Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney Union County, NJ

Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney Union County, NJ

Have you been accused of criminal sexual contact in Union County, New Jersey? Such allegations are incredibly serious and can have devastating consequences on your life, your reputation, and your future. The emotional toll alone can be overwhelming, but the potential legal penalties can be life-altering.

Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is a leading criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey with a proven track record of successfully defending clients against sex crimes, including criminal sexual contact charges. He is also certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction held by approixmately less than 1% of attorneys in New Jersey. We understand the complexities of these cases and the sensitive nature of the allegations. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing you with aggressive representation, compassionate support, and personalized legal strategies to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County, New Jersey

Criminal sexual contact, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3, is a specific type of sex crime 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 can also involve causing the victim to touch the perpetrator’s intimate parts for the same purposes.

Key Elements of Criminal Sexual Contact:

1. Intentional Touching: The act must be deliberate and purposeful, not accidental.
2. Intimate Parts: The law defines “intimate parts” as the sexual organs, genital area, anal area, inner thigh, groin, buttock, or breast of a person.
3. For the Purpose of Humiliation, Degradation, or Sexual Gratification: The motive behind the touching must be to humiliate or degrade the victim or to achieve sexual gratification or arousal for oneself.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact

Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a more serious offense that occurs when the perpetrator uses physical force or coercion, causes significant bodily injury to the victim, or commits the act against a victim under the age of 13.

The Impact of a Criminal Sexual Contact Conviction

A conviction for criminal sexual contact can have devastating consequences on your life, including:

• Jail or Prison Time: Criminal sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by up to 18 months in prison. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a third -degree crime, carrying penalties of up to 5 years in prison.
• Fines: You could face fines of up to $10,000 for a fourth-degree crime, or up to $15,000 for a third-degree crime.
• Megan’s Law Registration: You may be required 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.
• Other Consequences: Additional penalties may include mandatory counseling, community service, and restrictions on your internet use. A conviction can also 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 Criminal Sexual Contact Charges

Facing criminal sexual contact charges 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 meticulously review all evidence against you, including witness statements, medical records, forensic evidence, and any other relevant information. We will leave no stone unturned in our effort to build the strongest possible defense.

• Challenge the Prosecution’s Case: We will 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 have a proven track record of negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or dismissal of the case if possible.

• Provide Zealous Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, we will provide you with experienced and zealous representation in court. We will fight for your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present a compelling case in your defense.

Potential Defenses Against Criminal Sexual Contact Charges

The specific defense strategy for your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances. However, some common defenses against 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 intend to degrade, humiliate, or sexually gratify yourself or the victim through the alleged conduct.
• Mistaken Identity: If there is evidence suggesting that you were misidentified as the perpetrator, we can present this to the court.
• Insufficient Age Difference: If the charge is based on the victim being between 13 and 16 years old, and you are less than four years older, this may be a defense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Sexual Contact Charges in Union County, NJ

1. What should I do if I am accused of criminal sexual contact in Union County, NJ? 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.
2. What are the penalties for criminal sexual contact in New Jersey? The penalties depend on the degree of the offense and can range from probation and fines to several years in prison.
3. Can I get a criminal sexual contact charge expunged from my record? In general, convictions for criminal sexual contact are not eligible for expungement. However, certain exceptions may apply, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Will a criminal sexual contact conviction affect my employment? A conviction for criminal sexual contact can have serious consequences for your employment, including termination, difficulty finding new employment, and restrictions on certain types of jobs.
7. Can I be charged with criminal sexual contact if the alleged victim consented? Consent is generally a defense to criminal sexual contact, but it 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.
8. What if I am falsely accused of criminal sexual contact? False accusations of 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.
9. Can I get a restraining order against someone who has sexually contacted me? Yes, victims of criminal sexual contact can seek a restraining order to protect themselves from further contact or harassment from the perpetrator.
10. What are the long-term consequences of a 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.

Don’t Face Criminal Sexual Contact Charges Alone – Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Today

If you are facing criminal sexual contact charges 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 these 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.