Defending Yourself Against Sex Crime Allegations in New Jersey

Facing Sex Crime Charges in New Jersey? Here’s What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights

Being accused of a sex crime can feel completely devastating. Even if you’re innocent, just the accusation alone can destroy your reputation, cost you your job, and ruin relationships. The stakes are sky-high.

But don’t panic. Take a deep breath. You have rights under the law, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect you. This article will walk you through some basics of what to expect if you’re facing sex crime allegations in New Jersey, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can defend you.

The Charges Against You

There are a range of sex crimes you could potentially be charged with in New Jersey. Some of the most common include:

• Sexual assault – This covers any non-consensual sexual contact, from inappropriate touching to rape. Penalties get more severe depending on details like the age of the victim, use of force, etc.
• Child pornography – Possessing, distributing, or producing nude images of minors. This includes “sexting” – sharing nude selfies – among teens.
• Human trafficking – Forcing someone into prostitution or other sexual exploitation.
• Lewdness – Public exposure or masturbation.
• Enticement of a minor – Luring or seducing a child under 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity.

The specific charges have huge implications for the possible penalties if convicted, so it’s critical to analyze the accusations carefully. An attorney can help you understand exactly what you’re up against.

Gathering the Facts

The first step after an arrest is finding out why. What evidence does the prosecution have against you? Common forms of evidence in sex crime cases include:

• Victim or witness statements – The alleged victim will be interviewed, as well as any witnesses. Statements can be misleading or exaggerated.
• Electronic evidence – Sexual text messages or photos, browsing history, social media interactions and more may be used.
• Physical evidence – In rape cases, DNA or other forensic evidence may be involved. The quality of lab testing matters.
• Reputation and character evidence – Prosecutors often look for other accusations or allegations in a defendant’s past, even if never proven.

Your lawyer will aggressively investigate the evidence, looking for inconsistencies, sloppy police work, mistaken identity, or anything else that raises doubts about your guilt.

The Plea Bargain Option

Few sex crime cases actually go to trial. Over 90% end in plea bargains – deals where the defendant pleads guilty in return for reduced charges or a lighter sentence.

Plea bargains are complex. The risks of losing at trial are high, but so are the long-term consequences of a conviction. An attorney can advise if a plea is your best option, and negotiate for the lowest penalties.

If you do take a plea, be sure you understand the terms fully. You’ll have to register as a sex offender, with major restrictions on where you can live and work. Deportation may even be possible if you’re not a citizen. Ask your lawyer how to minimize collateral damage to your life.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Sex Crime Defense

Defending sex crime cases takes extensive experience and specialization. When choosing a lawyer, look for these indicators of expertise:

• Decades handling sex crime cases specifically – not just any criminal defense attorney will do.
• Strong record of favorable outcomes in similar cases. Ask about win rates at trial and results of plea bargains.
• Knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutors. Home field advantage helps.
• Comfort handling sensitive, emotionally charged cases. You need an empathetic counselor, not just a legal technician.
• Resources to thoroughly investigate and build a defense, like relationships with skilled private investigators.
• Appeal to jurors and judges. Likeability and persuasiveness matter in the courtroom.

The stakes could not be higher when defending your reputation, freedom, and future against a sex crime allegation. Do not leave the outcome to chance. Consult an attorney immediately for trusted guidance through this crisis. With an experienced legal fighter on your side, you can get through this.