New York Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree under NY Penal Law § 130.75 is a Class B violent felony, carrying a mandatory prison sentence of 5 to 25 years and lifetime SORA registration.
Statutory Definition of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree
In New York, the crime of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree is defined under Penal Law § 130.75. This statute criminalizes engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which includes sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or aggravated sexual contact, with a child less than thirteen years old over a period of time not less than three months in duration. The law is designed to prosecute repeated, predatory sexual abuse of young children, treating the pattern of conduct as a single, severe felony offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to NY Penal Law § 130.75 (official New York State Senate). Court procedures and resources for New York County can be found at the New York County Supreme Court website.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in New York County
In New York County Supreme Court, these cases proceed by grand jury indictment. The prosecution must prove a repeated course of conduct, not just an isolated incident. A key local procedural fact is that these cases often involve extensive discovery, including forensic interviews of the child, medical records, and electronic evidence. The defense must meticulously challenge the timeline, the child’s recollection, and the lack of corroborating physical evidence for each alleged act.
- Arrest & Arraignment: You will be arraigned in New York County Supreme Court after indictment. Bail arguments are critical, as these are violent felonies.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your defense lawyer will review all evidence, including video interviews, and may hire experts in child suggestibility or forensic psychology.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your criminal attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, or seek a severance of charges.
- Plea Negotiations: Given the mandatory prison term, negotiations often focus on reducing the charge to a non-course-of-conduct offense or securing a favorable sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: If no plea is reached, a jury trial will be held in Supreme Court. The defense will challenge the credibility of the allegations and the prosecution’s ability to prove each required element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing & SORA: A conviction mandates prison and a SORA hearing to determine your risk level, which dictates registration terms and community notification.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In New York, a conviction for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree is a Class B violent felony with a mandatory prison sentence and lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child 1st Degree (PL § 130.75) | Class B Violent Felony | 5 to 25 years mandatory prison | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Lifetime Sex Offender Registration (SORA), possible civil commitment under Article 10, permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions, internet identifier reporting. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for This Serious Charge
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach to defending against charges for a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is thorough and strategic. We understand that these cases are not just about legal arguments but often involve complex familial and psychological dynamics. We prepare each case as if it is going to trial, which strengthens our position in negotiations and ensures we are ready to defend you before a jury if necessary.
Our Commitment to Your Defense
Facing an allegation of a course of sexual conduct against a child is an overwhelming experience with significant consequences. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is committed to providing a vigorous and compassionate defense. We investigate every angle, consult with necessary experts, and challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage. We represent clients facing these charges throughout New York County, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our New York Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Hwy, all subway lines, Lincoln/Holland Tunnels, and the GW Bridge. If you need a sex crimes defense lawyer near Manhattan courts or near City Hall, contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between first and second-degree course of sexual conduct charges?
The key difference is the age of the child. First-degree under § 130.75 involves a child under 13. Second-degree under § 130.80 involves a child under 11. Both require multiple acts over three months, but the penalties for first-degree are more severe.
Can these charges be filed based on the testimony of one child?
Yes. New York law does not require corroboration (additional evidence) for sex crime convictions. A conviction can be based solely on the uncorroborated testimony of the alleged child victim, making the defense’s challenge to credibility paramount.
Is there a statute of limitations for this crime?
No. There is no statute of limitations for prosecuting a Class B felony like Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree in New York. Charges can be brought at any time after the alleged conduct.
What does a “course of conduct” mean legally?
It means two or more acts of sexual conduct as defined by law. The prosecution must prove these acts occurred over a period of three months or more. They do not need to specify exact dates for each act, but must prove the pattern occurred.
What are the main defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, false allegations (often in custody disputes), challenging the child’s suggestibility or memory, lack of evidence for the required time period, and alibi. A skilled criminal court lawyer will identify the best defense strategy based on the evidence.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction for this crime mandates lifetime registration under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). You will be assigned a risk level (1, 2, or 3) at a separate hearing, which determines community notification rules.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New York Sex Crime Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Albany County and Broome County. If you have related legal needs in Manhattan, consider our services for business law or DUI defense.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.