Child Molestation

Child Molestation Defense Attorney in Rochester

Former Monroe County Prosecutor. 25 Years of Criminal Defense.

What New York law charges as child molestation falls under Article 130 of the Penal Code, and a charge in that category is among the most serious a person can face. The consequences begin the moment an accusation is made. I’m Christopher Rodeman, a criminal defense attorney based in Rochester with 25 years of experience and a background that gives me a specific advantage in these cases: I served as Chief of the DWI Bureau at the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. That time inside the DA’s Office showed me how Monroe County prosecutors build their cases, what evidence they rely on, and where those cases can be challenged.

I focus exclusively on criminal defense. That means every development in New York law, every procedural shift in Monroe County Supreme and County Court, stays on my radar. I take on difficult cases that other attorneys have declined, and I stay personally involved from the first consultation through the final resolution.

If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged with a sex offense involving a child in Rochester, contact me today for a free initial consultation at (585) 928-4193.

Why Clients Facing These Charges Come to Me

Child molestation accusations carry a level of social stigma that makes many attorneys reluctant to take them. I don’t turn cases away because of the charge. Every person who walks into my office is treated with respect and without judgment, no matter what brought them there.

My approach is built on constitutional precision. Many of the dismissals I’ve achieved came from identifying illegal searches, unlawful arrests, or improper police conduct. I file detailed suppression motions and cross-examine officers on how they gathered evidence. I’m honest with every client about what I see in their case, including when the situation is difficult, because informed clients make better decisions. I stay reachable throughout by phone, including outside normal business hours, so questions don’t go unanswered when they matter most.

How New York Penal Law Charges Child Sex Offenses

New York doesn’t use the term “child molestation” as a standalone offense. Prosecutors file charges under Article 130 of the Penal Code, selecting statutes based on the conduct alleged, the ages of the parties involved, and the frequency of the alleged acts. Understanding which charges apply to your situation is the first step in building a defense.

The most common Article 130 charges in child cases include:

Sexual abuse in the first degree (NY PL 130.65): A class D felony carrying up to 7 years in prison.
Course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree (NY PL 130.80): A class D felony that applies when a pattern of conduct is alleged over a period of time.
Course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree (NY PL 130.75): A class B felony with significantly higher sentencing exposure.
Predatory sexual assault against a child (NY PL 130.96): A class A-II felony, reserved for defendants 18 or older whose alleged conduct involved a victim under 13. The minimum sentence is 10 years. The maximum is life imprisonment.

Prosecutors can stack multiple counts based on a single set of allegations, and each additional count multiplies sentencing exposure. In Monroe County, felony charges under Article 130 are prosecuted in Monroe County Supreme and County Court. Misdemeanor charges may be handled in Rochester City Court.

The New York Child Victims Act extended the prosecution window as well: felony charges can be brought until the alleged victim reaches age 28, and misdemeanor charges until age 25. Accusations can surface years or decades after the alleged conduct, which creates distinct investigative and evidentiary challenges for the defense.

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Contact Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law Today

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Testimonials

Helping Clients Move Forward

“Mr. Rodeman got us the deal we needed”
“Mr. Rodeman was able to get us the plea deal we needed from a difficult judge. He was honest and up front about the difficulties we could face, but prevailed to help us resolve our issue.”

- Ray
“A wonderful outcome”
“Chris is down to earth, caring and understanding about the situation. He is very likeable and very well connected and never stops working for you until completion. Things turned out very favorable for us and we are grateful.”

- Boylin
“A true gentleman who knows what he's doing.”
“Chris made what could have been a horrible situation into a much more manageable one and in the process helped turn my life around as well.”

- Bob S
“JUST HIRE CHRIS RODEMAN”
“Mr Rodeman knows the system and its players from his days as a prosecutor. He is extremely professional, non-judgemental, and so competent in court. I could go on and on about how much we appreciate his help in our case.”

- Kiki France-Perry
“He is truly a phenomenal lawyer. ”
He is truly a phenomenal lawyer. He cares about his clients and knows the Law. If you’re reading this, he is the person to go to. Mr. Rodeman is very dedicated and will help you receive the best possible outcome. He does a great job.

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What a Conviction Under Article 130 Actually Costs You

The sentence is only part of what’s at stake. A conviction on any child-related Article 130 offense triggers mandatory registration under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). SORA assigns each convicted person a risk level that determines how long registration lasts and whether the public is notified.

Current SORA risk level classifications work as follows:

Level 1 (lowest risk): 20-year registration period, limited community notification.
Level 2 (moderate risk): Lifetime registration, subject to community notification.
Level 3 (highest risk): Lifetime registration, broadest community notification requirements.

Registration information is publicly searchable. That affects where you can live, what jobs are available to you, and whether professional licenses remain valid. Restrictions on residing near schools, parks, and other locations where children are present can limit housing options significantly. These consequences extend long after any sentence is served and begin the moment a conviction is entered. Even an accusation that doesn’t result in conviction can damage family relationships, employment, and reputation. The defense needs to begin immediately.

Why Choose Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law?

Experience as a Special Assistant District Attorney
Flat-Rate Pricing for Cases Involving DWI
24/7 Availability for Emergency Calls
Affordable Payment Plans

My Defense Approach for Child Molestation Charges in Monroe County

I approach every Article 130 case by first understanding how the prosecution intends to build it. My time at the Monroe County DA’s Office gave me direct knowledge of how these cases are structured, what evidence prosecutors prioritize, and where their arguments are most vulnerable. That inside perspective shapes how I respond from the moment I take a case.

Physical evidence in child molestation cases is often limited or absent. Prosecutors frequently rely on the testimony of the alleged victim and other witnesses, which makes the quality of cross-examination and witness analysis critical. I also examine every step of how evidence was gathered. If law enforcement conducted a search, seizure, or arrest without proper legal authority, I file a suppression motion under the Fourth Amendment. A successful motion can remove key evidence from the case or lead the prosecution to reduce or dismiss charges.

I develop a defense strategy specific to the facts of each case. I don’t apply a template. I’ve tried nine murder cases and serious felony matters throughout my career, and I bring that same level of preparation to every charge I defend. I remain personally involved through every stage, from the investigation phase through trial or negotiated resolution, and I don’t pass cases to another attorney.

Defense Strategies in Article 130 Cases

No two child molestation cases are identical, but several defense avenues appear consistently and deserve careful analysis in every matter.

False or Mistaken Accusations

Mandatory reporting laws require teachers, medical staff, childcare workers, and social service workers to report any suspicion of abuse. An investigation can proceed even when the underlying claim is exaggerated, misunderstood, or factually incorrect. When a case rests primarily on testimony, the defense can challenge the credibility of statements, the consistency of accounts across multiple interviews, and the methods used to elicit disclosures from child witnesses.

Investigative Procedure Challenges

Child abuse investigations are governed by established protocols. Improper interviewing techniques, suggestive questioning, or failures in the chain of custody for physical evidence can all be challenged. When investigators deviate from required procedures, that deviation becomes a defense tool.

Constitutional Suppression Motions

If law enforcement gathered evidence through an illegal stop, unlawful search, or arrest without probable cause, that evidence can be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment. Removing evidence from a prosecution can change the trajectory of an entire case.

SORA Classification Hearings

A SORA risk level classification hearing is a distinct legal proceeding that takes place after conviction. It’s a separate and significant opportunity to limit long-term consequences. At the hearing, I can present evidence and argument to seek the lowest applicable risk level, which directly affects how long registration lasts and whether community notification is required. In some circumstances, persons already registered can petition to have their risk level reviewed or reduced. Representation at a SORA hearing isn’t automatic, and the stakes are substantial.

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Demand Excellence

Start with a Free Consultation

If you’re facing a child molestation charge or are under investigation in Rochester or Monroe County, the time to act is now. Prosecutors move quickly once a complaint is filed. I offer free initial consultations so you can understand your situation and your options before making any decisions. Payment plans are available, and I’m transparent about costs from the start so there are no surprises.

I’m reachable by phone, including outside normal business hours. You won’t be handed off to an assistant or left waiting when you have urgent questions. Call Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law today at (585) 928-4193 to schedule your free consultation.