Knowledgeable, Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer Fights Sex Crime Charges For Clients In Camden County And Across Southern New Jersey

If you are facing charges relating to a sex crime in New Jersey, do not waste any time choosing a dedicated and seasoned criminal defense lawyer to fight your charges. A conviction for sexual assault, date rape or child molestation can result in many years behind bars.

Further, a conviction for a sex crime will follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your ability to get a job and likely affecting your relationships as well. Being required to register with the National Sex Offender Registry means that there will be significant limitations on where you can live and work.

An experienced attorney can explore every possible strategy to have your sex charges dismissed or reduced. Contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, in Moorestown today to find out how I will protect your good name.

When Your Reputation Is On The Line, I Will Fight Your New Jersey Sex Charges

The prosecution’s case, when attempting to get a sex crimes conviction, is based mainly on physical evidence and the accuser’s testimony. I am attorney Stephen R. Piper, and I know this all too well; I spent many years as an assistant prosecutor handling sexual assaults and other sex crimes. I know that it’s important to get all the facts and work swiftly to discredit all the evidence against you, including witness testimony.

If you or someone you know is facing a New Jersey sex crimes case, whether statutory rape or aggravated sexual assault, you need a hard-hitting defense lawyer who will conduct a thorough and complete investigation into the facts in your case. Since I know how the state builds its cases regarding sex crimes, I can put that experience to work for you.

It’s critically important to understand the seriousness of your charges. I will answer all your questions and explain your options. I will negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf when a plea bargain makes sense and fight for your freedom in court when necessary.

I defend people against the following criminal sex accusations in New Jersey:

• Criminal sexual contact: When someone uses force or coercion to have sexual contact, but the victim does not sustain serious personal injury, they may be charged with criminal sexual contact. This is a fourth-degree crime, and someone convicted of this charge could face up to 18 months in state prison. To receive a charge for criminal sexual contact, one of the following situations would have to apply:
  • The defendant knew that the victim was physically or mentally handicapped or incapacitated.
  • The victim was on probation, in prison or confined to a hospital, so the aggressor had power over them at the time of the assault.
  • The victim is underage – between 16 and 18 years old – and is a blood relative of the defendant, or the defendant was supervising them at the time of the attack.
  • The victim is at least four years younger than the defendant and is between the ages of 13 and 16.
• Sexual assault: This charge is similar to criminal sexual contact but includes sexual penetration. This second-degree charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, would also apply if the defendant was at least four years older than the victim and the victim was younger than 13.
• Aggravated sexual assault: This first-degree crime is New Jersey’s most serious criminal sexual assault offense and carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison if the defendant is convicted. Prosecutors use this charge when they believe there is evidence of sexual assault (including penetration) along with at least one of the following situations:
  • The victim is age 16 or younger, and the defendant is a blood relative or has supervisory status, such as a parent, guardian or caregiver.
  • The assault took place during the commission of another violent crime, such as a kidnapping, burglary, robbery, arson or homicide.
  • A weapon was involved in the commission of the crime, and it was used, or the defendant threatened to use it.
  • The defendant received help from others, and there was physical force used in the commission of the sexual assault.
  • The sexual assault victim is mentally or physically handicapped or incapacitated.

Other sex crime charges in New Jersey include:

• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Offensive touching
• Lewdness
• Date rape
• Statutory rape
• Criminal sexual contact
• Child molestation
• Distribution or possession of child pornography (sexting)

Understanding New Jersey’s Sex Offender Registration Requirements (Megan’s Law)

If you or a loved one are facing charges for a sex-related offense in New Jersey, it is vital to understand the long-term implications of registration. Under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law, certain individuals are required by law to register as sex offenders. This requirement applies to adults, juveniles adjudicated delinquent and those found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) for a qualifying offense.

Who Must Register?

In New Jersey, Megan’s Law governs most of the policies for who registers and how long until they are potentially eligible for removal from the list. Removal timing is based on the Tier, and Tier Three can be lifetime.

Convicted adults and juveniles required to register as sex offenders must provide personal details, such as their home address and workplace, to their local police department. Once the police verify that this information is accurate, it is recorded and maintained by the state police in a central database. After police verification, the registration is forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for risk assessment and “Tier” classification before it is finalized in the central system.

The registration statute applies to individuals in the following categories:

• • Recent convictions: Anyone convicted of a qualifying offense after the law took effect on October 31, 1994.
  • Active supervision: Those who were still on parole or probation for a qualifying offense as of October 31, 1994.
  • Repetitive and compulsive offenders: Individuals determined by a court to have a pattern of repetitive or compulsive behavior, regardless of when the conviction occurred.

Qualifying Offenses

• Mandatory sexual offenses: Convictions for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual contact.

• Offenses against minors (non-parent): If the victim is under 18 and the offender is not the parent/guardian, registration is mandatory for: kidnapping, criminal restraint and false imprisonment (regardless of sexual intent), as well as luring and endangering the welfare of a child.

• Offenses against minors Registration is required if the victim was under the age of 18 for crimes such as:
  • Endangering the welfare of a child, including sexual conduct or child pornography
  • Luring or enticing a minor
  • Criminal sexual contact
  • Kidnapping, when the offender is not the child’s parent or guardian
  • Criminal restraint or false imprisonment (regardless of sexual intent)

• Other kidnapping: Kidnapping of an adult or by a parent requires registration only if the court finds a sexual motive or “repetitive and compulsive” behavior.

• Out-of-state convictions: Those with “substantially similar” convictions from other states or federal courts must register upon moving to New Jersey.

Duration Of Registration

Registration is a lifetime obligation for most. While some may petition for removal after 15 years of offense-free living, this option is legally prohibited for those convicted of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault involving force or multiple qualifying offenses.

Why You Need A Defense Attorney

Because the law applies differently based on the date of the offense and the specific nature of the conduct, navigating these statutes requires an experienced legal hand. If you are concerned about your registration status or are facing new charges, contact my office today for a confidential consultation.

Megan’s Law: Understanding Tier Classifications And Community Notification

Under Megan’s Law, there is a three-level or “tier” system, used to share information about sex offenders with the police and, in certain cases, the public. The amount of information released depends on how much of a risk the offender poses to the community. To determine this risk level, local prosecutors follow specific guidelines developed by the Attorney General’s Office and a 12-member advisory council. The higher the risk an offender is judged to be, the more information is shared with the community.

The Three Tiers Of Risk

• Tier One (Low Risk): Offenders in this category are considered a low risk to the community. Factors that lead to a Tier One designation include the specific type of crime, a lack of violence, a minimal criminal history and strong existing ties to the community.
• Tier Two (Moderate Risk): This designation is for those considered a moderate risk. Because of a higher likelihood of re-offense compared to Tier One, “limited notice” is provided to certain community organizations, including schools, daycares and summer camps, to protect the public. Tier Two offenders are generally published on the public New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry, unless they meet narrow exceptions.
• Tier Three (High Risk): This is the highest risk level. A Tier Three designation means there is a high risk of re-offense, warranting broad notification to the members of the community who are most likely to encounter the offender. Police officers, state troopers or prosecutor investigators are required to deliver notification flyers directly to the homes of residents near your home, workplace, school or vocational program and even local businesses or locations you visit on a regular basis.

If you are classified as Tier Two or Tier Three, the law focuses on notifying people in areas where they are “likely to encounter” you. This is not a random radius; it is based on your daily life and routine.

Protect Your Reputation And Your Rights

The difference between “Tier One” and “Tier Three” can change your life. You have the right to challenge a tier classification if you believe the prosecutor’s assessment is unfair or inaccurate. If you have received a notice regarding your tier classification, do not wait. Contact me today to discuss how I can help you navigate the judicial review process and protect your privacy.

What Is Lewdness Or Indecent Exposure?

Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4), lewdness, often referred to as indecent exposure, is defined as intentionally exposing intimate parts or engaging in sexual acts in a way that is likely to be observed by others who would be offended or alarmed. While many people think of this as a minor offense or prank, New Jersey treats lewdness as a serious crime that can carry lasting consequences.

According to the statute, a person commits lewdness when they engage in any flagrant sexual behavior or expose their genitals in a public place under circumstances where others are present and would reasonably be offended. The law specifically covers:

• Exposing genitals for sexual gratification or to offend others in a public setting
• Engaging in sexual conduct that is likely to be witnessed by someone who did not consent or did not expect to see such acts
• Committing lewd acts in the presence of a child under 13 years old or a person with a mental disability who cannot understand or consent to the behavior

Common acts that can fall under New Jersey’s lewdness statute include:

• Streaking or running nude in public
• “Mooning” (displaying one’s buttocks in public)
• Public urination, if it involves exposing intimate parts in view of others
• Public masturbation or other explicit sexual activity in a public or semipublic place

While some of these actions may seem like minor indiscretions, a lewdness charge can result in criminal penalties, a permanent record and mandatory sex offender registration in certain cases. The punishment becomes more severe when a minor is present, potentially elevating the charge to a fourth-degree offense with the possibility of jail time.

If you are facing a lewdness or indecent exposure charge in New Jersey, it’s important to take it seriously. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.

What Is The Age Of Consent In New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the age of consent is the minimum age at which a person is legally permitted to agree to sexual activity. It is vital to know this age and how the law applies because violations can lead to serious criminal charges under New Jersey’s sexual assault statutes.

In New Jersey, the basic age of consent is 16 years old. Anyone 16 or older can legally consent to sexual activity with another person, unless specific legal exceptions apply. This age threshold is an important marker in determining whether conduct is lawful or could be prosecuted as a sex offense.

The law also addresses how consent functions. Consent must be affirmative, freely given, mutual and can be withdrawn at any time. Even if both parties agree, consent is ineffective if given under pressure, coercion, incapacity, such as intoxication or unconsciousness, or if one person lacks the ability to understand what they are agreeing to.

The basic framework of New Jersey’s consent laws includes the following key age‑based rules:

• Under 13 years old: Sexual activity with anyone is treated as serious criminal conduct. A child under 13 cannot legally consent to any sexual activity, and intercourse or penetration with someone under 13 is aggravated sexual assault.
• Ages 13 through 15: Individuals in this age range cannot legally consent to sexual activity with someone who is four or more years older than them. This means sexual contact with a partner more than four years older can lead to criminal charges.
• Ages 16 and 17: These teens can legally consent to sexual activity with others under general law, but New Jersey elevates the age of consent to 18 when the older party has a position of authority or care, like a teacher, coach, guardian or employer.

New Jersey’s structured age rules differ from those of many other states. While some states set the age of consent at 17 or 18, New Jersey’s approach combines age thresholds with specific authority or age‑gap provisions. As a result, similar conduct may be lawful in one state but criminal in another, based on how each state’s statutes define consent, age gaps and supervisory relationships. Given the complexity of these laws and the serious criminal consequences for violations, it is crucial to consult an attorney.

Talk To An Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Today About Your Charges

A sex crimes conviction in New Jersey will follow you around for the rest of your life, making it difficult to get a good job, get into school, obtain a loan and more. This is because a sex offender registration makes your information public under Megan’s Law.

When your future is at stake, don’t trust just any lawyer to defend you against your sex crime charges. I am ready to fight for you. Contact me today or call 856-333-3586 for a consultation about your charges. I offer flexible scheduling options at my Moorestown law office as well as off-street parking. I also offer flexible payment plans and accept credit cards.