Hudson County, NJ Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Attorneys
Pursuant to N.J.S.A .2C:14-3, a person is guilty of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, distinguishable from Aggravated Sexual Assault, when they commit an act of sexual contact with the victim under certain prohibited circumstances. Unlike Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact does not require an act of penetration and is a third degree crime as opposed to a first degree crime. This means that Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact is a felony that carries up to five (5) years in a New Jersey penitentiary. Additionally, a conviction for violating N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 triggers mandatory registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. This offense is obviously extremely serious and you are strongly encouraged to consult with a highly experienced sex crimes lawyer if you are facing a charge of Aggravated Sexual Contact in Hudson County, New Jersey. Our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, has handled countless cases in the Hudson County Superior Court and local Municipal Court’s throughout the county, like Jersey City, Harrison, Weehawken, Kearny, Secaucus, West New York and Bayonne. If you have been charged with sex offense like, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault, lewdness or endangering the welfare of a child, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Hudson County, NJ rape attorney immediately. An attorney on our team is available to assist you at your earliest convenience. Call our Jersey City Office today at (201) 309-1800.
What is Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact in Hoboken, NJ?
In order for the State to prove an individual is guilty under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3, the Hudson County Prosecutor must establish, beyond reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed an act of “sexual contact” (see below for a definition) :
1. With a child under the age of 13;
2. With a child that is at least 13 but less than 16, and
i. the accused is related to the child; or
ii. the accused is a supervisor or can discipline the victim; or
iii. the accused is a foster parent, guardian or acts as a parent in the household;
3. While committing a robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, arson, or criminal escape; or
4. While assisted by another person and uses physical force or coercion;
5. Using physical force or coercion and severe personal injury results to the victim; or
6. With a victim that is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or is incapable of understanding the nature of the actors conduct.
“Sexual contact” is defined as “the intentional touching, directly or through clothes, of one’s own or another person’s intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim, or to arouse the actor.”
What are the Penalties For Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact in Jersey City?
An individual convicted of aggravated criminal sexual contact faces serious penalties. The jail exposure is up to five (5) years in state prison. Moreover, fines can reach up to $15,000. Beyond these debilitating consequences, an individual will also have a felony criminal record as this offense is a third degree crime and may also be subject to Megan’s Law, Nicole’s Law, Parole Supervision for Life and Community Supervision for Life.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and Megan’s Law
As touched upon above, perhaps the most significant punishment associated with conviction for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact is the mandatory registration as a sex offender following conviction. In New Jersey, Megan’s Law requires individuals convicted of certain sexually related crimes to register as “sex offenders” upon conviction. Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact is one such offense. What this means is that anyone convicted under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 shall have a lifelong label as a sex offender and will have to register and be subject to community supervision for life. With that being said, a defendant may petition the court to have themselves removed from Megan’s Law after fifteen years, provided certain requirements have been satisfied.
Hoboken, NJ Sex Offense Lawyers
With consequence that are so significant, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Hudson County, NJ sex offense attorney if you have been charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall possess a high level of experience and are ready to assist you immediately. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Jersey City like endangering the welfare of a child, stalking, terroristic threats, prescription drug possession or harassment, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. If you have any further inquiries, please call our Hudson County law firm a (201) 309-1800, we can help to insure that your rights are protected.
Related Hudson County Resource Pages
