What Can Happen If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime
A sex crime is one of the most personal and explosive crimes someone can be accused of. Being accused of a sex crime will affect your permanent reputation if you must register under Megan’s Law. Even if you are not charged, the allegation itself will change how you are viewed in the community. If you are accused of committing a sex crime, it may feel like you do not have any options. Here is general information, possible outcomes, and tips on what you should do if you’re accused of one in the Garden State.
Possible Sex Crime Charges in New Jersey
“Sex crimes” are referred to as any criminal charge that includes sexual activity. These include:
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual abuse
- Statutory rape and date rape
- Internet sex crimes
- Harassment
- Child pornography
- Human trafficking
- Failure to register as a sex offender
- Sexual assault
- and more
Regardless of the charge, you still have rights under New Jersey law.
Megan’s Law
Megan’s Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2.) is a statute enacted in 1994. The law requires that information on registered sex felons must be open to the public. The following convictions are required to be made public by Megan’s Law.
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Luring
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact
If the individual is a minor, the following convictions are also required to be made public under Megan’s Law:
- Criminal sexual contact
- False imprisonment
- Promoting prosecution of a child
- Kidnapping
According to the New Jersey State Police, the registry is not an exhaustive listing of every person who has ever committed any sex offense in New Jersey. Individuals, including youths, who have been found guilty of a sex crime or found not guilty by reason of insanity are required to register on the sex offender registry under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law. The sex offender internet registry includes pertinent information on tier 3 offenders (those who post a high risk of re-offense) and tier 2 offenders (those who pose a moderate risk of re-offense)
Consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney
One of the most important things you can do if you are charged with any crime is to talk to a criminal defense attorney before talking to police. Often, when people are accused of sex crime they may feel intense emotions and feel tempted to tell police their side of the story. If you are accused of a sex crime, it may be result of a sting operation. Therefore, the police who you believe to be helping you may have charged you with the crime in the first place.
In order to stay off the sex registration it is imperative that you find an experienced and aggressive attorney to fight on your side. Being registered as a sex offender is one of the harshest legal punishments. Registered sex offenders live under extremely restricted rights and it makes it impossible to live a normal life.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Sex Crime Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a sex crime in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. Gelman Law, LLC has successfully represented clients charged with sex crimes in Cherry Hill, Gloucester City, Mt. Laurel, Moorestown and throughout New Jersey. Call (856)-474-1450 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 Rt. 70 East Suite 4 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
