If you have been accused of a sex crime in Hudson County, New Jersey, you're likely facing a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, confusion, anger--all these feelings are perfectly normal, yet extremely overwhelming. Being accused of a sex crime can turn your life upside down in an instant, and the consequences can be far-reaching and devastating. Suddenly, you're facing not just potential jail time but also the prospect of a damaged reputation, strained relationships, child custody issues, career setbacks, the loss of professional licenses, and even possible lifetime registration as a sex offender. Even if the charges are eventually dismissed, or you are found not guilty, the mere accusations can inflict long-lasting harm on your reputation due to the associated societal stigma.
If you find yourself in this situation, don't underestimate the potential peril to your freedom. Hudson County law enforcement agencies respond swiftly to sex crime accusations, and the NJ Attorney General's Office requires local authorities to alert prosecutors of all sexual assault claims within 24 hours of receiving them. Despite the principle of presumed innocence until proven guilty, you may find yourself in a precarious situation in your bid to defend yourself. Your best hope of avoiding the worst is to hire a New Jersey criminal defense attorney with specific experience in these types of cases.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team has many years of experience successfully defending against sex crime allegations in Hudson County and other parts of New Jersey. We will work to protect your rights while helping you obtain the best possible outcome. Reach out at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
Sexual Offense Categories in New Jersey
In New Jersey, sex offenses and other crimes are divided into five classifications based on the nature and severity of the crime. They are ranked as follows, from most severe to least:
- First-Degree Offense: Punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $200,000
- Second-Degree Offense: Punishable by 5 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $150,000
- Third-Degree Offense: Punishable by 3 to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $15,000
- Fourth-Degree Offense: Punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000
- Disorderly Persons Offense: Punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000
These degrees are assigned to certain sex crimes based on their severity, with some flexibility based on circumstances. For example, aggravated sexual assault is typically categorized under first-degree sex crimes in New Jersey, while lesser offenses such as indecent behavior or lewdness are generally classified as fourth-degree crimes and disorderly persons offenses, respectively.
The legal repercussions of sex crimes in New Jersey can differ based on the nature and degree of the offense. For example, acts involving sexual penetration are treated differently from those involving sexual contact without penetration. New Jersey law defines sexual penetration as "vaginal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal intercourse" by the insertion of a finger, hand, or object. Criminal sexual contact, conversely, occurs when the accused intentionally touches the victim's "intimate parts," either directly or through clothing, often for the purpose of humiliation, degradation, sexual arousal, or gratification.
The degree of the offense is also influenced by various factors, such as the age of the parties involved, the specifics of the act, and the relationship between the alleged offender and the victim, among other considerations.
The Consent Factor in New Jersey
Crimes of sexual assault or criminal sexual contact are defined by whether or not consent occurs. When the alleged victim either refuses consent for the sexual act or is legally incapable of providing such consent, the act is a crime. Individuals with mental or physical disabilities, people incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, and those who are unconscious are considered incapable of giving consent, as well as anyone under the age of 16. It's also a sex crime for anyone in a parental, guardian, or supervisory role over a minor aged 16-18 to engage in sexual activity with them, regardless of whether the minor gives consent.
New Jersey law provides an exception regarding minors and consent: for individuals aged between 13 and 16, consensual sexual contact is not illegal as long as the sex partner is no more than four years older. For instance, a consensual sexual relationship between a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old would not be deemed illegal.
Types of Sexual Offenses in New Jersey
Sexual offenses in New Jersey include numerous behaviors, some of which are highlighted below. (Not an exhaustive list.)
Sexual Assault (Rape)
Sexual assault, minus aggravating factors, is considered a second-degree crime in New Jersey. It entails nonconsensual sexual penetration that is forced or coerced but does not cause physical harm. The classification also includes instances where the victim is a minor, mentally or physically incapacitated, or under the defendant's legal guardianship or supervision.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault is akin to sexual assault but involves one or more aggravating factors. These may include scenarios where the assault takes place concurrently with another crime, the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated, or the act involves force resulting in injury or the threat of force with a weapon.
Criminal Sexual Contact/Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
These actions, categorized as fourth and third-degree crimes, respectively, fulfill the criteria for sexual assault but involve unwanted sexual contact (touching "intimate parts") without penetration.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is a fourth-degree crime that involves exposing one's private parts for sexual gratification when the offender reasonably expects to be observed by a child under 13, other minors relative to the age of the defendant, or an individual with a mental disability that hinders them from understanding the sexual nature of the act.
Lewdness
Considered a disorderly persons offense, lewdness refers to when the defendant reasonably anticipates that their sexual behavior will be witnessed by "nonconsenting persons who would be offended or alarmed." When committed against victims younger than 13 or minors, if the alleged perpetrator is at least four years older, lewdness is elevated to indecent exposure.
Statutes of Limitations for Prosecuting Sex Crimes in Hudson County
Sexual offenses in New Jersey can lead to criminal charges, civil charges, or both. The statute of limitations establishes the timeframe within which a sexual offense can be prosecuted or, in civil actions, the deadline for initiating a lawsuit. This law encourages timely legal action while also ensuring equitable treatment of the defendant. New Jersey has modified its statutes of limitations to accommodate various situations.
Civil Cases
In civil cases pursuing financial reparation, New Jersey's statute of limitations permits victims alleging childhood sexual offenses until 37 years after their 18th birthday to file a claim. Adult plaintiffs have seven years from the moment they recognize that a past sex offense against them has caused harm.
Criminal Charges
The State of New Jersey has eliminated all time limitations for prosecuting sexual assault and aggravated sex crimes. Moreover, there is no time limit for legal action when the victim was a minor at the time of the offense. For lesser sex offenses (e.g., lewdness, criminal sexual contact), the statute of limitations ranges from one year for disorderly persons offenses to five years for indictable (felony) offenses.
Can Accusations of Sexual Misconduct Be Privately Settled?
In some instances, an individual accused of a sexual offense might attempt to settle "privately" with the accuser in hopes of avoiding criminal charges or "buying their silence." However, this strategy is ineffective in New Jersey. By law, any private settlement involving the commission of a crime (including sex crimes) is considered void and unenforceable. Thus, even if the alleged victim signs an agreement, it doesn't prevent them from pressing charges later, nor does it preclude prosecution for sex crimes.
Mandatory Minimum Penalties for Sexual Crimes
While certain sex offenses carry lesser penalties than others, New Jersey law mandates that repeat sexual offenders may face mandatory minimum sentencing, irrespective of the nature of the offense. In legal terms, even a second offense indicates persistent unlawful behavior. Moreover, if you have a prior conviction for a sex crime in another state, New Jersey still counts that as a prior, even if it's your first offense in this state.
Repeat sexual offenders are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years without eligibility for parole during this period, and the court doesn't have the authority to modify this predetermined sentence by reducing or suspending it. Some situations may qualify for a reduced prison term under New Jersey's "No Early Release Act." However, these individuals must still serve at least 85% of their sentence before being considered for parole.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration in New Jersey
Certain sexual offenses in New Jersey mandate the perpetrator to enlist as a sex offender, irrespective of whether the crime is perceived as "less severe" or the court opts for probation or alternative treatment instead of incarceration. If you are found guilty of any such offense, regardless of the sentence you receive, you'll be required to maintain your registration as a sex offender for life.
New Jersey law identifies several sexual crimes that necessitate registration, including:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact
- Criminal sexual contact involving a minor
- Compromising a child's welfare through sexual contact, pornography, or prostitution
- Luring, enticing, kidnapping, criminal restraint, and/or false imprisonment of a minor
Registered individuals are categorized into three tiers based on their predicted likelihood of reoffending. Each tier determines the level of information available to the public. Offenses in higher tiers necessitate more comprehensive details on the registry, including the offender's residential address. While lower-tier offenses do not require this information, the offender must still inform local law enforcement of their whereabouts in certain locations and update their address whenever they relocate, whether within Hudson County or elsewhere. Regardless of the tier or severity, if your conviction qualifies for sex offender registration, your information will be permanently listed on the registry—even for minor offenses and irrespective of whether you commit another crime.
Why You Need a Skilled Attorney to Defend Against Sex Crimes in Hudson County
If you're facing criminal charges for a sexual offense in Hudson County, New Jersey, your trial will take place at:
Hudson County Superior Court
William J. Brennan Jr. Courthouse
583 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
For sex crime charges, you must consider everything that is at stake for you, including:
- Your freedom
- Your career
- Your reputation
- Your professional license (if you have one)
- Your custody rights
- Your family relationships
- Possible sex offender registration requirements
Because of these high stakes, representing yourself in court is highly inadvisable, even if you are completely innocent of the charges. In Hudson County, law enforcement vigorously pursues sex crime cases, employing meticulous methods to investigate, prosecute, and penalize those accused. Without effective legal representation, your chances of conviction and severe sentencing go up considerably.
The best way to protect yourself against these adverse outcomes while safeguarding your reputation and freedom lies in securing the services of a skilled experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm boasts a track record of successfully defending against sex crime charges in Hudson County and throughout New Jersey. We're ready to stand alongside you, providing a robust, strategically designed defense that prioritizes your rights and general well-being.
Don't take unnecessary risks with your freedom, your reputation, or your future. Our Criminal Defense Team is ready to help. To schedule a consultation, call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us via our online form today.
