NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ Sex Crimes Lawyers

The Harsh Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in NJ

A conviction for a sex crime in New Jersey can change the course of one’s entire life. The state imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for anyone found guilty of committing such an offense, and among other things, offenders will also be required to pay fines and register with the state.

A sex crime conviction may range from being classified as either a first or second-degree felony depending on its nature.

Sex crimes are offenses where the offender performs sexual penetration or contact against another person. Depending on the specifics of the offense and victim age, a sex crime conviction in New Jersey carries different consequences. Some cases require offenders to register with the state as sexual offenders.

First-degree felony sex crimes are severe in nature and carry harsh penalties. If found guilty of committing such an offense, there is a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years which can go up to twenty years as the maximum punishment. In addition to this, fines that can reach up to $200,000 may also apply.

Second-degree felony sex crimes have less severity than those categorized as first-degree felonies; they carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years which can go up to ten years as their maximum punishment. The fine imposed if convicted ranges up to $150,000.

At sentencing time, a judge will determine the degree of penalty appropriate based on factors that include criminal history, victim age & nature of offense.

If convicted of committing a sex crime in New Jersey, you’ll need to register with Megan’s Law registry site for fifteen years at least. Depending on case specifics, some could find themselves registered for life.

Convicted individuals face challenges ahead including stigmatization due to being listed in public records alongside limited travel activities plus employment options among others.

Megan’s Law

Megan’s law came into force following events surrounding seven-year-old Megan Kanka who was raped and killed by her neighbor who was also a convicted sex offender. The law requires notifying individuals in a community where a sex offender resides while also providing stiffer penalties for related offenses.

A conviction of any sexual offense means that within minutes, hundreds of people will find out about it. Such information spreads quickly through social media sites and the like, potentially reaching the whole world in hours. Furthermore, offenders are required to add personal address & photo details on the online registry accessible to anyone 24/7.

While such measures promote safer communities, they can cause harm to those affected if not accurately applied. Contrary to popular belief, not every person convicted of a sex crime harms children. Consider seeking help from lawyers specializing in sex crimes within NJ to reduce risks when facing such charges.

Penalties for Sex Crimes

The New Jersey penal code NJSA 43-6(c) mandates that sex crime convictions lead to mandatory minimum prison sentences based on specific degrees of felonies imposed. More often than not, the length of time behind bars depends on circumstances surrounding each conviction as determined by a judge or jury.

Some types of sex crimes attracting severe penalty include:

• Sexual Assault: This charge is categorized as second-degree crime in New Jersey when an offender forcefully penetrates another person sexually without consent given beforehand. In instances where victims are below thirteen years old “sexual contact” is sufficient grounds for charging an individual with this offense.

• Prostitution: Under penal code NJSA 2C:34-1 exchanging money for sexual acts or favors attracts criminal liability whether one offers services or requests them in New Jersey.

• Child Pornography: Possessing distributing, viewing child pornography; all third-degree offenses bearing serious implications in New Jersey legal circles.

• Human Trafficking: Human trafficking carries serious implications and shows little regard for human life classifyable as first-degree felony under New Jersey law enforcement.In some cases same may occur with aggravated assault

If charged with a sex-related crime, immediately consult experienced lawyers specializing in effective defense strategies to ensure fair outcomes. The stakes are quite high and could result in more than just time spent behind bars, it could mean a change of your entire way of life.

Table: First & Second-Degree Felonies

| Offense Categories | Severity & Imposed Penalties |
|———————-|———————————————————————————–|
|First Degree Sex Crime | 10-year mandatory minimum imprisonment with possible 20-year max sentence & up to $200,000 fine |
|———————-|———————————————————————————–|
| Second Degree Sex Crime | 5- year mandatory minimum imprisonment with possible 10-year max sentence & up to $150,000 fine|

Table: Types of Sexual Offenses

| Type of Sex Crime | Details |
|——————-|——————————————————————————————————————————-|
| Sexual Assault | Forced penetration without consent or “sexual contact” with victims below thirteen years old is categorized as second-degree crime |
| Prostitution | Never legal in New Jersey and attracts criminal liability when money is exchanged for sexual acts |
| Child Pornography | Possession, distribution, or viewing such content; illegal when having individuals below eighteen engaging in sexual activity |
| Human Trafficking | Knowingly holding or being responsible for recruiting people for sexual activity they would otherwise not choose |

NB:

• judges choose the degree of penalty based mainly on relevant case specifics like victim age, and nature of offense.

• registering with Megan’s Law registry ensures worldwide public access to personal details through an online database accessible any time.