Ocean County, New Jersey law enforcement has charged a Jackson teacher with possession of child pornography and endangering the welfare of a child after finding nude photos of a student on his mobile phone. Andrew Fantasia had previously also been charged with aggravated criminal sexual conduct for alleged sexual contact with a student.

New Jersey takes allegations of sexual assault or other sex crimes seriously, but the penalties are particularly harsh when dealing with an alleged underage victim. If you've been charged with a sex crime, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is here for you. Call 888-535-3686 or submit your details online,

New Jersey Law Regarding Sex With Minors

Generally speaking, the age of consent in NJ is 16 years of age. But for teachers and those in “supervisory positions” over minors, the issue of consent is much more complicated. New Jersey law defines sex between an adult in a supervisory position and a minor between 16 and 18 years of age as Sexual Assault. If an adult in a supervisory position has sex with a child under 13 years of age, it meets the definition of Aggravated Sexual Assault.

Conviction of either of these crimes will result in severe penalties. Sexual assault is punishable by a prison term of 5-10 years and a fine of up to $150,000.00. Aggravated Sexual Assault is punishable by a prison term of no less than 15 years and a fine of up to $200,000.00.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

For those charged with a sex crime, fighting charges can be an uphill battle. These charges carry a stigma, and the legal system is not kind or lenient to defendants. However, a sex crime conviction leads to many negative consequences and limitations. If you are convicted, you will be required to register as a sex offender, and your name will appear in the state and federal sex offender databases. You may not be able to own a handgun, serve on a jury, or hold public office. More importantly, you will be unable to work in many different professions, and you will be unable to volunteer at your child's school. You may even be disqualified from some public benefits and aid programs.

Sex Crime Defenses

An individual charged with a sex crime has a right to an effective defense. The following defenses to sex crimes may be available:

• Objective innocence.
• Insufficient evidence.
• Consent, but not for sex crimes with minors.
• Exclusion of wrongfully acquired evidence.

Anyone charged with a crime has a right to a fair trial and a vigorous defense. We take this issue seriously at the Lento Law Firm. Often, a criminal trial will hinge on who the jury believes to be more truthful. The best outcome is more likely when both sides present their case in the best and most effective way possible, and the Lento Law Firm will do that for each and every client.

If you are facing an investigation or charges related to alleged illegal sexual behavior, you must have a strong and effective legal team on your side. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has plenty of experience defending those charged with sex crimes. Tell us about your case by calling 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will contact you.