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What Is Forcible Touching in New York?

Last updated on: October 22, 2024

By Lebedin Kofman LLP

According to a study by RAINN.org, 29% of all sexual assault cases in 2013 happened while the victim was traveling or in public transit. Sexual assault is a very serious crime and officials have enacted legal solutions to prevent sexual assault in public transport. In 2015, New York legislators amended the law on forcible touching (Section 130.52) to criminalize forcible touching on public transportation specifically.

The amendment is aimed at being a deterrent to people who would like to take advantage of the crowded spaces in public transportation like the subway, buses, etc. to commit inappropriate sexual acts. However, while the amendment can be reassuring for commuters, being wrongfully accused of sexual assault can have lasting implications on someone’s life. 

If you are facing forcible touching charges, it is important to speak with a skilled forcible touching attorney who can defend you against these charges. At Lebedin Kofman LLP, our team of experienced Nassau County forcible touching attorneys can offer guidance through the legal process, explore your options for a strong defense, and strive for a fair outcome. Contact us today at (516) 212-4209 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Lebedin Kofman Forcible Touching Charges Case Results

PEOPLE V. C:

Our Client was charged with Forcible touching and sex abuse in the third degree in Manhattan criminal court in New York County. These allegations stemmed from alleged observations by MTA officers while our client was riding the subway. Lebedin Kofman defended this case in criminal court and Russ Kofman took the case to trial securing a NOT GUILTY verdict and full dismissal of all charges for our client. Lebedin Kofman later sued the NYPD for false arrest and secured a settlement for our client compensating him for this false arrest and attorney fees. 

The criminal complaint read as follows: 

Detective of the Transit Division District 2, states as follows:

The defendant is charged as follows:

1 PL 130.52(1)

2 PL 130.52(2)

Forcible Touching (defendant # 1: 1 count) Forcible touching

(defendant #1: l count)

3 PL 130.55

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (defendant #1: 1 count)

Forcible Touching As Defined by New York Law

The New York Penal Code Section 130.52 defines Forcible Touching as an act that involves intentionally, and without legitimate purpose, touching the sexual or intimate parts of another person with the intent of degrading or abusing the person, or for sexual gratification. 

Forcible touching includes squeezing, grabbing, or pinching. As well as touching or causing someone to touch one’s sexual and intimate parts, regardless of whether either party is clothed or not. 

If you are facing forcible touching charges, seeking the help of a skilled Nassau County forcible touching attorney is important. A forcible touching attorney can help you understand your rights, protect your freedom, and build a strong legal defense strategy against your charges.

New York Penal Law 130.52: The Crime of Forcible Touching

Forcible touching refers to intentionally touching someone’s private parts without any legitimate reason. Engaging in this kind of conduct is considered unacceptable and may lead to criminal charges if it is proven.

In New York, there are two laws that deal with forcible touching. The first law, PL 130.52(1), states that intentionally touching someone’s private parts without any valid reason is a class “A” misdemeanor. The touch must be forceful, with the intention of degrading or abusing the victim or satisfying your own sexual desire.

The second law, PL 130.52(2), specifies that an individual is guilty of forcible touching if they intentionally subject someone to sexual contact without any legitimate reason. This law places a restriction that applies only when the incident happens on a bus, train, or subway car authorized for operation in New York. The offender must intend to degrade or abuse the victim and have a sexual desire or need for sexual gratification.

It is important to note that forcible touching does not require physical harm or injury to the victim. Even a single act of unwanted and non-consensual touching may lead to criminal charges. It is important to respect other people’s boundaries and get their consent before engaging in any sexual behavior.

Facing forcible touching charges can have serious consequences, such as criminal charges and a permanent criminal record. If you face these accusations, seek help from a criminal defense lawyer to protect your legal rights.

Aspect of New York Penal Law 130.52: Forcible Touching Details
Definition of Forcible Touching Intentionally touching someone’s private parts without a valid reason.
Types of Conduct Covered by the Law PL 130.52(1): Forcefully touching private parts to degrade, abuse, or satisfy sexual desire, classified as a class “A” misdemeanor. PL 130.52(2): Intentionally subjecting someone to sexual contact without valid reason on a New York bus, train, or subway car, intending to degrade, abuse, and satisfy sexual desire.
Criminal Consequences Forcible touching charges can result in criminal penalties and a permanent criminal record.
Importance of Legal Representation If facing such charges, seeking legal help from a criminal defense lawyer is crucial to protect your rights.
Lack of Physical Harm Requirement Forcible touching charges do not require physical harm; even non-consensual, unwanted touching can lead to charges.

“Intentionally, and without legitimate purpose”

The state of New York estimates that over 4.3 million people ride the subway every day. During busy hours, it is understandable that the platforms and the subway cars can get very stifling. In a crowd, it can be hard to maneuver, and people might inevitably be squeezed into one another. In this situation, it is one’s civic responsibility to report any wrongdoing should a person take advantage of the crowded situation.

However, allegations of forcible touching can have serious consequences for the accused. Aside from the humiliation, it is difficult to gauge how a crowd can act against a person in their midst accused of doing something unsavory. This is why the law specifically codes the phrase “intentionally, and without legitimate purpose”. It is important to be able to distinguish between innocent contact caused due to being confined in a tight space over malicious behavior aimed at sexual gratification.

As such, in cases of forcible touching, the following elements must be proven to have happened:

  • The date and time when the alleged instance of forcible touching occurred
  • That the defendant did the act intentionally and without legitimate purpose other than to degrade or abuse the alleged victim or for the defendant’s sexual gratification
  • That the touching occurred without the consent of the alleged victim

It is also important to establish whether the following factors exist during the contact:

  • Consent – As defined by New York law
  • Intent – Establishing that the act was accidental and unintentional is crucial in building a defense against forcible touching

Other defenses against forcible touching are also possible depending on the circumstances of your case such as mistaken identity or the statute of limitations. Getting the help of an experienced forcible touching attorney is crucial to understanding your options under the law.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Forcible Touching In NY?

Understanding the statute of limitations for forcible touching in New York is critical for both the accused and the victim. The statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum period within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In the context of forcible touching in New York State, the statute of limitations is a critical aspect that can significantly impact the course of justice.

According to Section 30.10 of the New York Criminal Procedure Law, the statute of limitations for forcible touching crimes is two years. This means that prosecutors have a two-year window from the date of the incident to bring charges against the accused individual. If the prosecution fails to act within this period, they are generally prohibited from pursuing the case thereafter.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly when the victim is a minor. In instances where the individual alleging forcible touching was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense, the countdown for the statute of limitations does not begin until the victim reaches the age of 18 or until the incident is reported to law enforcement, whichever occurs first. This extension provides additional protection for minors and ensures they have the opportunity to seek justice upon reaching adulthood or after the crime has been reported.

It is essential for anyone involved in such a case to be aware of this time frame. For those accused, it highlights a critical aspect of the defense strategy—if charges are brought after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can move to have the case dismissed.

In any circumstance, consulting with an experienced Nassau County forcible touching attorney is imperative. Lebedin Kofman LLP can provide crucial guidance and defend the rights of clients facing such serious allegations.

Penalties for Forcible Touching

Forcible touching is a serious offense, however, it is not a felony like other sex crimes. It is considered a Class A misdemeanor and as such, punishable with a prison sentence of up to one year. A defendant may also be required to do community service and serve up to three years of probation or a combination of a prison sentence and probation.

A first-offense conviction of forcible touching does not require being registered on the Sex Offender registry. However, Sex Offender registration may be mandatory if:

  • The victim is under the age of 18; or 
  • If the defendant has committed forcible touching in the past and was not convicted; or
  • If the defendant has been convicted of a similar crime in a different jurisdiction

Under the Sex Offender Registration Act, a person convicted of a crime that mandates registration would require the defendant to reveal the following information, among others:

  • Place of residence, 
  • Current and prior convictions that require their registration, 
  • Vehicle registration, 
  • Recent photographs 

In addition, those registered as Sex Offenders would need to constantly update this information on the state’s database. If a registered offender wants to relocate, they would also need to inform the state of their new address within 10 days of moving. Failure to comply with the requirements will result in being charged with a felony.

Touching someone without their consent in a sexual manner is considered assault, specifically sexual assault, under New York law. The state’s legal framework clearly defines the boundaries and consequences of such actions. According to Section 130(3) of the NY Penal Code, sexual conduct is any physical contact with an individual’s intimate parts, aimed at achieving sexual gratification. The lack of consent is a critical component in these cases. According to New York Penal Law Section 130.05, lack of consent is when the individual does not explicitly agree to the sexual act. This makes it clear that any sexual contact without explicit permission is not only inappropriate but also illegal.

Engaging in this behavior can lead to charges of forcible touching, a recognized type of sexual assault. Therefore, unwanted sexual touching not only violates personal space and dignity but also constitutes a legal offense, specifically, sexual assault. Because the implications of such charges are serious and can have long-lasting consequences, seeking legal counsel promptly is crucial. A Nassau County forcible touching attorney can help review the facts of your case and develop a strategy to defend against the charges effectively. Contact Lebedin Kofman LLP today to schedule a consultation.

Can You Go To Jail For Touching Someone Inappropriately?

According to the New York Penal Code, an act of forcible touching is committed when you intentionally touch another person’s sexual or intimate parts without a valid reason or with the intention of gaining sexual gratification. Forcible touching is classified as a sexual offense. Unlike more serious violations like rape or criminal sexual abuse, forcible touching is not categorized as a felony. Instead, it is considered a class A misdemeanor.

If the court finds you guilty of forcible touching, you could potentially face a maximum jail term of one year. There is also the possibility of community service and a probation period of three years—a combination of jail time and probation. Although the potential prison sentence is relatively short, being found guilty of such an offense will have enduring and harmful effects on your future. It will lead to a criminal record and your potential inclusion in the list of registered sex offenders. Furthermore, due to its classification as a sex crime, even being accused of forcible touching can be not only embarrassing but also damaging to your personal and professional relationships.

If you’re facing legal concerns regarding inappropriate physical contact, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek guidance. At Lebedin Kofman LLP, our Nassau County forcible touching attorneys can provide the knowledge and support needed to handle this often complex matter. From meticulously analyzing evidence to building a robust defense, we can safeguard your rights and pursue a fair trial. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.

Consult an Experienced Nassau County Forcible Touching Attorney Today

A conviction for forcible touching can have long-lasting effects on your life. It is important to retain the services of a skilled Nassau County forcible touching attorney who can defend your rights and represent you aggressively.

At Lebedin Kofman LLP, we can provide quality legal counsel and representation and put a premium on helping our clients understand their rights and options. Contact us today at (516) 212-4209 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Nassau County forcible touching attorneys.

Criminal Defense

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