Sexual assault is not an easy subject to discuss, it's also a very hard time with confusing laws. Rhode Island sex crime laws apply to sexual assault and rape and it's not always easy to distinguish between the two.

First degree sexual assault in Rhode Island is when you are accused and are not the spouse of the person. This may be that they have reason to believe that you have taken advantage of someone in a diminished mental state. Maybe they were drunk or drugged, mentally disabled or physically incapable. First degree sexual assault also includes force or coercion, overcoming the victim. If you are found guilty, you can find yourself punished with between ten years to life in prison. An assault with intention of sexual assault will give you three to twenty years behind bars.

Second degree sexual assault is when you believe the victim is physically or mentally helpless and coerced or forced the assault. The level of sexual assault is sexual contact, rather than penetration. This means you are accused of touching the victim with sexual intent and if found guilty, you can face three to fifteen years in prison.

Further, third degree sexual assault is usually referred to as statutory rape and is when you are over the age of eighteen and have sex with someone over the age of fourteen, but younger than sixteen. The legal age of consent in Rhode Island is sixteen. It can be that both parties are under the age of eighteen. This can give you up to five years in prison, combined with a conviction.

Child molestation sexual assault in Rhode Island is also taken very seriously with two degrees. First degree is when sexual penetration takes place with a child younger than the age of four years of age. This can see you facing twenty five years to life in prison. Second degree is when sexual contact is made with a child aged fourteen or younger and can see you facing between six and thirty years in prison.

John Grasso said “One of the areas of sexual assault Rhode Island laws is witnessing sexual assault. It is a legal requirement to report any sexual assault that you are aware of. I have worked with clients who were aware of sexual assault taking place and didn't notify the police, facing a misdemeanor charge. This results in a fine of up to five hundred dollars, along with one year in prison.”

About Us: John R Grasso is an attorney admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Massachusetts. He is also admitted at the Federal District Courts. He is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and has an experienced support team working alongside him to help focus on securing a resolution in the shortest period of time. John Grasso represents criminal defendants on misdemeanors and felony charges throughout the area. He handles a wide range of cases on a daily basis from domestic violence cases to immigration disputes and DUI cases to robbery and so much more. To find out more, visit http://www.johngrassolaw.com.