N.Y. Penal Law Section 130.55
Sexual abuse in the third degree

A person is guilty of sexual abuse in the third degree when he or she subjects another person to sexual contact without the latter’s consent; except that in any prosecution under this section, it is an affirmative defense that (a) such other person’s lack of consent was due solely to incapacity to consent by reason of being less than seventeen years old, and

(b)

such other person was more than fourteen years old, and

(c)

the defendant was less than five years older than such other person. Sexual abuse in the third degree is a class B misdemeanor.

Source: Section 130.55 — Sexual abuse in the third degree, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/130.­55 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 15, 2025).

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Nov. 15, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 130.55. Sexual abuse in the third degree's source at nysenate​.gov

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