Short Hills Sex Crimes Lawyer

The New Jersey prosecutor offices aggressively prosecute sex crimes that vary in degree. A conviction for a sex offense can tremendously impact your future and can have lasting consequences that will last throughout your life.

Regardless of the severity of the charges you face, all sex crime convictions carry a stigma that could have lifelong consequences. When you face prosecution for a sex crime, our determined defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights. Call a Short Hills sex crimes lawyer today to learn more.

Examples of Sex Crimes

New Jersey law includes a wide range of sex crimes and associated penalties. For example, being convicted of a sex crime in the fourth degree carries a sentence of up to 18 months in jail, while conviction for a sex crime in the first degree carries a potential life imprisonment and registration as a sex offender.

Sex crime charges include:

• Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault
• Prostitution
• Criminal sexual contact
• Sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child
• Child pornography
• Human trafficking

A knowledgeable attorney in Short Hills could investigate your sex crimes charge and explain the potential penalties if convicted.

Degrees of Sex Crimes

The nature of the allegations and specific case facts will determine how the crime you are charged with is classified. Each grade level of offense includes penalties that range in severity, with the most severe penalties imposed on a first degree offense.

If you are charged with a first-degree offense, not only is there a presumption of imprisonment upon conviction, but the length of prison time is severe, as you can be sentenced to a term of 25 years to life.  Conviction for a second-degree offense also carries a presumption of incarceration with a maximum term of ten years imprisonment.

Third and fourth degree offenses do not have a presumption of incarceration, though should still be taken very seriously. While an imposed term of imprisonment is not required, you can nonetheless be sentenced up to 18 months in prison for a fourth degree offense, and up to five years in prison for a third degree offense.

Further, like all indictable offenses, convictions of any degree will require the imposition of mandatory fines that could be financially devastating.  The maximum imposed fine for the lowest-level indictable offense (a fourth degree) is $10,000. The maximum imposed fine for the highest-level indictable offense (a first degree) is $200,000.

No Early Release Act

In New Jersey, certain convictions subject a defendant to the No Early Release Act and are therefore known as a NERA offense. If convicted of a NERA offense, a defendant is required to serve of a minimum of 85 percent of their prison sentence before they become eligible for parole.

For example, Aggravated Sexual Assault, a first-degree offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, is designated as a NERA offense. This is especially significant to consider when forming a defense strategy. An experienced attorney in Short Hills can help put forth the best strategy to minimize your exposure and prepare a powerful defense for your sex crimes charge.

Schedule a Consultation With a Seasoned Sex Crimes Attorney in Short Hills

Facing severe criminal charges is stressful and, for many, incredibly frightening. Fortunately, you do not have to face your charges alone. A dedicated attorney from our team will review the charges against you and will thoroughly address your questions and concerns.

Our Short Hills sex crimes lawyers at Williams Law Group will fight to defend your rights and freedom. Call today to schedule a consultation with our legal team.