Sexual Abuse By Person Of Trust

It is unthinkable that someone you trust your child with would ultimately harm them physically or sexually. Unfortunately it is somewhat common as most sex offenses are committed by someone close to the child and their family. These people can range from family members, teachers, pastors/priests, coaches and neighbors. Many times these charges are brought on by accusations that may or may not be true or accurate.

If you are facing sex crime charges in Delaware you need an experienced attorney who knows how to protect your rights. Contact Dover DE Sex Crime Attorney, and former state prosecutor, John R. Garey immediately to discuss your case. DialB (302) 744-9290. You can also email Mr. Garey here.

Penalties If Convicted Of A Sex Crime In Delaware

Mandatory sex offender registration
Jail or prison time
Probation or parole
Loss of certain constitutional rights

Delaware Sexual Abuse By Person Of Trust Laws

B’ 778. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree; penalties.
A person is guilty of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree when the person:
(1) Intentionally engages in sexual intercourse with a child who has not yet reached that child’s own sixteenth birthday and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(2) Intentionally engages in sexual penetration with a child who has not yet reached that child’s own sixteenth birthday and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(3) Intentionally engages in sexual intercourse or sexual penetration with a child who has reached that child’s own sixteenth birthday but has not yet reached that child’s own eighteenth birthday when the person is at least 4 years older than the child and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(4) Intentionally engages in sexual intercourse or sexual penetration with a child and the victim has reached that child’s own sixteenth birthday but has not yet reached that child’s own eighteenth birthday and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(5) Engages in an act of sexual extortion, as defined in B’ 774 of this title, against a child who has not yet reached that child’s own sixteenth birthday and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(6)a.1. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (1) of this section is a class A felony.
2. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person convicted of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in this paragraph (6) shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without benefit of probation, parole or any other reduction if:
A. At the time of the offense the person inflicts serious physical injury on the victim; or
B. The person intentionally causes serious and prolonged disfigurement to the victim permanently, or intentionally destroys, amputates or permanently disables a member or organ of the victim’s body; or
C. The person is convicted of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in this paragraph (6) against 3 or more separate victims; or
D. The person has previously been convicted of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree, unlawful sexual intercourse in the first degree, rape in the second degree or rape in the first degree, or any equivalent offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States.
b. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (2) of this section is a class B felony. Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the minimum sentence for a person convicted of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (2) of this section shall be 10 years at Level V.
c. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (3) of this section is a class B felony.
d. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (4) of this section is a class C felony.
e. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the first degree as set forth in paragraph (5) of this section is a class D felony.
(7) Nothing contained in this section shall preclude a separate charge, conviction and sentence for any other crime set forth in this title, or in the Delaware Code.
77 Del. Laws, c. 318, B’ 6;B 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, B’ 1.;
B’ 778A. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the second degree; penalties.
A person is guilty of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the second degree when the person:
(1) Intentionally has sexual contact with a child who has not yet reached that child’s sixteenth birthday or causes the child to have sexual contact with the person or a third person and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(2)a. Is a male who intentionally exposes his genitals or buttocks to a child who has not yet reached that child’s sixteenth birthday under circumstances in which he knows his conduct is likely to cause annoyance, affront, offense or alarm when the person is at least 4 years older than the child and he stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
b. Is a female who intentionally exposes her genitals, breast or buttocks to a child who has not yet reached that child’s sixteenth birthday under circumstances in which she knows her conduct is likely to cause annoyance, affront, offense or alarm when the person is at least 4 years older than the child and she stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(3) Suggests, solicits, requests, commands, importunes or otherwise attempts to induce a child who has not yet reached that child’s sixteenth birthday to have sexual contact or sexual intercourse or unlawful sexual penetration with the person or a third person, knowing that the person is thereby likely to cause annoyance, affront, offense or alarm to the child or another when the person is at least 4 years older than the child and the person stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child, or is an invitee or designee of a person who stands in a position of trust, authority or supervision over the child.
(4)a. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the second degree as set forth in paragraph (1) of this section is a class D felony.
b. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the second degree as set forth in paragraph (2) of this section is a class F felony.
c. Sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision in the second degree as set forth in paragraph (3) of this section is a class G felony.
(5) Nothing contained in this section shall preclude a separate charge, conviction and sentence for any other crime set forth in this title, or in the Delaware Code.