Sex crimes in New Jersey are dealt with in very serious ways. There could be hefty fines or years in prison, as well as a requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. If you are facing sex-related charges, you need legal assistance as soon as possible.
Contacting a Jersey City sex crimes lawyer could ease your mind and answer any questions you may have. Legal support from an experienced criminal defense attorney could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. With a defense strategy tailored to your case, a lawyer could protect your rights, reduce charges and penalties, or get charges dismissed entirely.
A sex crime in New Jersey is defined as any act that involves unwanted sexual contact with another person. This could include forcing someone to commit a sexual act against their will. Examples of sex crimes include:
Sex crimes can range from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. If the charge has the word “aggravated” included, it is serious and could be punished more severely. Any sex crimes that involve a minor are also considered more serious. Offenders are required to register on the state sex offender list and remain so for the rest of their lives, which may make it difficult to find employment or places to live.
A Jersey City sex crimes attorney can explain specific charges and potential penalties during an initial consultation.
Knowing the laws related to sex crimes helps an experienced lawyer defend clients charged with sex-related offenses in Jersey City. Each case is unique, but certain defense strategies are commonly used in sex crime cases.
The prosecution’s job is to prove the defendant is guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney could challenge the prosecution’s evidence. For example, there may be unreliable witnesses or little evidence that the sex crime happened. If the defense can cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence, the court may decide they cannot find the defendant guilty.
The defense could show that the accuser was unreliable because of certain circumstances, such as drug use or intoxication. If the accuser has a history of falsely accusing people of sexual offenses, the current accusation could be damaged. Similarly, if the accuser has a history of mental illness, they could be considered unreliable.
The case could be dismissed if any part of the arrest was conducted illegally. For example, if there was an improper search of the home without a warrant, the evidence found must be removed from consideration.
Some law enforcement agencies attempt to trap people who they believe are committing sex crimes. There could be an argument for entrapment if the defense can show the crime might not have occurred if law enforcement had not been involved.
In cases where it is not likely for a charge to be dismissed, a defense attorney may negotiate a plea deal in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for reduced charges or penalties.
Even if you think you should accept the charges, plead guilty, and get it all over with, you may be facing more consequences than you know. A sex crime conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life.
Protect your rights by getting legal assistance from a Jersey City sex crimes lawyer. At The Law Office of Eric M. Mark, we work for our clients’ best interests from the first consultation to the final outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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