A sex crime charge in New Jersey can carry serious prison time and consequences that continue after a sentence is served. What you could face depends on the specific offense and the circumstances behind the charge.
The Law Office of Christopher St. John has more than two decades of courtroom experience handling sex crime cases at both the state and federal levels in New Jersey. Below, we discuss the main types of sex crimes and the penalties a conviction can carry.
What Are the Main Types of Sex Crimes in New Jersey?
New Jersey law distinguishes between offenses involving sexual penetration and those involving sexual contact. This distinction, along with factors such as the victim’s age or the use of force, helps determine which sex crime charge applies.
The main offenses include:
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Aggravated sexual assault: Includes sexual penetration of a child under 13, as well as acts involving force or coercion. It’s a first-degree crime.
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Sexual assault: Includes sexual penetration involving force or coercion without severe personal injury. It can also apply when the alleged conduct involves a minor. It’s a second-degree crime.
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Aggravated criminal sexual contact: This offense covers sexual touching rather than penetration, including conduct involving a child under 13 or the use of force or coercion. It’s a third-degree crime.
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Criminal sexual contact: Involves sexual touching and is a fourth-degree crime.
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Lewdness: Covers certain lewd or sexual acts when a person knows or reasonably expects that someone who doesn’t consent will observe them. Certain offenses involving children are fourth-degree crimes.
What Penalties Can You Face for a Sex Crime?
Sex crimes are classified by degree under New Jersey law, and each degree carries a standard range of imprisonment:
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First-degree crime: 10 to 20 years in prison.
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Second-degree crime: 5 to 10 years in prison.
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Third-degree crime: 3 to 5 years in prison.
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Fourth-degree crime: Up to 18 months in prison.
Fines can also apply and vary by degree, ranging from up to $10,000 for a fourth-degree crime to up to $200,000 for a first-degree crime.
Certain offenses carry longer sentences. For example, aggravated sexual assault involving a child under 13 can carry 25 years to life in prison, with at least 25 years served before parole eligibility.
The Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction Can Extend Beyond Prison
Convictions for offenses such as aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault require registration as a sex offender under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law.
For some offenses, supervision continues even after release from prison. A conviction for aggravated sexual assault, for example, requires parole supervision for life.
Protecting Your Rights When Facing Sex Crime Charges
The difference between one sex crime charge and another can mean years of additional prison exposure or consequences that continue after release. Before deciding how to respond, you need to understand the specific allegations and the evidence the prosecution is relying on.
The Law Offices of Christopher St. John can review the allegations and evidence against you and explain your legal options. Contact our office or call 856-517-2958 to schedule your free consultation.
Christopher St. John
Tess Berkowitz