Facing any charges, particularly sex offenses, can be frightening and overwhelming. The most effective way to protect your freedom and future is to understand your charges and plan a powerful defense strategy with the help of a tenacious criminal defense attorney.

While some offenses are much more severe than others, a conviction for any sex-related criminal offense can have life-long negative consequences, causing problems with obtaining new employment, business licenses, and more. Schedule a consultation with a qualified Newark sex crimes lawyer to review your case and get started preparing a powerful defense strategy.

Sex Crime Offenses

Sex crime offenses in New Jersey carry significant penalties and legal consequences, and the state prosecutes them aggressively. The criminal statutes encompass a wide range of sex crimes, including the following:

• Child pornography
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Luring or enticing minors to engage in sexual activity
• Rape, or aggravated sexual assault, which is the nonconsensual sexual penetration of an adult or child
• Prostitution and related offenses such as solicitation, pimping, and pandering
• Aggravated sexual assault, aggravating factors may include crimes against children
• Sex trafficking, which entails compelling or forcing others to participate in sexual activity in exchange for money
• Sexual assault, abuse, and misconduct involve sexual activity without consent or crimes against the mentally impaired

Penalties for a conviction vary substantially, depending on the case specifics and circumstances leading to arrest. Sentences may include prison terms, fines, probation, mandatory counseling or treatment, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. During the consultation, a Newark sex crimes attorney could review the complete list and answer specific questions about the charges.

Megan’s Law and Registering as a Sex Offender

Megan’s Law is a United States federal law passed in 1994 after the tragic murder of Megan Kanka by a sex offender living nearby. The legislation requires police departments and other law enforcement agencies to maintain a public sex offender registry to raise awareness and enhance public safety by alerting the public where those convicted of severe sex crimes live and work. While the purpose of the law is to protect children from dangerous predators, many non-violent or wrongly convicted people end up on the registry facing years-long adverse consequences.

Registration Requirements

Those required to register must provide recent pictures and contact information, including home and work addresses. They also have mandatory check-ins and must update the registry immediately when information changes. According to the State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, sexual offenses requiring registration include aggravated sexual contact or assault, sexual assault, sexual contact with a minor, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Convictions for crimes, including promoting child prostitution, false imprisonment of a minor, and luring and enticing children, also require registration. A sex crimes lawyer in Newark could handle communication with the state prosecutor and fight for a fair outcome inside and outside of the court.

Call To Schedule Your Consultation With a Newark Sex Crimes Attorney

An arrest for sex crimes can flip your life upside down. Please remember that the state must prove your guilt in court beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have the right to defend yourself against the charges. That means seeking legal guidance to start planning your defense immediately.

A Newark sex crimes lawyer from The Law Office of Eric M. Mark could create a fitting defense strategy and fight for your rights to reach a favorable outcome. Call soon to schedule an appointment and learn more if you or a loved one need help fighting these serious charges.