Expert: Robin Sexton - 6/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: ok i have a boyfriend that is now considered a level 1 sex offender. he was charged with SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE 3RD. the decription of the crime ( 14yoa female, actual sexual conact, non stranger) he told me that he got charged for only kissing the 14 yr old 1 time and he was 18 at the time. i no what is sexual contact but what is actual sexual contact??? and you can b charged for ONLY 1 KISS??? and i was also wondering what everything means? and if you cant not get in trouble for a kssing then how do you get charged with that crime and what does it mean he did with the girl??? and should a b concerned about our 2months old baby???

ANSWER: Ashley,

Each state has it own definitions and variables to different sex related crimes.   Some variables deal with age,force, family relationship etc.  The degrees. as in Michigan  primarily differentiate between contact and penetration.  I have never heard of any state that prohibits kissing.  Most states are very specific as to the areas that are considered sex related, buttocks, genitalia, breasts.  My opinion is that he is not giving you the entire story.  Obviously it is embarrassing to him but it could also mean that there are some real issues that he is keeping from you.
Do an Internet inquiry on your states criminal sexual crimes that should help.  You can do a search of your states criminal histories, sex offender reporting or corrections dept for more information.  You could even "google" his name as there may be a news article covering the trial or court case.

Good luck, you do have a responsibility to protect your child

Robin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok i live in upstate new york... and and how do i no what officer took the report??? also i was wondering if i i was able to get ahold of the court papers??? the statements against him... court papers.... can i get all the information on his case ... from what the girl wrote to what he wrote to everyting else????? if so is it free or cost money???? him and i do live together .

Answer
Ashley,

All the information you describe is available to you.  I am sure that the State of New York has on line. Here is their link

http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/

If he is on the list under the conviction heading is the agency that conducted the investigation.
You can contact that agency and see if you can obtain a copy of the report through the Freedom of Information Act.  If that doesn't work you can go to the court and ask to look at the court file.  Will not have all the details will have some though.  FOI's are not free there usually is a fee.

This is a link to a list of New York Sex crimes.  If you locate his conviction you can compare to the law.

http://sa.rochester.edu/masa/laws.php#13035


Good luck

Robin