Sex Crime Defense in Monmouth County

There are currently 317 registered sex offenders in Monmouth County. This corresponds to a ratio of 3.26 offenders for every 10,000 residents. Prosecutors across New Jersey aggressively pursue these cases and will impose harsh penalties on those convicted. Individuals who are arrested and charged with sex crimes should promptly consult with an experienced defense attorney.

Summary of Common Sex Crimes in New Jersey

  • Aggravated sexual assault: first degree
  • Sexual assault: second degree
  • Aggravated criminal sexual contact: third-degree
  • Criminal sexual contact: fourth degree
  • Lewdness: fourth-degree or disorderly person offense

Key Factors: Sexual Penetration and Sexual Contact (2C:14-1)

As indicated above, sexual assault and criminal sexual contact are serious crimes. It is critical to define sexual penetration and sexual contact when understanding how these offenses are committed. Sexual penetration is committed when a body part or object is inserted into the vagina or anus, which is a key element in a first-degree aggravated sexual assault case.

Sexual contact occurs when the victim's “intimate parts” are intentionally touched either directly or through clothing. These acts may seek to degrade or humiliate the victim and/or for the perpetrator's sexual arousal or gratification. Intimate parts include the “sexual organs, genital area, anal area, inner thigh, groin, buttock or breast.”

Mandatory Sentencing for Repeat Offenses (2C:14-6)

If an offender is convicted for the second time of crimes such as sexual assault or criminal sexual contact they will have a minimum fixed sentence of five years imposed with no eligibility for parole. The courts are not permitted to suspend any portion of the sentence.

Statute of Limitations

There is no statute of limitations that applies to sexual assault crimes in New Jersey. The victim may bring criminal charges regardless of how much time has elapsed since the alleged incident occurred.

Criminal Penalties (Maximum)

  • First-degree: Imprisonment of 10 to 20 years and up to a $200,000 fine
  • Second-degree: Imprisonment of five to 10 years and up to $150,000 fine
  • Third-degree: Imprisonment of three to five years and a $15,000 fine
  • Fourth-degree: Imprisonment of fewer than 18 months and a $10,000 fine
  • Disorderly person offense: Up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine

New Jersey Sex Offender Registry

Many convicted sex offenders are required to register with the local authorities under Megan's Law. Their identity is added to a central online database that is available for public access. Offenders that fail to comply may be charged with a third-degree offense.

Local offenders must complete a Uniform Monmouth County Sex Offender Registration Form. The County Prosecutor's Office is then responsible for determining if the offender qualifies for submission to the state database.

Effective Legal Representation in Sex Crime Cases

Have you been arrested and charged with sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness or similar sexually-based offense? Those who are convicted of these and other serious offenses are likely to face a prison sentence and be classified as a registered sex offender. Joseph D. Lento is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer that effectively represents clients in these actions. Contact the office at (888) 535-3686 for a consultation.

​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1500 Walnut St, St 500
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 535-5353
Newark, New Jersey
One Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
888-535-3686
2 more locations

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu