We often hear about crimes of sexual assault occurring on college campuses. Do you know what to expect if you’re accused and charged with this crime?
What is Sexual Assault in New Jersey?
First, it’s important to know how the state in which you attend school defines a sexual assault charge. New Jersey defines sexual assault as a crime in which someone commits an act of sexual contact that is not consensual. This may include underage situations in which the person is not able to provide consent. It may also include things like abusive sexual contact or sexual threats.
How Sexual Assault Affects the College Experience
A high occurrence of sexual assault occurs on campuses in the United States. This is perhaps, due to the fact that the rate of alcohol and drug use also increases while on campus. Sexual assault on campus can affect the college experience in many ways, including:
- Mental health: Dealing with the consequences of sexual assault, whether you were the victim, or are being charged, can make it difficult to focus on your studies. Sexual assault can also lead to lowered self-esteem and even conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Reputation: Sexual assault charges are often public. This can lead to unwanted attention from other students, teachers, or even employers.
- Confusion of how to react: When sexual assault occurs on campus, it’s not always clear what to do. Schools don’t always publicly share the steps that students can take to prevent or report sexual assault.
- Ignored complaints: Even when students do report sexual assault, their reports may be ignored. There have even been cases of students who report sexual assault being shunned or threatened.
This leads to a large number of sexual assault cases on campus not being reported. It may also lead to victims waiting a long time to report, which can make it difficult to obtain the necessary proof. Some students may also feel like they’re being wrongly accused.
Potential Consequences of Sexual Assault on Campus
A student who is convicted of sexual assault may receive consequences from both the state and their college. Many schools have created anti-sexual assault policies to better protect students. This means that if you’re convicted of sexual assault, you may be temporarily suspended, or even expelled from campus.
Being expelled from campus not only affects your career options but also leaves a long-lasting reputation. Employers may be able to uncover these charges. While the consequences of sexual assault are meant to be strict to protect victims, they can ruin your life if you’re innocent. Sometimes, innocent students may be charged with a crime and because of the negative connotation often involved with sexual assault cases, many people may regard you as being guilty without a fair case. When this happens, it’s important to have your own legal representation. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your charges and how they may affect your career and future. They can also help you evaluate your defense options, helping you protect your reputation.
Contact an Experienced Pemberton 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 Evesham Township, Mount Laurel, Willingboro, Pemberton, 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.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.