Facing Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County, NJ? Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is Your Dedicated Defender.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney Union County, NJ
The accusation of aggravated criminal sexual contact in Union County, New Jersey, is a grave matter with severe repercussions. A conviction can lead to imprisonment, registration as a sex offender, and a lifetime of stigma. If you or someone you know is facing this charge, you need an experienced and aggressive legal advocate to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Brett M. Rosen, Esq., is a leading criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey with a proven track record of success in defending clients against sex crimes, including aggravated criminal sexual contact. Rosen is also certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction held by approximately less than 1% of attorneys in New Jersey. We understand the complexities of these cases, the sensitive nature of the allegations, and the devastating impact they can have on your life. We are committed to providing you with unwavering support, compassionate guidance, and a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Understanding Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact in Union County, New Jersey
Aggravated criminal sexual contact, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, is a serious offense in Union County, NJ that involves the unlawful and intentional touching of another person’s intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating them or sexually arousing or gratifying oneself. It becomes aggravated when one or more of the following factors are present:
- The actor uses physical force or coercion. This means the perpetrator uses violence, threats, or intimidation to compel the victim to submit to the sexual contact.
- The victim sustains severe personal injury. The victim suffers significant bodily harm as a result of the sexual contact.
- The act is committed during the course of certain other crimes. These crimes include robbery, burglary, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault, arson, or criminal escape.
- The victim is at least 13 years old but less than 16 years old.
- The actor uses or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.
- The actor is aided or abetted by one or more other persons, and either:
- The actor uses physical force or coercion.
- The victim is one whom the actor knew or should have known was physically helpless, mentally defective, or mentally incapacitated.
The Stakes are High: Penalties for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
The penalties for aggravated criminal sexual contact in New Jersey are severe and can significantly impact your life:
- Prison Sentence: Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a third-degree crime, carrying a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years.
- Fines: You could face fines of up to $15,000.
- Megan’s Law Registration: A conviction will require you to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, which can severely restrict your housing options, employment opportunities, and other aspects of your life.
- Parole Supervision for Life (PSL): In some cases, you may be subject to parole supervision for life, even after completing your prison sentence.
- Additional Consequences: You may also face mandatory counseling, community service, and restrictions on your internet use. A conviction can lead to a loss of professional licenses, damage to your reputation, and difficulties with personal relationships.
How Brett M. Rosen, Esq., Can Defend You Against Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Charges
Facing aggravated criminal sexual contact charges in Union County, New Jersey can be a terrifying experience. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is committed to providing you with the compassionate support and aggressive defense you need. We will:
- Thoroughly Investigate the Allegations: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against you, carefully examining all evidence, including:
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Forensic evidence (e.g., DNA, fingerprints)
- Electronic communications (e.g., texts, emails, social media posts)
- Any other relevant information
- Challenge the Prosecution’s Case: We will rigorously scrutinize the evidence against you, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the credibility and reliability of the prosecution’s case. We will look for any inconsistencies, biases, or procedural errors that could weaken their case.
- Develop a Strong Defense Strategy: We will tailor a defense strategy to your unique circumstances, exploring all available legal options.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: We will work to negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or dismissal of the case if possible.
- Provide Zealous Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, you can trust Brett M. Rosen, Esq. to provide unwavering representation in court. We will fight for your rights, present a compelling defense, and ensure your voice is heard.
Potential Defenses Against Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County, NJ
The specific defense strategy for your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances. However, some common defenses against aggravated criminal sexual contact charges include:
- False Accusation: We will thoroughly investigate the motivations and credibility of the accuser. If we can demonstrate that the accusation is false or motivated by malice, revenge, or other ulterior motives, this can be a powerful defense.
- Consent: If the alleged victim willingly participated in the sexual activity, this can be a defense. However, consent is not a defense if the victim was under the age of 16 or if you were in a position of authority over the victim.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove all the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, we can argue for dismissal of the charges.
- Lack of Intent: We may argue that you did not have the intent to commit the offense, or that you were mistaken about the victim’s age or ability to consent.
- Mistaken Identity: If there is evidence suggesting that you were misidentified as the perpetrator, we can present this to the court.
- Constitutional Violations: We will examine the police investigation and legal proceedings for any violations of your constitutional rights, such as illegal search and seizure or lack of Miranda warnings. These violations could lead to the suppression of evidence or dismissal of the charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County, NJ
- What should I do if I am accused of aggravated criminal sexual contact in Union County, New Jersey? The most important thing is to remain silent and immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Do not discuss the case with anyone, including law enforcement, without legal counsel present.
- What are the penalties for aggravated criminal sexual contact in New Jersey? The penalties are severe and can include prison time (5-10 years for second degree, 10-20 years for first degree), fines, Megan’s Law registration, parole supervision for life, and other consequences.
- Can I get an aggravated criminal sexual contact charge expunged from my record? In general, convictions for aggravated criminal sexual contact are not eligible for expungement in New Jersey.
- What is Megan’s Law in New Jersey? Megan’s Law requires convicted sex offenders to register with the state and may require community notification.
- What is Parole Supervision for Life (PSL)? PSL is a form of parole that can be imposed on certain sex offenders after they have completed their prison sentence. It involves intensive supervision and monitoring for the rest of the offender’s life.
- Will an aggravated criminal sexual contact conviction affect my employment? A conviction for aggravated criminal sexual contact will have a devastating impact on your employment prospects. It may lead to termination from your current job and make it difficult to find future employment, especially in fields requiring background checks or working with vulnerable populations.
- Can I be charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact if the alleged victim consented? Consent is not a defense if the victim was under the age of 16 or if you were in a position of authority over the victim.
- What if I am falsely accused of aggravated criminal sexual contact? False accusations of aggravated criminal sexual contact are serious and can have devastating consequences. If you are falsely accused, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can investigate the allegations, challenge the accuser’s credibility, and build a strong defense to clear your name.
- Can I get a restraining order against someone who has sexually contacted me? Yes, victims of aggravated criminal sexual contact can seek a restraining order to protect themselves from further contact or harassment from the perpetrator.
- What are the long-term consequences of an aggravated criminal sexual contact conviction? A conviction can have long-term consequences, including registration as a sex offender, parole supervision for life, difficulty finding employment and housing, and damage to your personal relationships and reputation.
- What is the role of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in aggravated criminal sexual contact cases? The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting aggravated criminal sexual contact cases in Union County. They will work to gather evidence and build a case against you.
- What are the different types of evidence that can be used in an aggravated criminal sexual contact case? Evidence can include medical records, forensic evidence (DNA, fingerprints), witness statements, electronic communications (texts, emails), and other relevant information.
- What is the role of an expert witness in an aggravated criminal sexual contact case? Expert witnesses can provide testimony on various aspects of the case, such as forensic evidence analysis, psychological evaluation of the victim or defendant, or the dynamics of child sexual abuse.
- Can I still be charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact if the alleged victim is my spouse or partner? Yes, you can be charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact even if the alleged victim is your spouse or partner.
Don’t Face Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County Alone – Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Today
If you are facing aggravated criminal sexual contact charges or an investigation in Union County, New Jersey, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from seeking the legal representation you need. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is here to provide you with compassionate support, experienced guidance, and aggressive advocacy throughout the entire legal process. We understand the complexities of sexual assault cases and the impact they can have on your life. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights, protecting your reputation, and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Call us today at 908-312-0368 or email us at brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com for a free and confidential consultation.