Providing A High-Stakes Defense Against Sex Crime Charges
No crime carries more stigma than sex crimes. Even an accusation can affect your life in many ways thanks to the internet. Not to mention that a conviction of many of these crimes will require you to register on a public sex offender database. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner is crucial for any sex crime charge.
The lawyers at the Law Offices of James A. Abate are ready to put over 30 years of combined legal experience to work for you. We understand how frightening this situation can be. We will give you an honest assessment of your case and work hard to minimize the impact these charges have on your life. You won’t be facing this situation on your own.
Defining Sex Crimes And Sexual Assault
The term “sex crimes” covers a wide range of criminal activity, from public urination to sex trafficking of minors. These offenses can happen anywhere, including a private home, a college campus, or over the computer. The penalties are just as wide-ranging. Common charges we see include:
- Sexual assault, rape, criminal sexual contact, and aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual abuse and child molestation
- College campus crimes, such as indecent exposure, lewdness, solicitation, and date rape
- Computer crimes, such as sexting with a minor and child pornography
- Sex trafficking and promoting or engaging in prostitution
- Luring an underage person for an improper reason
These are just a few examples of the many types of offenses that fall into this category. No matter what type of charges you face, we are here to help you create a solid criminal defense case.
New Jersey’s Sex Offender Registry
Once your name is added to the state sex offender registry, it will change your life forever. In New Jersey, many sex crime convictions, but not all, will result in a placement on the state registry. These offenses are referred to as Megan’s Law offenses, and target people likely to reoffend. Megan’s Law started in New Jersey after the murder of a child by a sex offender. Her parents pushed for a law so that people would know when sex offenders live in their area.
The registry tracks people for life. If you are required to register, you will have to keep the state and local police updated on where you live. The registry is completely public, and anyone will be able to see your information, including the details of your conviction. Therefore, you will want to fight placement on this registry with a strong defense.
How Age Affects Charges
Many people know that sex crimes involving minors are much more serious than those involving adults, but they are often unsure of the details. The age of consent varies by state, but in New Jersey, anyone who is 16 years of age or older can consent to a sexual act with someone of any age. Anyone between 13 and 16 years old may consent to sex with someone no more than four years older than them.
In addition, child pornography is a federal crime that includes photographing or filming anyone under 18 while nude or performing a sex act, or possessing or distributing these images. Unfortunately, many teenagers today take part in “sexting,” or sending nude pictures of themselves to others, which technically violates these laws.
Start Building Your Defense Today
At the Law Offices of James A. Abate, we are here to help you create a strong defense strategy. When you don’t know where to turn, call our office at 908-643-7005 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also reach out to us online.