New Jersey Invasion of Privacy Defense Lawyers

Fighting Invasion of Privacy Charges in New Jersey

Being accused of invading someone’s privacy is scary. While these charges may seem minor compared to other crimes, a conviction can still carry jail time plus the stigma of being a sex offender. Here in New Jersey, invasion of privacy allegations should never be taken lightly.

In this article, I’ll explain what constitutes invasion of privacy under NJ law, the potential penalties, and viable defense strategies. My goal is to help you understand your rights and options if facing invasion of privacy criminal charges in New Jersey.

What is Invasion of Privacy in New Jersey?

Under NJ statute 2C:14-9, it is a fourth degree crime to[1]:

• Knowingly view, photograph, film, or record someone without their consent and while they are in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity
• Disclose any images or recordings obtained in this manner

Invasion of privacy under this statute only applies to viewing or recording someone when they have an expectation of privacy, such as in a bedroom or bathroom. But it is a serious criminal offense nonetheless.

Penalties for Invasion of Privacy Convictions in NJ

An invasion of privacy conviction can carry significant penalties, including[2]:

• Up to 18 months in jail
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Community supervision for life
• Registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law

The sex offender registration requirements are especially serious, as this can follow you for life and severely restrict where you can live and work. The potential penalties make building a strong legal defense critical.

Defending Against Invasion of Privacy Charges in NJ

Invasion of privacy charges may seem straightforward for prosecutors, but there are often viable defenses an experienced criminal lawyer can raise. Some examples include[3]:

• You had a reasonable expectation that the activity was not private
• You did not knowingly view, photograph or record the person
• The alleged victim consented to the viewing or recording
• The images or recordings are not of an identifiable person
• You are not the person who viewed, photographed or recorded the alleged victim

An effective defense requires aggressively contesting the prosecution’s evidence and legal interpretations. For example, arguing the activity was not truly private or no identifiable people are depicted.

Why Hiring an Attorney is Crucial

Attempting to defend yourself against invasion of privacy charges is extremely risky. These cases often come down to complex legal arguments regarding privacy expectations and consent. A skilled attorney can help by[4]:

• Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Challenging claims that the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy
• Contesting accusations that you knowingly viewed or recorded the victim
• Avoiding catastrophic penalties like sex offender registration

Navigating New Jersey’s invasion of privacy laws on your own is very difficult and will likely lead to conviction. An attorney can even the odds and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Let Us Help Defend Your New Jersey Privacy Charges

Defending against invasion of privacy allegations in NJ requires experienced legal representation. Our team of criminal defense attorneys includes experts in privacy law with a proven record of successfully defending invasion of privacy cases. Let us review your charges and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

Don’t leave your reputation and future in the hands of prosecutors alone. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. There are always options in these cases and we can help you identify the best legal strategies to resolve your charges favorably.