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Facing child molestation charges can be highly stressful. At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC, we understand the complicated emotions you might be feeling. Our New Jersey child molestation lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and improve your chances of acquittal.
Allow us to explain your charges and the potential consequences if convicted. We will craft a strong defense and represent you throughout your case.
New Jersey recognizes both first- and second-degree child molestation offenses. Our criminal defense lawyers will break down your charges and the evidence the state has against you. With this information, we will begin building a defense.
As a reminder, a first-degree offense is more serious than a second-degree offense.
First-degree child molestation refers to an act of sexual penetration with a person less than 13 years old. A first-degree offense also occurs when there is an act of sexual penetration with a person between 13 and 16 years old whom the perpetrator is related to, is the guardian of, or has a close relationship with.
A second-degree offense happens when there is sexual contact with a child less than 13 years old if the perpetrator is at least four years older than the child or when there is sexual penetration with a child between 13 and 16 years old when the perpetrator is at least four years older. In this context, sexual contact refers to intentional touching of the child’s intimate parts.
A person may be charged with endangering the welfare of a child if they engage in sexual conduct with a child whom they have a legal duty or an assumed responsibility to care for. This is a second-degree offense.
Luring is a third-degree offense that involves attempting to entice a child to meet with you for the purpose of committing a criminal offense against or with them. Our New Jersey child molestation lawyers commonly see this charge combined with other sexual offenses.
You might be charged with criminal sexual contact if you commit any act of sexual contact:
Case Study
A recent case in Somerset County, Somerville, New Jersey, venue in the Superior Court proved that point. A man was accused of sexual assault, violation of NJSA 2C: 14-2. The allegation was that while a woman was drunk, he took advantage of her and committed the act of sexual assault. He was in prison for five to 10 years, under Megan’s Law.
The potential penalties for your charges depend on the specific charge and other factors, such as your criminal history. You may be subject to fines and a prison sentence. New Jersey does have a minimum sentencing requirement for repeat offenders of at least five years in prison.
Our New Jersey child molestation lawyers will review your charges and help you understand what penalties you might face. Under Megan’s Law and the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, you may face parole supervision for life (PSL). This would require you to remain under the supervision of the State Parole Board for at least 15 years and possibly the rest of your life.
Under Megan’s Law, sex offenders in New Jersey are classified into three tiers based on their risk of re-offending.
Our NJ sex offense attorneys can help you fight for a lower tier classification under Megan’s Law and aid your re-entry into the community.
At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC, our child sex crime lawyers have significant experience with and understanding of New Jersey’s child molestation laws. Attorney Joseph Del Russo even helped draft the Registrant Risk Assessment Scale, which is the scale the state currently uses to classify sex offenders into the above three tiers.
We have over 300 years of combined experience advocating for our clients’ rights. We take a team approach to addressing clients’ legal issues, combining our knowledge and diverse experience to improve case outcomes.
Retaining strong juvenile abuse legal counsel is the first step in defending your charges. Our New Jersey child molestation lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you through this challenging time.
Whether you are facing child molestation charges or charges for any other New Jersey sex crime laws, we are the team to call.
Contact our New Jersey criminal lawyers at (908) 873-3571 or online for a confidential initial consultation and case evaluation. Your initial consultation will take place over the phone, and you can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.
The Aiello Harris Abate Law Group is made of a group of professionals that are here to help you through all challenges.
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