Sexual Abuse Attorney in Westchester County

Confidential Defense For High Stakes Sexual Abuse Allegations

Allegations of sexual abuse in New York carry the possibility of prison, sex offender registration, and lasting damage to your reputation and family relationships. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, you may feel that everyone has already judged you, and you may not know where to turn. 

At Riebling & Payton, PLLC, our criminal defense lawyers focus on protecting the rights of people facing these serious charges here in Westchester County. Our attorneys, Stephen Riebling and Marcia Payton, bring nearly 50 years of combined legal experience in criminal law and related matters. 

One of our lawyers previously served as a Manhattan prosecutor, which gives us valuable insight into how sex crime cases are built and evaluated by the other side. We work directly with our clients, not through layers of staff, and we strive to provide candid advice, steady guidance, and a strong defense at every stage.

An investigation is not a conviction, but the longer you wait, the more power the prosecution has. Secure a sexual abuse attorney in Westchester County who has 50+ years of experience to win. Call Riebling & Payton, PLLC at (914) 712-6878 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Sexual Abuse Laws in New York

Sexual abuse in New York is governed primarily by Penal Law Article 130. The law is designed to be expansive, covering any non-consensual "sexual contact"—defined as the touching of intimate parts for sexual gratification, whether directly or through clothing.

As your Westchester County sexual abuse lawyer, we defend against all degrees of these charges:

• Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (§ 130.55): A Class B misdemeanor involving non-consensual sexual contact. While the lowest level, it can still trigger SORA registration.
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (§ 130.60): A Class A misdemeanor typically charged when the victim is deemed incapable of consent due to age (under 14) or a mental/physical disability.
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (§ 130.65): A Class D Felony. This applies when the contact involves "forcible compulsion," a victim who is physically helpless (including sleeping or intoxicated), or a child less than 11 years old.
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse (§ 130.66 - 130.70): These are top-tier felonies (Class B and C) involving the use of foreign objects or the causing of physical injury.

Penalties of a Sexual Abuse Conviction in New York

A conviction for sexual abuse in New York carries penalties that do not end when you leave the courtroom.

Criminal Sentencing

• Felony Convictions: Can result in 2 to 25 years in state prison, depending on the degree of the crime and any prior criminal history.
• Post-Release Supervision: Even after prison, you may face 5 to 20 years of strict parole-like supervision.

Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA)

In New York, a conviction almost always requires registration as a sex offender. SORA classifications (Level 1, 2, or 3) dictate how much of your personal information is public.

• Public Database: Your photo, address, and conviction details can be placed on a searchable public website.
• Housing and Employment: You may be barred from living near schools or parks and disqualified from thousands of jobs.
• Stigma: The label of "Sex Offender" is a permanent mark that affects every social and professional interaction.

Our Comprehensive Defense Strategy

At Riebling & Payton, PLLC, we utilize our over 50 years of combined experience—including time spent as former prosecutors—to build a multi-layered defense.

• Digital Forensics: We hire independent experts to analyze phones, computers, and social media. Often, deleted messages or GPS data can prove that an accuser’s story is physically impossible.
• Challenging "Forcible Compulsion": We look for a lack of corroborating physical evidence or medical records that contradict the prosecution's claims.
• False Allegations: We investigate the motive of the accuser. In many cases, allegations arise out of messy divorces, custody battles, or personal vendettas.
• Constitutional Suppression: If the police obtained evidence through an illegal search or a coerced statement, we file motions to have that evidence thrown out entirely.

Why Work With Our Criminal Defense Lawyers On Sexual Abuse Allegations

Selecting the right lawyer for a sex offense case is one of the most important decisions you will make. Our attorneys offer nearly five decades of combined experience handling criminal charges, which helps us recognize patterns in how prosecutors in this region approach sexual abuse allegations.

Our team is led by attorneys Stephen Riebling and Marcia Payton. One of our lawyers previously served as a prosecutor in Manhattan, which means we have firsthand knowledge of how the state prepares sex crime cases, evaluates witness credibility, and decides whether to offer plea agreements. We use that perspective to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case and to advise you on realistic options at each step.

When you hire Riebling & Payton, PLLC, you work directly with our attorneys. We do not pass your case down the line. We get to know you, your background, and your priorities, and we explain both legal strategy and possible consequences in straightforward terms. Our approach balances forceful advocacy in the courtroom with respectful and accessible communication with you and your family.

How We Defend You Against Sexual Abuse Allegations

Defending a sexual abuse case is a step-by-step process that starts as early as possible. Some clients come to us after an arrest and arraignment. Others contact us when detectives have reached out but charges have not yet been filed. In either situation, early legal guidance can affect how evidence is collected, how statements are taken, and how the case is framed by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Reviewing The Charges & Evidence

We begin by reviewing all available information. This can include police reports, statements by the accuser and any witnesses, digital communications, medical records, and any physical evidence. We look closely at how that evidence was obtained and whether your constitutional rights were respected. Our goal is to identify inconsistencies and gaps, and to determine what additional information we need.

Navigating Court Appearances & Case Strategy

Once charges are filed, your case will typically proceed through initial appearances in a criminal court, such as the courthouse in White Plains or another court within the county, where issues like bail, orders of protection, and scheduling are addressed. We represent you at those hearings and advocate for terms that are as favorable and workable as possible.

As the case moves forward, we evaluate the prosecution’s proof and discuss with you the range of potential outcomes. This often involves filing motions, challenging certain evidence, and engaging in discussions with the district attorney’s office. Sometimes the best course is to aim for a negotiated resolution. In other cases, it may be to prepare for trial and hold the prosecution to its burden of proof. Throughout, we keep you updated, explain what is happening, and make decisions with you instead of for you.

What To Do If You Are Accused Of Sexual Abuse

If you are accused of sexual abuse, the actions you take early on can have a significant impact on how your case unfolds. While it may feel natural to try to explain or defend yourself immediately, doing so without legal guidance can create serious risks. Taking deliberate, informed steps helps protect your rights and puts you in a better position to respond to the allegation.

• Avoid explaining yourself prematurely: Do not speak with law enforcement, investigators, or the accuser about the allegations before consulting a lawyer.
• Exercise your right to remain silent: Anything you say can be used in court, even if you believe it clarifies the situation.
• Consult an attorney early: A lawyer can advise you before interviews, help you understand potential consequences, and represent you during early court proceedings.
• Prepare for court appearances: If arrested, an arraignment may happen quickly, addressing charges, release conditions, and possible orders of protection.
• Preserve relevant information: Save texts, emails, social media messages, and other records without altering them, and provide them to your attorney for review.

Talk Confidentially With Our Sexual Abuse Defense Team

At Riebling & Payton, PLLC, you work directly with attorneys Stephen Riebling and Marcia Payton, not just with staff. We meet you where you are, answer your questions clearly, and take your concerns about family, work, and reputation seriously. With offices in Mount Kisco and White Plains, we are accessible to clients throughout the county and nearby areas, and we treat every conversation as confidential.

To talk confidentially with our sexual abuse attorneys about your situation, call (914) 712-6878 or reach out online today.