In a recent NJ case, three men accused of sexual assault of a female victim pled instead to a lesser charge of criminal restraint. It is a timely reminder that a person charged with sexual assault or other sex crime has the same rights of due process and assumption of innocence as any criminal defendant. But the reality of the devastating consequences of a sex crime conviction makes a good defense to charges even more vital, as does the reality of the effect of sex charges on the reputation of the accused.

If you are charged with a sex crime, you are in for the fight of your life, but an experienced law firm, like the Lento Law Firm, can make all the difference.

Common Sex Crimes in NJ

Common Sexual Offenses under NJ law include:

• Criminal Sexual Contact
• Indecent Exposure
• Sexual Assault
• Statutory Sexual Assault
• Rape

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

While many sex crimes come with lengthy prison sentences, the consequences of a sex crime conviction continue long after the original sentence. The person convicted will be required to register as a sex offender and may lose a professional license or livelihood. They may be disqualified from certain state or federal benefits and may be forever barred from certain types of employment.

Harming Your Defense Prior to Charges

There may be an extended period of time from your first awareness of accusations until you are actually charged. During this period, many defendants make statements to family or friends that ultimately do damage to their defense. Sometimes, police have interviewed the accused repeatedly without the benefit of legal counsel and have manipulated the accused into some kind of admission harmful to their case.

At other times, the accused has spoken at length on social media about accusations, doing untold damage to their case and exacerbating damage to their reputation.

Rules for Surviving Sex Assault Accusations

1. Hire Experienced Counsel as soon as you become aware of allegations.
2. Do not talk to friends, family, or anyone else about the allegations. Talk to your lawyer.
3. Consult counsel before making statements to law enforcement.
4. Do not contact your accuser.
5. Consult your attorney with regard to your Defenses.

Whether you rely on a defense of consent or objective innocence or you present evidence that your accuser has made false accusations, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will be able to formulate and present the best defense possible in your case. The Lento Law Firm is experienced in defense of sex crime allegations and has successfully defended many clients accused of sex crimes. We can evaluate your case and present a vigorous defense to sex crime allegations to arrive at the best possible outcome to your case. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will contact you.