Sex Offenses

If you have been charged (or think you may be charged) with a sex offense under New Jersey law, you need representation by an experienced New Jersey sex crimes lawyer right away. It is absolutely essential that you do not make any statements to any representative of law enforcement. Insist on invoking your right to legal representation, and contact us, immediately.

Sex crimes are particularly devastating for the defendant and his or her family. Aside from the possible penalties, they destroy the reputation of the accused when word of the charges gets out. Few things are more harmful to the standing of a member of any community than the label "sex offender".

The criminal penalties for a conviction for a sex crime can be extremely harsh. They can include prison time, commitment to a "rehabilitative" institution (even after the end of any prison sentence that may be imposed), registration under Megan's Law, and parole supervision for life for a minimum of 15 years, which can include having the defendant's photograph posted on the Internet. Thus, the punishment for a sex offense can continue for years, and even decades, after the case has ended. Convicted sex offenders can have restrictions placed upon where they can live, the kinds of jobs they can take, and even whether they can have custody of their own children. Only an experienced New Jersey sex crimes lawyer can tell you what you are facing.

The term "sex offense" can encompass a wide array of conduct, such as:

• Sexual Assault;
• Aggravated Sexual Assault;
• Criminal Sexual Contact;
• Rape (including "date rape" and statutory rape);
• Sexual Abuse;
• Child Molestation;
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child;
• Conduct Related to the Use of Computers and the Internet, such as distribution of child pornography and solicitation of a minor;
• Sex Crimes that Occur on a School Campus;
• Public Lewdness and Indecent Exposure;
• Prostitution (including solicitation and loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution);
• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; and
• Violating a Term or Condition of Parole Supervision for Life.

Charges for sex crimes can arise from consensual or non-consensual sex, or even activities that do not involve actual physical contact.

Frequently, sex offense charges arise from situations where the sole basis for the charge is the word of the alleged victim (a "he-said-she-said" situation). These cases can also stem from statements made by children which, oftentimes, are actually coerced by adults (e.g., representatives of law enforcement who are simply taking advantage of their highly impressionable nature). A seasoned sex offense attorney can tell the difference between a set of facts that will actually support criminal charges, as opposed to meaningless events that should lead to a decision to not charge or a dismissal.

Sex offense cases are high stakes cases. A licensed professional convicted of a sex crime can lose their license, their practice, their livelihood and their career. A student with a sex offense conviction faces expulsion and the end of their academic career, as well as everything that would have followed it. Any defendant in a sex crimes case needs immediate representation from a knowledgeable and seasoned New Jersey sexual assault attorney who will vigorously pursue every avenue to ward off the catastrophic consequences that often accompany a conviction for a sex crime.

If you were convicted of a sex offense and now seek relief from Megan’s Law and CSL/PSL obligations, you need representation from an experienced New Jersey Megan’s Law attorney who can advise you as to whether or not you meet the requirements to get off Megan’s and CSL/PSL, prepare and file the necessary papers with the Court, and then represent you at any hearing. Defendants who have to deal with the burdensome requirements imposed by Megan’s Law and CSL/PSL should not do so any longer than is absolutely necessary. Rather, they should speak with an experienced Megan’s Law lawyer who can help them end the nightmare.

We are New Jersey sex offense lawyers and Megan’s Law attorneys, and represent defendants charged with sex crimes in all courts throughout New Jersey and New York City. If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime, do not speak to law enforcement regardless of what they may say to you to get you to make a statement. Instead, your first conversation should be with New Jersey sex crimes attorney James S. Friedman, Esq. Contact us immediately to learn about the best way to defend against charges of sex crimes, or to get off Megan’s Law and CSL/PSL.