Sexual Abuse Attorney Monroe County

Confidential Defense For Life-Changing Allegations

Being accused of sexual abuse in Monroe County can turn your life upside down overnight. You may worry about prison, sex offender registration, your job, and your family, all while feeling that no one wants to hear your side of the story. You should not try to face this alone.

At DeCarolis Defense, we defend people who are under investigation or charged with sexual offenses in this county. We draw on years of criminal trial work and our background as former prosecutors to guide clients through some of the most difficult cases a person can face. Everything you share with us is treated with discretion and respect.

Our goal is to protect your rights, help you understand what you are facing, and develop a strategy that reflects your situation and your goals. When you are ready to talk, we are prepared to listen and provide clear direction about your next steps.

Facing sexual abuse allegations? Schedule a confidential consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer online or call (585) 639-3111 today.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

When the accusation involves sexual abuse, the lawyer you choose matters. These cases carry intense emotion, serious penalties, and complex evidence. You need a team that understands how prosecutors think and how local courts handle these charges, and that is where our experience becomes critical.

Our attorneys previously served as prosecutors, so we understand how charging decisions are made, how investigators build their files, and which facts typically drive plea offers or trial strategies. We now use that insight to anticipate how the prosecution may approach your case and to identify weaknesses in the evidence against you.

We also bring extensive trial experience in high-stakes criminal matters. Our attorneys are recognized as Top 100 Trial Lawyers and among America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. These honors reflect years of preparing complex cases and presenting them in court, and clients benefit from that same level of preparation whether a case resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial.

Sexual abuse allegations often involve disputed memories, timelines, or digital communications. Our firm can work with resources such as private investigators and qualified witnesses when needed. This can include professionals in fields like forensic analysis or mental health, who assist in reviewing the evidence and highlighting relevant details.

Most importantly, we focus on you as a person, not just on the file. We take time to understand your history, your relationships, and your priorities, then we build a defense strategy that reflects those realities. You can expect honest feedback, thoughtful planning, and a team that takes your case seriously from the first meeting forward.

Understanding Sexual Abuse Charges

Sexual abuse and related sex offense charges in New York cover a wide range of situations. Allegations may involve contact between adults, accusations involving minors, claims that involve a position of authority, or situations where consent is disputed. Some cases are based primarily on one person’s account, while others involve digital or forensic evidence.

Even before any conviction, the accusation itself can affect your life. You may face suspension at work, licensing issues, or changes in child custody or contact with family members. Courts can issue temporary orders of protection that limit where you can go and who you may communicate with, sometimes on very short notice.

If a person is convicted of a qualifying offense, potential consequences can include a jail or prison sentence, mandatory registration as a sex offender, ongoing supervision after release, and long-term restrictions on where they live or work. The exact penalties depend on the specific charge, prior record, and other factors the court considers.

On top of legal penalties, there are real-world impacts on reputation and relationships. Friends, coworkers, and even extended family may react before knowing any of the facts. One of our roles is to help you understand how the criminal process in this county actually works, so that you are making decisions based on reality rather than fear or rumor.

No two cases are the same. Details about timing, communications, prior interactions, or behavior by others can be important. Early legal guidance can help you avoid missteps and can shape how your case is presented to the court and to the prosecution.

Our Approach To Defending You

When you contact us about a sexual offense accusation, we begin by listening. We want to understand what has happened so far, what you have been told by the police or others, and what your main concerns are. This first conversation is confidential, and it helps us start to identify immediate risks and priorities.

After that, we work to obtain and review the available information, such as police reports, charging documents, and any known witness statements or digital records. Our background as former prosecutors helps us see your case from both sides. We ask how the government is likely to frame the evidence, what assumptions they may be making, and where there may be gaps.

In many sexual abuse cases, issues of credibility and context are crucial. We may, when appropriate, work with investigators to interview witnesses, gather additional records, or examine locations that are part of the accusation. When a case involves technical or medical questions, we may consult with experts so we can assess whether the prosecution’s interpretation is the only reasonable view.

Every client’s goals are different. Some want to go to trial and seek a full defense in front of a jury. Others want to explore options that could reduce potential penalties or protect family members from the strain of a contested trial. We talk openly about your options and the risks and potential benefits attached to each path.

In many cases, our defense work includes steps such as:

• Carefully review the accusations, evidence, and procedural history of your case.
• Advising you about what to say and not say to the police, the court, and others.
• Identifying legal issues that may support motions to limit or exclude certain evidence.
• Preparing for negotiations, hearings, and trial if a trial becomes necessary.

Throughout the process, we stay in communication so you know what is happening and why. We explain upcoming court dates, what to expect at each appearance, and how decisions you make today can affect future outcomes. Our aim is to give you both strong advocacy and a clear understanding of your own case.

What To Do After An Allegation

When an allegation of sexual abuse surfaces, your first reactions may be confusion, anger, or a desire to explain yourself to anyone who will listen. These feelings are understandable, but quick reactions can create problems in a criminal case. Taking thoughtful steps at the start can protect you later.

In Monroe County, investigations may involve local police, state agencies, or specialized units. You may be asked to come in for an interview, or officers may appear at your home or workplace. You are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present, and choosing to wait for counsel is your right.

If you learn of an accusation or investigation, it is generally helpful to:

• Avoid speaking with police or investigators until you have talked with a defense lawyer.
• Stay off social media and avoid posting about the situation or those involved.
• Do not contact the person making the allegation or potential witnesses about the case.
• Gather and preserve any documents, messages, or other information you think might be important.

If you are arrested, your initial appearance may be in Rochester City Court or Monroe County Court, depending on where the alleged conduct took place and the specific charges. At that stage, issues such as bail, release conditions, and orders of protection are often addressed. Having representation at these early hearings can influence what conditions the court sets.

Reaching out to a defense lawyer quickly also helps you avoid guessing about what might happen. We can talk with you about typical next steps, explain the range of possible outcomes, and take over communication with law enforcement and the court so you are not handling that alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to register as a sex offender if I am convicted?

Registration depends on the specific offense and how the court classifies it. Some convictions require registration under New York law, while others do not. We review the charges with you, explain potential registration levels, and work to pursue outcomes that may reduce long-term impacts when the law allows.

Should I talk to the police about these accusations before I get a lawyer?

It is generally safer to speak with a lawyer first. Statements you make to police or investigators can be used against you and may be difficult to explain later. We can advise you about whether an interview makes sense and, if so, how to handle it.

How will your background as a former prosecutor help in my case?

Our experience as former prosecutors helps us understand how the state evaluates evidence, chooses charges, and prepares for trial. We use that perspective to anticipate arguments, challenge weak points, and prepare defenses that address how prosecutors typically present sexual offense cases in court.

Can you keep my case and details completely confidential?

Yes, communications between you and our attorneys are protected by confidentiality rules. We treat sexual abuse cases with particular care and discretion. During our meetings, we discuss who, if anyone, needs information about your case so that your privacy is respected as much as possible.

What can I expect at my first meeting with your team?

At your first meeting, we focus on listening to your story and answering your immediate questions. We review what has happened so far, discuss any upcoming court dates, and outline initial steps we recommend. You leave with a clearer understanding of your situation and how we can help.

Talk With Our Team In Confidence

If you or someone you care about is facing sexual abuse allegations in this county, you do not have to go through it without guidance. Speaking with a defense lawyer early can help you avoid common mistakes, understand the process, and begin building a strategy that reflects your priorities.

At DeCarolis Defense, we combine our background as former prosecutors, recognized trial experience, and a client-focused approach to criminal defense. We take the time to listen, to explain, and to prepare. Your consultation is confidential, and our goal is to give you clear information and a path forward.

Schedule your free consultation online or call (585) 639-3111 today to speak with a sexual abuse lawyer and protect your rights.