New Jersey Incest Defense Lawyers

New Jersey Related Statutes For Incest Charges

Certain Marriages and Unions Prohibited (37:1-1)

It’s against the law in New Jersey: N.J.S.A 37:1-1 to marry or enter into a civil union with a sibling, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, or any of their ancestors or descendants. The rule applies whether the parties are related by whole or half blood. However, it’s possible for a criminal defense attorney to successfully argue that the marriage or union is legal if both parties are of age and consented to the marriage.

Agresión sexual agravada

Depending on the victim’s age, incest under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, Agresión sexual agravada, is a first-degree crime that carries up to 20 years behind bars and $200,000 in fines, as well as mandatory sex offender registration. Those facing such allegations need knowledgeable New Jersey incest defense lawyers.

Aggravated sexual assault charges for incest are possible when the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 and the perpetrator is a relative or parent. These crimes involve force or coercion that results in a physical injury.

Agresión sexual

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, agresión sexual is a second-degree crime when the victim is under 13 and the accused is at least four years older or when the victim is 16-17 and a relative. It involves force or coercion but not necessarily injury. Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and sex offender registration.

Peligro para el bienestar de un menor

Prosecutors also have the option to bring child endangerment charges against an individual suspected of incest. N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, Peligro para el bienestar de un menor, makes it a crime to cause harm or engage in conduct that causes harm to a child under the age of 16. This includes causing a child to engage in sexual activity and knowingly photographing or recording that activity.

Child endangerment can be a second- or third-degree crime, with penalties similar to sexual assault. You need experienced sex crime lawyers to fight these charges.