Charges for sex crimes and crimes of a sexual nature are fraught with difficulties including the assumptions even loved ones can make after crimes of a sexual nature have been alleged. Dealing with the stigma associated with crimes of this nature is only one of the challenges an individual accused of crimes such as criminal sexual conduct with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault; commonly referred to as rape, criminal sexual conduct, and child molestation will have to face. However, you do not have to go it alone, stand-up to prosecutors, and face these charges alone.
The experienced criminal defense attorneys of the Law Offices of John J. Zarych are dedicated to upholding the Constitutional rights of those accused of serious crimes. Our defense attorneys have more than 45 years of combined experience handling serious criminal charges and allegations. When you work with our practice, you won’t only find aggressive and strategic litigators. You’ll also find attorneys who are results-oriented and care about the circumstances and difficulties you currently face. In fact, John Zarych is known for his steadfast defense of autistic adults whose actions have been misinterpreted by prosecutors leading to inappropriate charges of sex crimes. Furthermore, John Zarych is experienced in defending those accused of crimes of this type since he was defense counsel in the first online chatroom luring case tried in Atlantic County.
What Are Common Sex Crimes Charged in South Jersey?
New Jersey law has criminalized or otherwise rendered unlawful a number of unwanted or inappropriate sexual acts. One of the lower levels of sex charges an individual can be charged with under §2C: 14-4 is known as lewdness. Lewdness includes sexual acts that are witnessed by non-consenting individuals. Lewdness is typically charged as a disorderly persons offense. Offenses of this type can be punished by up to 6 months in jail and monetary fines. However, if the offense is likely to be witnessed by a child under age 13 or a person with a mental disease then the offense can be charged as a fourth degree crime.
The most serious sexual crimes in the state are sexual assault with penetration and aggravated sexual assault. While these terms may be unfamiliar, that is likely because the term rape is used more commonly to describe this type of criminal sexual act. Sexual assault charges are enhanced to aggravated charges if the act fits one of the following scenarios:
- The victim is a child 12 years of age or younger.
- The victim is between ages 13 and 16. He or she is a close relative to the alleged perpetrator or was placed under the care or supervision of the alleged perpetrator.
- The sexual assault is accomplished through the threat of a weapon or an actual weapon.
- Physical force is used and causes severe injury
- The victim was unable to resist or consent due to mental or other incapacitation.
Penalties for sexual assault crimes are particularly serious. As a first degree crime, aggravated sexual assault can be punished by a prison sentence of up to 20 years upon conviction.
Other potential criminal sex acts in New Jersey include:
- Endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child (2C:24-4)
- Kidnapping (N.J.S.2C:13-1)
- Luring or enticing (2C:13-6)
- Criminal sexual contact (2C:14-3b)
- Criminal restraint (2C:13-2)
- Knowing promotion of the prostitution of a child (2C:34-1)
Megan’s Law and Other Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
The state of New Jersey requires most sex offenders to disclose their status as a convicted sex offender. Under 2C:7-1through 2C:711, also known as Megan’s Law, individuals convicted of sex crimes and those found not guilty by reason of insanity are required to register with certain public agencies. If the convicted offender wishes to move, he or she is likely required to notify local law enforcement officials. The failure to comply with the registration provisions of Megan’s Law can result in a fourth degree criminal charge.
Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys Fight for You
Sex crimes carry extremely severe formal and informal consequences. Mere accusations can affect your social standing, employment opportunities, and many other aspects of your life. A conviction and its formal criminal penalties can have a catastrophic effect on your life.
The experienced criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of John J. Zarych are committed to protecting the accused from unwarranted or unsupportable criminal charges. We work to force to prosecutor to meet their legal burdens on each and every aspect of the case. We work to build an effective defense and leverage the strengths of your case into a more favorable outcome. If you are facing sex charges in New Jersey, don’t gamble with your freedom by going it alone. Contact the Law Offices of John J. Zarych today for a free consultation.
