NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

New Jersey Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Defense Lawyers

Our Aggressive Criminal Trial Attorneys Will Stand By You in New Jersey If You’re Facing Charges For Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact

If you’ve been charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact, New Jersey’s strict penalties will likely have a profound impact on your life. It’s more than just financial fines or imprisonment ‚Äì a conviction can label you as a sex offender, land you on parole supervision that lasts the rest of your life, mandate compliance with Megan’s Law, and other consequences. Because of this, it’s vital to hire an adept lawyer to defend accusations of sex offenses.

We understand how vulnerable you may feel when facing a charge like this. Don’t hesitate to call us if you face this situation, where our NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer is standing by 24/7 to support and advise you through these difficulties.

What Constitutes “Sexual Contact”?

Intentionally touching someone without their consent falls under the definition of illegal “sexual contact.” The statute N.J.S.A. 2C:14-1(d) specifically describes sexual contact as:

“A victim-tailored intentional touching – done directly or through clothing – of intimate parts belonging to either the actor or victim acts for purposes that include degrading/humiliating someone else or sexually arousing/gratifying themselves. Touching oneself sexually within view of the victim should be taken into account by an actor.”

The act must involve touching the victim’s intimate parts, which means that one must have touched the reproductive organs, genital area, anal area, inner thigh, buttock or breast of the victim.

When Does Sexual Contact Become Aggravated Under New Jersey Law?

N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (a)(2) – (7) mentions five circumstances that elevate any sex offense to third-degree aggravated sexual assault offense:

‚Ä¢ If the victim is aged between thirteen and sixteen years old, and the accused is the victim’s relative or supervisor;

• If a sex offense happens during acts of robbery, kidnapping, homicide, burglary, aggravated assault on someone else, arson, or criminal escape;

• If the actor uses their weapon or something mobile that appears to be one in threatening the victim;

• The actor employs force or coercion to cause severe injury Рi.e., severe bodily injury, disfigurement disease incapacitating mental anguish/chronic pain – to the victim; and

• When the victim is defenseless/physically impaired/incapacitated by any mental condition or defect that limits their awareness/reason comprehension of conduct and therefore could not have given consent.

Fines, Prison & Other Penalties for a New Jersey Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Conviction

The customary penalties for aggravated criminal sexual contact are five (5) years imprisonment plus a fine of up to $15k. You also face surcharges and penalties such as:

An $800 Nurse Examiner Program Fund Penalty
A $100 Prevention of Violence Against Women surcharge
A Sex Offender Assessment fee worth $750

Second or Subsequent Convictions on This Charge

If you’ve been convicted twice (or more) previously due to any sex crimes prior to your current conviction for aggravated criminal sexual contact, you cannot be paroled within five years of your incarceration.

Megan’s Law & Parole Supervision For Life (“PSL”) in New Jersey

On sentencing for third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges like this offense type, registration under Megan’s Law becomes mandatory. It mandates annual registry with one’s local police precinct and notification of a change of residence/address alongside having an offender’s photo/name/address posted on New Jersey’s Sex Offender Internet Registry.

Moreover, special parole supervision will also be in effect after one has violated N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(a), which means severe restrictions on internet accessibility and random inspections on the offender for their entire lives. Breaches of PSL terms are charged as separate third degree crimes.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations extends to two (2) years from when the offense was discovered or five (5) years from when a victim turned eighteen (18) if they were a minor while the charge was made, whichever is later. Opening up within this timeframe is considered timeous provided that there is a complaint or indictment already filed.

Conclusion

Being charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact in NJ can cause irreparable damage, resulting in the imposition of life-changing penalties such as parole supervision, permanent sex offender registration under Megan’s Law, and fines/penalties recorded to your name. Our competent lawyers have deftly represented clients facing allegations or charges like yours previously, ensuring you will be in capable hands should you employ our services. If charged with such claims, waste no time; contact us immediately for advice or help through this trying situation. 👉