Sexual Assault in New Jersey
Can you imagine the damage done to a person’s reputation and life after being falsely accused of a sexual crime? Countless lives have been irreparably damaged by false accusations and unjustified imprisonment. With the sweeping #MeToo movement, it’s important to also consider the rights of men and women who are being accused of sex crimes. This is especially true in New Jersey, where politicians and lawmakers are calling for widespread action.
New Jersey’s Attorney General Calls for Action Against Sexual Offenders
Early in 2019, New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office suggested new rules and regulations to help prevent sexual assaults in professional massage clinics. These new rules include stipulations for minors seeking a massage, and it also forces all therapists to report inappropriate conduct within 10 days of the incident. These new policies, which are being called “zero tolerance,” have already caused five professionals to lose their license to practice. There have also been several arrests. Most recently, another therapist, Jonathan Higgins, was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a customer.
Steps to Take After Getting Accused of Sexual Assault
Have you or a loved one been charged with sexual assault? This very serious crime is synonymous with rape, so the penalties of a conviction are severe. Here’s an overview of what to do when you’ve been accused of sexual assault:
- Recognize the seriousness of the charges and hire a lawyer to defend you
- Consider the timeframe of the alleged crime and try to find evidence to support your alibi
- Make a list of any potential witnesses
It’s natural to expect the judge or jury to see your truth, but sexual assault cases are not always so clear cut. Never expect your charges to simply go away on their own or a judge to believe your story.
How to Formulate a Defense Strategy Against Sexual Assault Charges
Are you struggling to formulate a defense strategy after getting charged? Here are some of the most commonly used defense strategies in sexual assault cases:
- Claiming innocence with a solid alibi
- Prove consent was mutual
- Arguing insanity, temporary insanity or mental incapacity
If you need additional help with strategizing, then reach out to an experienced attorney who can help.
Contact an Experienced Moorestown Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Sexual Assault Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with sexual assault 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. The attorneys at The Law Office of Stephen R. Piper, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with sexual assault in Moorestown, Camden, Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-333-3586 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.
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.