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Internet sex crimes present harsh penalties for convicted offenders, including sexting charges that endanger the welfare of a child. Our New Jersey sexting criminal defense lawyers understand the severity of these charges and explore every avenue to clear your name. At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC, we approach these cases without judgment and create compelling defenses for our clients.
The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice recognizes various internet sex crimes through N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4 as first- and second-degree offenses. Criminal activity includes:
Even if the offender is under the age of 18, they still face legal implications under the state’s juvenile sexting laws. A sexting defense lawyer can help you make sense of the legislation and consequences of exploiting minors.
To protect minors, law enforcement officials can present someone with second-degree criminal charges if they have a legal duty to care for a child and cause them harm through neglect, abuse, or sexual conduct. Those who act in this manner but do not have a legal responsibility to care for the child will face third-degree charges.
How exactly could someone commit these acts? Child endangerment charges may stem from the following sex crimes.
Being convicted of possessing, distributing, and producing child pornography comes with harsh penalties, including large fines and lengthy prison sentences. However, New Jersey sexting criminal defense lawyers gather sufficient evidence and use strong defense strategies to either reduce the sentence or clear the defendant’s name.
A minor doesn’t have to be engaging in sexual conduct for these charges to come to fruition. Law enforcement officials target offenders who share obscene items with children, such as pornographic videos or images.
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.
New Jersey views sexting between two minors as a criminal offense, though there are some special considerations in place. Whereas adults engaging in these acts typically face punishment, those under 18 have growth opportunities.
The state aims to educate those facing juvenile sexting charges so they understand that their seemingly innocent act is a form of child pornography. Rehabilitation programs exist to prevent this harmful behavior.
New Jersey sexting criminal defense lawyers passionately support defendants with the following strategies:
A reputable New Jersey sex crime attorney will explore every possible defense to make the outcome more favorable for their client.
While no federal statutes exist for the act of sexting, the legislation does extend to offenses like possessing, producing, or distributing child pornography. If a minor sends you a sexually explicit image of themself and you distribute it to others, federal prosecutors will try to convict you.
Learn about New Jersey’s sex crime laws.
Say two 17-year-olds are involved in a sexting case. Due to their age, the case will proceed in juvenile court. Defendants over 18, however, will be tried in adult court.
Certain protections exist for minors engaging in sexting. Rather than facing harsh punishments, New Jersey sexting criminal defense lawyers argue for the accused to participate in the state’s diversion program. Depending on their culpability, a judge may or may not rule for minors to participate in this program.
Clearing your criminal record may be possible if you’re charged as a minor. To be eligible for expungement, you must complete a mandatory waiting period with no new convictions or pending charges.
Adults, on the other hand, don’t have the same protections available. Expungement isn’t possible for certain sex crimes, including child pornography charges. Courts also place the following punishments on offenders.
Convicted sex offenders must join the state’s official registry under Megan’s Law. This alerts communities to the possible dangers an individual presents.
The State Parole Board will continue to monitor those convicted of sex crimes. Officers may restrict activities like traveling out of state and using the internet to prevent illegal activity through New Jersey’s parole supervision for life (PSL) program.
Sexual criminal charges can suddenly bring your future into question. Let our New Jersey sexting criminal defense lawyers advocate for you. We take on cases for both juvenile and adult offenders with dedication.
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.
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