The charges, handed down by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office are on top of the charges Weinstein already faces.
Regarding the additional charges, District Attorney Cyrus Vance said, “This indictment is the result of the courage shown by the survivors.”
Vance’s office also pointed out there is still time for survivors of Weinstein’s abuse come forward. Survivors are encouraged to call the DA’s office at 212-335-9373.
Weinstein is looking at prison time if convicted. His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, told reporters that Weinstein will plead not guilty to the new indictments.
In May, 2018, Weinstein was charged in Manhattan on charges surrounding rape and criminal sexual acts which had root in incidents which happened in 2004 and 2013.
Weinstein has continued to deny all the allegations of non-consensual sex.
Sex Crimes Soar In NYC
The NY Post reported sex crimes soar in The Big Apple — with an especially frightening spike over the past weeks.
As of Sunday night, sexual assaults this year have increase by 20% over the same period from last year.
The crimes include misdemeanors such as forcible touching, sexual misconduct and second-and third-degree sexual abuse such as groping on subways and buses.
Felony sex crimes — forcible rape, sexual assault against a child and sex trafficking — were also up by 8%.
According to the Post, the biggest jumps came in Manhattan where the Manhattan South Precinct indicate a 200% increase — from 4 misdemeanors reported to 12. Manhattan North Precinct saw the weekly figures increase 366% — from 3 to 14.
Defenses to Sexual Assault Charges
Lack of consent due solely to incapacity to consent by reason of being less than 17 years old (for third-degree sexual abuse; victim must be more than 14 years old and defendant must be less than five years older than victim)
Valid medical purpose (for all degrees of aggravated abuse)
Note: State laws may change through the passage of new legislation, decisions made in the courts (including federal decisions), ballot resolutions, and other ways. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
The Takeaway
Being convicted for a sex offense might mean life-long inclusion in sex offender registries along with the accompanying restrictions on employment and housing. If you’ve been charged under New York’s sexual assault laws, contact Arkady Bukh today for help in developing a defense.
