Sex Crime Defense Lawyers New Jersey
“Charges for Sex Crimes in New Jersey can result in significant prison time and destroy your personal reputation.”
The truth is that you don’t have to be convicted to feel the devastating effects of a sex crime charge in New Jersey. In fact, a mere allegation of a sex crime carries a stigma which can potentially ruin your life. Even if you’ve simply been questioned by police about your involvement in a sexual offense such as sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, luring, or endangering the welfare of a child, you need to think about taking the next step and contacting a lawyer.
The Tormey Law Firm is a team of skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyers who will aggressively defend you against these very serious accusations. We believe that everyone is entitled to a strong defense; that’s why we will do everything possible to help you avoid the most severe penalties. Most importantly, we’ve got the credentials and experience you need right now. Travis J. Tormey, the firm’s founding partner, previously served at the United States Attorney’s Office, where he worked closely with the sex crimes unit. Now Mr. Tormey defends clients against sex crime allegations. Our team also includes a former New Jersey Assistant County Prosecutor who understands how the other side thinks in these cases. We know how to raise advanced defense strategies on your behalf and win your case. For additional information about sex crimes in New Jersey and to discuss the legal options available to you when charged with a sex crime, contact our Hackensack office at 201-556-1570. One of our attorneys is available immediately to provide you with a free consultation.
Sex Crime Charges our Attorneys Defend Against in NJ
The Tormey Law Firm defends clients against sex crime charges on a regular basis. We are familiar with the intricacies of sexual offense cases and understand the strategies that are most effective at helping our clients beat these charges. The following provides more information on some of the most common sex crime charges and related matters that our experienced criminal defense firm defends against in New Jersey:
- Luring, Enticing, and Solicitation
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Criminal Sexual Contact
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Lewdness
- Prostitution
- Megan’s Law Registration
- Megan’s Law Tier Classification Appeals
- Removal from Megan’s Law
- Avenel Evaluations for Sex Offenses
Spectrum of Severity for Sex Crimes in New Jersey
Sexual crimes range from the highly violent acts that leave a victim severely injured to the lesser end of the spectrum, such as indecent exposure or lewdness that typically offends someone without physical harm. Most sex crimes involve acts with or affecting the defendant’s or the alleged victim’s intimate parts, clothed or unclothed. Additionally, the law measures the severity of the sex crime by the degree of harm in terms of violent injury and the victim’s age. The younger the victim, the greater the damage, presumptively, and the graver the crime.
Thus, the law divides sex crimes into various categories of severity. For example, illicit sexual contact may include self-touching intimate parts in the known presence of another or touching another person’s private parts, both for the sexual gratification of the one doing the touching or instructing another to do the touching. The perpetrator may also seek to degrade or humiliate the victim or for the perpetrator’s sexual arousal. Sexual penetration, on the other hand, constitutes the accused using body parts or objects to penetrate another person’s intimate parts or instructing someone else to do the same. The degree of harm to the victim and alleged acts of the accused define the sex crime, crime degree, and corresponding punishments. In sum, the circumstances of each sex crime determine the level and potential repercussions for the offense.
Charged with a Sex Crime in NJ, What are the Penalties?
Sex crimes are a matter of degree. First degree sex crimes include aggravated sexual assault. A defendant convicted of a first degree sex crime may spend 20 years to life in prison and be subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which means a convicted defendant must serve 85% of their prison term before parole eligibility. Second degree sex crimes such as sexual assault and some forms of child endangerment can come with a potential prison term of 10 to 20 years.
Third degree sex crimes include endangering the welfare of children in some scenarios that involve child pornography or endangerment to a child’s health and wellbeing. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is likewise a third degree crime. Third degree convictions for sex crimes carry a 3 to 5 year prison sentence. Lower grade fourth degree sex crimes such as criminal sexual contact and lewdness are punishable by up to 18 months in prison. Depending on the alleged victim’s age at the time of the offense, a lewdness charge can also be considered a disorderly persons offense, which could lead to up to 6 months in county jail.
Depending on the sex crime conviction, a defendant may also be subject to mandatory registration as a sex offender. Some must also be under parole supervision for life (PSL), including lifelong internet and travel restrictions.
When is Someone Ineligible to Consent to Sexual Contact under NJ Law?
Any form of non-consensual sexual contact is a crime under New Jersey law. Thus, sex with minors under 12 is a crime since they cannot legally consent to sexual acts. Similarly, the cognitively impaired or mentally insane are incapable of consent. In addition, permission must be voluntary and free of undue influence that a significantly older person may have over a young minor. Likewise, those in unique, authoritative relationships with minors, like sports coaches, may influence minors emotionally. Further, sexual allurement, trafficking, or sexting children via the internet are nonconsensual sexual contacts. And any kind of forceful sexual contact or penetration is not considered consensual. These cases typically rely on the respective versions of events given by the alleged victim and the accused.
Free Consultation with Hackensack NJ Sex Crimes Attorneys
Undoubtedly, the real punishment and aftermath for sex crimes are long, harsh, and unforgiving, even for those with a clean record. If you have pending sex crime charges, you need the most experienced advice and protection you can find. The Tormey Law Firm has a criminal litigation team with a well-earned reputation for doing whatever is necessary to protect our clients’ rights. We’ve also earned the respect of both our peers and opposing prosecutors; this gives us an edge when negotiating charge reductions and plea agreements. Whether your sex offense case calls for a nuanced negotiation or a knock-down, drag-out fight in the courtroom, you can count on us. If you have questions about your sex crime case, call us now at 201-556-1570, or email us to schedule a confidential meeting at our local office in Hackensack, New Jersey.