Parsippany Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Morris County, New Jersey

NJ Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer – 2C:14-3

Do not let a sex crime accusation ruin the rest of your life. If you are convicted of criminal sexual contact in New Jersey, you could be facing serious prison time, heavy fines, and sex offender registration requirements. Speak with an experienced Morris County sex crimes defense attorney today about formulating an effective strategy to combat your charges.

The Tormey Law Firm is a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who have represented countless clients charged with sex crimes throughout New Jersey, including Denville, Morristown, Madison, Roxbury, Parsippany, and Mount Olive. Our firm’s founding partner, Travis J. Tormey, spent time at the United States Attorney’s Office, where he worked with the sex crimes unit on federal prosecutions. Mr. Tormey has also been successful numerous times in having individuals removed from Megan’s Law registration requirements. In 2010, Mr. Tormey was featured in the Asbury Park Press as a respected legal resource on Megan’s Law. Recently, he was recognized as one of the 10 best criminal lawyers in the State of NJ by the American Jurist Institute.

If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime charge in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact the Tormey Law Firm. You can call us today at 908-336-5008 or you can use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case.

Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer in Morristown NJ

The New Jersey statute which governs criminal sexual contact is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. The statute provides, in pertinent part:

a. An actor is guilty of aggravated criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2 a.(2) through (7). Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a crime of the third degree.

NOTE: The circumstances which can give rise to a charge of criminal sexual contact (in the third degree) include an act of sexual contact (but not penetration) when:

• the victim is less then 13 years old
• the victim is between 13 and 16 and the parties are related, is a teacher or coach, or guardian
• the act is committed during the commission of another crime (like burglary, robbery, kidnapping, etc.)
• the actor is armed with a weapon
• the actor is aided by others
• the actor uses force and the victim sustains severe injury
• the victim is mentally helpless, defective, or incapacitated.

b. An actor is guilty of criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in section 2C:14-2 c. (1) through (4). Criminal sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree.

NOTE: The circumstances which can give rise to a charge of criminal sexual contact (in the fourth degree) include an act of sexual contact when:

• force is used but the victim does not sustain severe injury
• the actor has supervisory power over the victim
• the victim is between 16 and 18 and the actor has supervisory power over them, they are related by blood, or are a guardian
• the victim is between 13 and 16 and the actor is at least four years older than the victim

Criminal Sexual Contact Penalties in New Jersey 

Criminal sexual contact is a lesser included offense of aggravated sexual assault, which is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2. As such, if a defendant commits an act under any of the circumstances set forth in N.J.S.A 2C:14-2, the sexual assault statute, but the act of sexual contact does not rise to the level of a sexual assault, the defendant will be charged with criminal sexual contact under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. This can be a crime of the third degree or the fourth degree, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime. It can also give rise to Megan’s Law registration requirements and/or community supervision for life.

Penalties for Third Degree Criminal Sexual Contact

If you are convicted of third degree criminal sexual contact in Morris County, the penalties can include the following:

• Permanent felony charge on your record (which may be expunged in certain circumstances after 5-10 years)
• 3-5 years in NJ state prison
• probation with up to 364 days in the Morris County jail
• $15,000 fine
• Megan’s law monitoring

Penalties for Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact

If you are convicted of fourth degree criminal sexual contact in Morris County, the penalties can include the following:

• Permanent felony charge on your record (which may be expunged in certain circumstances after 5-10 years)
• 18 months in NJ state prison
• probation with up to 364 days in the Morris County jail
• $10,000 fine
• Megan’s law monitoring

This is my 1st offense, am I going to jail?

Most likely you are not going to jail if this is your first felony conviction in New Jersey. For example, there is a presumption of no jail time for first time offenders who are convicted of third and fourth degree crimes in New Jersey. In addition, you may even be able to avoid a permanent felony charge on your record through the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. This is a first time offender program which allows a defendant to be placed on probation and, if they successfully complete the terms and conditions of probation, the charges are completely dismissed.

Contact a Madison Criminal Sexual Contact Defense Lawyer for Answers 

A conviction for criminal sexual contact in NJ can result in serious prison time. Additionally, you could be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Therefore it is imperative that you speak with an experienced sex crimes defense attorney immediately. Your freedom and your future could depend on it.

If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal sexual contact or another sex-related offense in New Jersey, contact the Tormey Law Firm today for a free consultation. You can call us at 201-355-5385 or toll-free at 866-949-6948, or you can use the online contact form.