Call for an Initial Consultation (908) 561-5577
Defending Individuals' Rights Since 1955
Sex crimes in New Jersey carry harsh penalties for violators, but clearing your name of the charges is possible with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC, our New Jersey criminal sexual contact lawyers approach these cases without judgment. We gather sufficient evidence and advocate on your behalf when law enforcement officers bring charges against you.
Discover what criminal sexual contact charges entail and the defense strategies we explore in cases like these.
According to the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, criminal sexual contact involves engaging in any type of sexual conduct in any of the following circumstances:
New Jersey criminal sexual contact statutes N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 outline the criteria for these offenses. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a more serious offense since it involves:
These instances count as third-degree crimes, in which case our New Jersey criminal sexual contact lawyers know how to litigate for clients facing such charges.
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.
According to the New Jersey penal code, anyone convicted of criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree could receive a sentence of up to 18 months in prison. Other potential penalties for criminal sexual contact in New Jersey include large fines and mandatory registration on the state’s list of convicted sex offenders.
Convicted offenders have to live with the consequences of their actions for years to come. Having this offense on your criminal record can affect your housing and employment opportunities.
What is criminal sexual contact in New Jersey? What is the difference between criminal sexual contact and aggravated criminal sexual contact? We receive many questions regarding these complex legal cases.
Learn more about sex crime charges below.
The statute of limitations for these cases is five years from the date of the act. The deadline extends for victims under the age of 18. Cases involving minors may be filed within five years of the victim turning 18 or two years of becoming aware of the offense.
Sexual contact refers to the intentional touching of intimate parts either directly or over clothing. The act must occur with the main purpose of either degrading a victim or sexually arousing or gratifying the perpetrator.
Yes, non-consensual kissing qualifies as a sex crime, especially if an actor kisses any of a victim’s intimate parts.
New Jersey’s legal age of consent is 16. Individuals must provide consent either verbally or with their actions.
Criminal sexual contact is a fourth-degree offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months for convicted offenders. Our New Jersey criminal sexual contact lawyers aim to clear a defendant’s name of any wrongdoing in these cases.
Sex crime legal defense strategies vary. New Jersey criminal sexual contact lawyers work with the accused to better understand the nature of the incident. A common defense in these cases involves a reasonable belief that the victim consented before any contact occurred.
At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC, we understand the intricacies of these cases and the arguments prosecutors use against defendants. We’re a trusted law firm with extensive knowledge of statutes about sex crimes, and the New Jersey and federal sex crime laws.
If you need a sexual assault lawyer, our legal team is ready to answer the call.
Call us today at (908) 873-3571 or contact us. 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.
Get to Know UsOur law firm does not stop at Criminal Sexual Contact Charges — take a look at how we can help you overcome your legal obstacles.
View all Practice AreasLegal Disclosures | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Sitemap
Cookie Consent PreferencesAttorney Advertising - this website is designed for general information only. Nothing on this web site or its associated pages, comments, links, e-mail responses, articles or other communications and information are intended to be taken as legal advice for your individual situation. This web site is an advertisement for legal services only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
Disclaimer - This Information Should Not Create An Unjustified Expectation That Similar Results Can Be Obtained For Others Without Regards To Specific Factual And Legal Circumstances
© 2025 Aiello Harris Abate, Law Group PC, All Rights Reserved
Marketing by Focus Visibility Law Firm Marketing
