South Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Builds Strong Defense For Clients Facing Criminal Sexual Contact Charges
Criminal sexual contact is a lesser charge of sexual assault that carries severe legal repercussions that must be taken seriously from the initial arrest to a potential trial by jury. Accusations of criminal sexual contact in New Jersey can impact your future and your freedom. Even if you are never convicted of the crime, the stigma associated with any accusation of a sex crime can affect your life for years to come. This makes it all the more critical to have a reputable and experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney in your corner from the beginning to the end of the legal process.
I am attorney Stephen R. Piper, and I am equipped to help. Through my years of experience working first as a New Jersey prosecutor and later as a criminal defense attorney, I developed an in-depth knowledge of all angles of the New Jersey criminal justice system. I put my skills to work for clients both inside and outside of the courtroom, negotiating with the prosecutor’s office to reduce or eliminate charges and, if necessary, vehemently advocating for my clients’ rights in court.
In preparation for trial, I will thoroughly investigate the alleged events to craft a strong and tactical defense by identifying reasonable doubt and exploiting any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, all while treating my clients with the compassion and respect that they deserve. If you have been charged with a crime in Camden County, Burlington County or anywhere else in South Jersey, contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, now.
Severe Penalties For Criminal Sexual Contact Charges In Camden, New Jersey
As a criminal defense attorney, I strive to protect clients from the potentially severe penalties that can be imposed for a criminal sexual contact conviction or guilty plea. Regardless of whether the charge rises to the level of aggravated criminal sexual contact, which is a third-degree offense, the accused individual faces potential prison time, sex offender registration requirements and severe detriments to their personal life and future prospects.
Fourth-degree criminal sexual contact is punishable by up to 18 months in prison in New Jersey, and the individual’s photo and address may be placed on the New Jersey sex offender registry for years. Conviction or a guilty plea for third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact carries penalties of up to five years in prison as well as sex offender registration requirements.
Under New Jersey law, a criminal sexual contact charge can be elevated to a charge of aggravated criminal sexual contact if:
- The victim is over the age of 13, but younger than 16.
- The accused individual has supervisory authority over the victim, whether in his or her capacity as a guardian, teacher or other type of supervisor.
- The accused is related to the individual through blood or affinity to the third degree.
- The accused individual was armed or aided by another individual at the time the sexual contact occurred.
- The accused individual used physical force or coercion.
- The crime was committed simultaneously with another serious crime.
- The victim is physically or mentally handicapped.
Failing to properly register as a sex offender after conviction or a guilty plea can result in jail time as well. That is because failure to register under Megan’s Law is a third-degree felony in New Jersey.
Sex Crimes Attorney Helps Clients Avoid Conviction In New Jersey Criminal Sexual Contact Cases
Criminal sexual contact in New Jersey is defined as intentionally touching a victim’s intimate parts – or the actor’s own intimate parts – whether directly or through clothing, to either degrade or humiliate the victim or sexually arouse or gratify the actor.
Criminal sexual contact is not a rape charge. In fact, because of the way the New Jersey criminal code defines sexual contact, it is possible for the accused individual to be charged and convicted of criminal sexual contact without ever touching the victim at all. The statute is crafted to protect both the emotional and physical well-being of any victim, highlighting the important emotional aspects of any case involving a sex crime. In many cases, a criminal sexual contact charge will actually be brought as a reduced charge when someone is initially charged with sexual assault. That can be agreed upon as a result of negotiations between the prosecution and defense.
When you retain me, I will undertake a detailed investigation of the prosecution’s evidence in your case to identify potential defenses to the criminal sexual contact charge. I can utilize my arsenal of defenses to prevent conviction, potentially by presenting arguments proving any of the following:
- The client’s constitutional rights were violated during the arrest process or during questioning.
- The victim mistakenly identified the client.
- The prosecution’s evidence was insufficient or inadmissible.
- The client is innocent, as supported by an alibi, witness testimony or even receipts.
Regardless of the elements of the case, I work hard to develop a strategy designed to establish reasonable doubt in each client’s case.
Contact An Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney Who Will Fight For Your Rights
Accusations of criminal sexual contact cannot be taken lightly, and a conviction will impact all aspects of your life. If you have been accused, arrested or formally charged with criminal sexual contact in New Jersey, I am available to represent and support you throughout the entire legal process. Call 856-333-3586 or complete my online form to reach The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, today and discuss your charges.