New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Respected Criminal Defense Lawyers Represent Clients Charged with Sex Crimes in New Jersey

When accused of committing a sex crime, you may as though you are “guilty until proven innocent” based on the mere allegations, rather than the other way around.  The societal stigma that accompanies sex crime charges can be difficult for even the most respected members of society to overcome.  The actual punishment that accompanies a guilty verdict, however, is usually much worse.  An experienced sex crimes defense lawyer is vital to safeguarding your rights.

At Team Law, we treat you with dignity, respect, and compassion regardless of the accusations against you.  With over 60 years’ experience fighting for clients’ rights, we have the skills it takes to get the best possible results in your case.  We are focused on one primary goal: getting a not guilty verdict in your case.

If you have been charged with any type of sex crime, having an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer by your side is critical to protecting your future and your freedom.  Contact Team Law today to find out how our experienced New Jersey sex crimes defense lawyers can help.

Conviction for a Sex Crime Carries Harsh Consequences

Even mere accusations that you committed a sex crime can be extremely damaging to your reputation and your relationships.  Conviction for a sex crime carries harsh penalties in addition to the personal and professional damage you may suffer.  Those penalties depend upon the exact charge you are facing. 

At Team Law, our lawyers are here to develop a comprehensive defense strategy regardless of the charge.  We handle sex crimes cases alleging:

• Sexual assault.  Sexual assault includes situations where sexual intercourse is forced or coerced, but the victim is not severely injured.  Sexual assault charges can also be established by proving that the defendant occupied some type of power or supervisory position over the victim, or through disparities in age.

• Aggravated sexual assault.  Sexual assault is aggravated if the victim was seriously injured, the defendant used a weapon (or something the victim reasonably believed was a weapon) or the defendant was aided by others.  Sexual assault committed during commission of another crime, such as robbery or burglary, and sexual assault against anyone under age 13.

• Criminal sexual contact.  Criminal sexual contact is a sex crime that does not allege penetration, but instead alleges unwelcome contact of a sexual nature.

• Child pornography.  Manufacturing, distributing, possessing and even merely viewing sexually explicit images or depictions of a minor is a serious crime.  You could be facing serious jail time and lifetime sex offender registration requirements.

• Sexting.  New Jersey has developed a set of rules that applies to minors who electronically transmit sexually explicit or nude photos of other minors.  Without the sexting statute, minors could be charged with serious child pornography charges.  The punishment for sexting is focused on education and rehabilitation, rather than punishment.

• Lewdness.  Lewdness is the charge that applies when the defendant allegedly commits some type of sexually offensive act while knowing (or reasonably should have known) that he or she was being observed by nonconsenting people who would be alarmed. 

Our firm also handles cases involving:

• Megan’s Law removal
• Public indecency
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Prostitution and solicitation

The actual punishment for a sex crime conviction can vary dramatically depending upon the charges against you. Second-degree sexual assault charges can result in up to ten years in prison and $150,000 in fines, and also carry a presumption of incarceration before parole eligibility.  

Lewdness, on the other end of the scale, is usually a disorderly persons offense that carries a maximum six-month jail term and up to $1,000 in fines (although if a minor was involved, those charges can be elevated to a fourth-degree crime carrying up to 18 months in prison).

Conviction for the most serious sex crimes can result in imposition of life-long sex offender registry requirements under Megan’s Law.

A Strong, Sound Legal Defense is Key to Beating Sex Crime Charges

Regardless of how you might feel at the moment, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law.  That means that the prosecution must prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt.  Our experienced lawyers will stand by your side to defend your rights every step of the way.  A strong defense strategy might:

• Challenge whether consent was lacking
• Challenge the reliability of any physical evidence in your case
• Question the reliability of witnesses
• Introduce evidence to establish your innocence, including an alibi or witness statements
• Move to have prejudicial evidence excluded from consideration

Often, the prosecution’s case will rest heavily upon the accuser’s own testimony.  When we approach your case, we will be prepared with a complete understanding of the situation.  Our lawyers will sit down with you to hear your side of the story and conduct an investigation to obtain evidence to disprove or discredit the prosecution’s case. 

Developing a strong defense in a sex crimes case is always complicated.  Our primary goal in building your defense is to poke holes in the prosecution’s case to get a not guilty verdict.  In other cases, our lawyers will use our strong negotiating skills to attempt to obtain reduced or dropped charges.  To learn more about how our persuasive and driven defense lawyers can work to protect your future, call our office today. 

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Our Experienced New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Even if you have yet to be formally charged with a sex crime, timing is important in these cases.  Our lawyers will go to work quickly whether you are under investigation, have been arrested or formally charged.  You can contact our office any time to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation with an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes Defense in New Jersey