White Plains Sex Crime Attorney

Powerful Criminal Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Westchester County

Simply being accused of a sex crime can damage your reputation, relationships, and employment before you ever set foot in a courtroom. White Plains sex crimes defense attorney Michael J. Borrelli brings more than 30+ years of criminal law experience, including years inside the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, giving him firsthand insight into how sex crime cases are investigated and prosecuted. 

The Westchester County DA’s Special Prosecutions Division handles sex crimes, domestic violence, and child abuse. These cases are serious and demand a highly focused defense. If you’re facing charges in White Plains, New York, you need a criminal defense attorney who knows how the other side builds its case.

Michael personally attends 99% of client court appearances, so you’re represented by the attorney you hired, not a junior associate. Free, confidential consultations are available 24/7, including weekends. Hablamos español.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a sex crime in White Plains, don’t wait; call (914) 928-2766 now for a free, confidential consultation, available any time, day or night.

Why You Need a White Plains Sex Crimes Attorney Right Away

Hiring a defense attorney early is critical for preserving evidence, preventing self-incrimination, and countering the prosecution before its case is fully built. Sex crime cases often turn on accuser credibility, forensic evidence, and the circumstances of the initial police contact, all of which an attorney can address if retained early. The presumption of innocence is a constitutional guarantee, but prosecutors still bear the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Michael has managed thousands of criminal cases over his career, giving him pattern recognition across a wide range of sex crime charges. His firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors in Westchester County structure and argue sex crime cases is an advantage you can’t get from an attorney who has only ever sat on the defense side of the table. If you’ve been charged with a violent crime or a sex offense, act now. The earlier you retain counsel, the more options may be available.

New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA)

A conviction for a sex offense in New York triggers more than a prison sentence. Under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), codified at Correction Law Article 6-C, Section 168, convicted individuals must register their name, address, and other personal information with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Failing to keep that information current can result in additional criminal charges.

SORA assigns registrants one of three risk levels based on the likelihood of re-offense:

• Level 1 (Low Risk): 20-year registration; information not publicly listed online
• Level 2 (Medium Risk): Lifelong registration; full address publicly available
• Level 3 (High Risk): Lifelong registration; full address and photo publicly available

Registrable offenses include all degrees of rape, all degrees of sexual abuse, predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, sexual conduct against a child in the second degree, forcible touching, incest, child pornography, and certain kidnapping charges depending on circumstances.

At the SORA hearing, you have the right to counsel and may argue for a lower risk level. The DA bears the burden of proving facts by clear and convincing evidence. For Level 2 sex offenders who are not designated sexually violent offenders, sexual predators, or predicate sex offenders, it may be possible to petition for removal from the registry after meeting all qualifying criteria.

Sex Offense Classifications & Penalties in New York

New York Penal Law Article 130 categorizes sexual offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, each class carrying its own sentencing range. Understanding what you face is the first step toward building a defense.

• Class A Felony: Maximum life imprisonment
• Class B Felony: Maximum 25 years; violent offenses carry a 5-year minimum for first-time offenders
• Class C Felony: Maximum 15 years; violent offenses carry a 3.5-year minimum for first-time offenders
• Class D Felony: Maximum 7 years; violent offenses carry a 2-year minimum for first-time offenders
• Class E Felony: Maximum 4 years
• Class A Misdemeanor: Maximum 1 year in jail
• Class B Misdemeanor: Maximum 3 months in jail

Factors affecting the severity of charges include the nature of the allegations, whether force or a weapon was involved, the age of the accuser, the age of the accused, and any prior convictions for sexual offenses.

Prostitution Defense in White Plains

Prostitution charges in White Plains carry real consequences, and Michael’s knowledge of how the Westchester County DA’s office approaches these cases directly informs the defense strategy. Under New York law, prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500. Patronizing a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the prostitute is younger than 14, felony charges may apply.

Beyond the criminal case, a prostitution-related conviction can carry collateral consequences for immigration status, employment, and professional licensing. If you’re facing prostitution or patronizing charges, contact our office immediately to discuss your options.

Unlicensed Massage Defense in White Plains, NY

Under New York Education Law Section 6512, performing massage therapy without a valid New York State-issued license is typically a Class E felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison plus significant fines. Prosecutors may stack companion charges including prostitution, unauthorized practice of a profession, or maintaining a premises for illegal activity, even when no sexual conduct occurred. These cases are often built on misunderstandings, overly broad sting operations, or misinterpretations of legitimate massage work.

Attorney Michael J. Borrelli works to challenge the basis for unlicensed massage charges, suppress improper police conduct, and pursue dismissals or reduced charges. If you’ve been charged under this statute, contact our office to review the circumstances of your case.

Sexual Assault Defense in White Plains, NY

Sexual assault charges can arise from various situations, including false accusations during contentious divorces or custody disputes, as well as misidentification. Charges vary in severity based on the age of the alleged victim, whether force or a foreign object was involved, and the specific conduct alleged. 

Sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D felony, covers forced sexual contact, contact with a physically helpless person, or contact with a person under 11, with punishment ranging from two to seven years. Felony sexual abuse matters initially arraigned in White Plains City Court are typically transferred to Westchester County Court for further proceedings.

Michael J. Borrelli works to uncover inconsistencies in accuser statements, question the reliability of forensic evidence, and challenge improper police procedures. He uses expert testimony, digital communications, and other supporting materials to establish the facts of the case. With experience in more than 40 felony criminal trials and personal attendance at 99% of client court appearances, he brings both experience and presence to your defense.

Rape Defense in White Plains, NY

New York law provides for statutory rape, date rape, and rape in the first, second, or third degree. Rape in the first degree is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years. Rape in the second degree is a Class D felony. Rape in the third degree is a Class E felony. These cases frequently turn on character, credibility, and corroborating evidence, making the attorney’s ability to cross-examine the accuser and challenge forensic testing critical. The Westchester County DA’s Special Prosecutions Division specifically prosecutes adult-stranger sexual assaults and intimate-partner sexual assaults, and that focused unit requires an equally targeted defense.

As your White Plains rape defense attorney, The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C. can examine consent issues, challenge forensic evidence, and protect you against false allegations from investigation through trial. Michael spent years inside the Westchester County DA’s office, including the Superior Court Trial Division, giving him direct knowledge of how rape charges are built and argued. That background, combined with experience in more than 40 felony criminal trials and personal attendance at 99% of court appearances, positions him to mount a thorough and informed defense.

Why White Plains Clients Choose Sex Crime Defense Attorney Michael J. Borrelli

When you're facing sex crime charges, you need a defense attorney whose background directly matches what you’re up against. 

Here’s what The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C. brings to your defense:

• More than 29 years of criminal law experience
• Seven years in the Westchester County DA’s Superior Court Trial Division
• Served as Supervisor of DA branches including New Rochelle, Northern Westchester, and Yorktown
• Legal advisor to more than 20 police agencies throughout Westchester County
• Firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors structure sex crime cases and where those cases have weaknesses
• Experience in more than 40 felony criminal trials
• Thousands of criminal cases handled over his career
• Personally attends 99% of client court appearances
• Free, confidential consultations available 24/7
• Active member of the Westchester County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Appointed by Presiding Justice Hon. A. Gail Prudenti to the Committees on Character and Fitness of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department
• Lifelong Westchester County resident with lasting relationships with police agencies and courts throughout the county, including White Plains
• Spanish language services available; hablamos español

Sex Crimes FAQ

What Types of Cases Does a Sex Crime Defense Attorney Handle?

A sex crime defense attorney handles rape, sexual assault, child pornography, prostitution, solicitation, unlicensed massage, indecent exposure, and online solicitation of a minor, including both misdemeanor and felony charges in state courts.

What Should I Do If I'm Accused of a Sex Crime in White Plains?

You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. Don’t speak to investigators or law enforcement before contacting defense counsel. The sooner you retain an attorney, the better positioned you may be to protect those rights.

How Can I Get My Name Cleared If I’ve Been Falsely Accused?

An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, challenge the accuser’s credibility, and build a defense aimed at dismissal or acquittal. The earlier defense counsel is retained, the more opportunities may exist to address weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before charges solidify.

What Is the Age of Consent in New York?

The age of consent in New York is 17. It’s illegal for someone 18 or older to engage in intercourse with someone 17 or younger regardless of claimed consent. The severity of charges depends on the specific ages of both parties involved.

Can I Be Removed from the New York Sex Offender Registry?

Level 2 sex offenders who are not designated sexually violent offenders, sexual predators, or predicate sex offenders may petition for removal from the registry if they meet all qualifying criteria. Others may seek a risk level modification. Contact us to learn more about removal from the New York sex offender registry.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor & Felony Sex Offense?

A misdemeanor sex offense, such as forcible touching, carries up to one year in jail and fines. A felony sex offense, such as rape or predatory sexual assault, can result in lengthy prison sentences and mandatory SORA registration with long-term reporting obligations.

Will I Have to Go to Trial?

Not necessarily. Many cases resolve through pre-trial negotiations, plea agreements, or evidence-based dismissals. If the prosecution won’t offer a fair resolution, or if an alternative to trial is not in your best interests, our firm is prepared to defend you in court.

How Long Does a Sex Crime Case Take to Resolve?

Resolution time depends on the complexity of the case, the evidence involved, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while others take a year or more.

Resources for Those Accused of Sex Crimes in White Plains, New York

• New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Sex Offender Registry
• New York Penal Law Article 130. Sex Offenses
• American Bar Association. Understanding Criminal Charges

If you’re facing a sex crime charge in White Plains, put an experienced former prosecutor on your side. Call (914) 928-2766 now for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7.