allegations on public transportation, in bars or nightclubs, or during social interactions where intent and consent are disputed.

Penalties for Forcible Touching in New York

Forcible touching is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail,
  
  
• Probation for up to 3 years,
  
  
• Fines, and
  
  
• Potential requirement to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).

However, the exact penalties can vary depending on the facts of the case, any prior criminal history, and whether the alleged victim was a minor.

Potential Long-Term Consequences

Even though forcible touching is a misdemeanor, the collateral consequences can be severe.  A conviction may:

• Appear on background checks and limit job opportunities,
  
  
• Affect immigration status or professional licenses,
  
  
• Damage personal and professional reputation, and
  
  
• Lead to mandatory sex offender registration.
  
  

That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced New York sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible.

How Our Firm Has Helped Clients Accused of Forcible Touching

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan, we have handled numerous forcible touching and related sexual misconduct cases across New York City and surrounding counties.  We understand that many of these cases involve misunderstandings, false allegations, or exaggerated claims.

Through careful investigation, strategic negotiation, and strong advocacy, we have achieved favorable resolutions for our clients, including:

• Complete dismissals of charges when evidence was insufficient,
  
  
• Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACDs) that led to charges being sealed and dismissed after a probationary period, and
  
  
• Reductions to non-criminal violations, helping clients avoid a permanent criminal record.

Mr. Cohan’s experience as a former prosecutor and now defense attorney in local criminal courts allows us to anticipate how prosecutors and judges approach these cases and tailor our defense strategy to protect each client’s future.

Defenses to Forcible Touching Charges

Every case is unique, and the right defense depends on the facts.  Common defenses include:

• Lack of intent: The contact was accidental, not intentional.
  
  
• Consent: The touching was mutual or misinterpreted.
  
  
• False accusation: The claim was fabricated or mistaken.
  
  
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our legal team thoroughly reviews all evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build the strongest possible defense.

Contact a New York Forcible Touching Defense Lawyer Immediately

If you’ve been charged with forcible touching in New York, do not wait to contact a criminal defense attorney.  Time is crucial because evidence, especially video, is often erased or overwritten just hours after the incident.  The consequences of a conviction can follow you for life, but with the right defense strategy, there are many ways to protect your record and reputation.

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan, we have a proven record of success in sensitive cases including Forcible Touching charges.  We fight to minimize or eliminate charges, and whenever possible, secure dismissals or ACDs that keep your record clean.

Call (516) 375-1107 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.