Criminal Sexual Contact Defense Lawyer in New Jersey - N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-3b

Being accused of a sexual contact crime can change a person’s life forever. The penalties for these types of crimes are extremely severe in New Jersey, and a conviction could hang like a dark cloud over your head as you search for work and try to form new relationships. If you’ve been accused of criminal sexual contact or any other sexual contact crime in New Jersey, you need a sexual contact defense attorney who understands what to expect and knows how to fight.

Sexual contact defense lawyer Jason A. Volet is a former Monmouth County criminal prosecutor who now dedicates his practice to defending those facing criminal prosecution. With more than 2,000 cases under his belt, he knows how to craft a strong defense and exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

• Examine all the events that occurred surrounding your arrest to identify any instances where your rights may have been violated or where mistakes may have been made
• Make sure you understand your rights and shield you from authorities who may try to force you to say something that could hurt your case
• Consider any tactics the prosecution may try to use against you and tailor a defense that counters their argument and clearly points to reasonable doubt
• Always treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve during this stressful time

Let our knowledgeable criminal sexual defense attorney evaluate your case today for free. We want to help you tell your side of the story.

What is Criminal Sexual Contact?

Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-3b) criminal sexual contact occurs when a person commits an act of “sexual contact” under any of the following circumstances which are set out in N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-2c(1) to (4):

• The actor uses physical force or coercion, but the victim does not suffer severe personal injury.
• The victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old, and the actor is at least four years older than the victim.
• The victim is serving probation or parole or being detained in a hospital, prison, or another institution, and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim due to the actor’s legal, professional or occupational status.
• The victim is at least 16 but less than 18 years old, and the actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree, has supervisory or disciplinary power of any nature over the victim, or is a resource family parent, guardian or one who stands in loco parentis within the victim’s household.

What is “sexual contact” under New Jersey law? According to N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-1d, it is the “intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor.” It can also include “sexual contact of the actor with himself” if the contact was “in view of the victim whom the actor knows to be present.” A criminal sexual contact defense attorney can help.

How Does New Jersey Classify Criminal Sexual Contact?

Under certain circumstances, criminal sexual contact can be elevated to the more serious offense of aggravated criminal sexual contact. Under N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-3a, this occurs if the sexual contact occurs in any of the following situations set out in N.J.S.A. 2C: 14-2a(2) to (7):

• The victim is at least 13 but younger than 16 years old, and the actor is related to the victim or has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim. The crime was committed during the actor’s commission or attempted commission, of a robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, arson, or criminal escape.
• The actor was armed with a weapon (or any object that could reasonably be perceived by the victim to be a weapon) and threatened to use that weapon.
• Some aided and abetted the actor, and the actor used physical force or coercion.
• The victim suffered a severe personal injury.
• The victim was helpless or incapacitated, and the actor knew or should have known that.

A person accused of criminal sexual contact is presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt – even though you may not feel like that is the case if you have been charged with this sex offense. You can count on New Jersey sex crimes defense attorney Jason A. Volet to thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and hold the prosecution to its burden of proof.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Sexual Contact?

Criminal sexual contact is an indictable offense in New Jersey (or a felony). It is punishable as a crime of the fourth degree, which means that a person can face up to 18 months in prison if he or she is convicted of this offense. If the prosecution elevates the charge to aggravated criminal sexual contact, it becomes a crime of the third degree, which can carry a prison sentence of three to five years. Additionally, if a person is convicted of criminal sexual contact or aggravated criminal sexual, a person may face consequences such as:

• Registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law
• Parole supervision for life
• Fines and court costs.

No one wants to deal with the burden of having a criminal record of any kind. As you can see, the consequences of a sex crime conviction can be particularly harsh and long-lasting. That’s why New Jersey criminal defense attorney Jason A. Volet will take action immediately and explore every defense available to you in order to fight the sex charge against you.

It actually comes as a surprise to you that Jason and our legal team will conduct an extensive amount of work on your behalf before your case even reaches the trial phase. Schedule a free consultation with Jason now to discuss how the criminal sexual contact lawyer at The Law Office of Jason A. Volet can build a strong defense for you. Although you are under no obligation to hire our law firm after this initial meeting, you will at least leave your consultation with a better understanding of all of legal your options for fighting a sex charge.

Let Our N.J. Criminal Sexual Defense Law Firm Help You

Being accused of any type of sex crime can tarnish your reputation. You will find that many people judge you based on the accusation alone, not on whether you were convicted. We understand that this is a tough time in your life, but don’t let other people’s opinions distract you. Instead, keep your focus on your future.

At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, our legal team has worked with countless people who have beat sex crime charges. We believe that every client is innocent unless prosecutors can prove otherwise, and we want to make the prosecution’s job as difficult as possible.

Talk to our respected New Jersey criminal defense lawyer now to begin mapping out a smart strategy for fighting the charges against you. An initial consultation with our law firm is free. We represent clients throughout South Jersey, including in Freehold, Marlboro, Middletown, Wall Township, Manalapan, Howell, Rumson, Red Bank, Ocean Township, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Asbury Park, and throughout Monmouth County.