Sexual assault case attrition is a significant concern, with only a small portion of reported assaults resulting in criminal sanctions. While a considerable amount of research has examined arrest and prosecution in sexual assault cases, fewer studies have focused on other outcomes, such as charge reduction and conviction. These are particularly important to examine due to the implications of sex offender registration and management policies. The present study sought to fill this gap through analysis of a sample of reported sexual assaults from two jurisdictions in the northeastern U.S. Informed by the focal concerns perspective, predictors of conviction severity (none, misdemeanor/violation, felony) and conviction type (none, non-sexual, sexual) were examined, in addition to correlates of charge reduction between arrest and conviction. Indicators of practical constraints were significant predictors of both conviction outcomes. Correlates of charge reduction were opposite to the hypotheses, illustrating that seemingly stronger, more serious cases were more likely to have charge reductions. These findings suggest that charge reduction may be reflective of plea bargaining practices, as well as the level of collaboration and agreement between police and prosecutors. Implications for future research, including continued examination of charge reduction and conviction in sexual assault cases, are discussed. (Publisher abstract provided.)
An Examination of Charge Reduction and Conviction in Sexual Assault Cases: A Focal Concerns Analysis
NCJ Number
310562
Journal
Victims & Offenders Dated: July 2025 Pages: 1-21
Date Published
July 2025
Length
21 pages
Abstract
Date Published: July 1, 2025