Edison NJ Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Attorney
An individual commits aggravated sexual assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-33 in Edison or another municipality when they commit an act of sexual contact under circumstances that are “aggravating”. This offense is very different to the similarly termed charge of aggravated sexual assault which involves some form of penetration. Aggravated sexual contact involves far less influence, namely, inappropriate touch of an individual’s intimate body parts. This is a primary reason why the violation is a third degree crime. Nonetheless, a conviction for violating 2C:14-3 triggers up to five years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. For these reasons, you need to retain a qualified aggravated criminal sexual contact attorney if you have been charged and/or indicted for this sex crime.
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall includes multiple former prosecutors like Jason Seidman, who was employed in the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office. Jason and the other attorneys at the firm have handled many cases like yours and have what is necessary to insure your full protection. Call us if you were arrested for aggravated assault in Edison, Piscataway, Woodbridge, East Brunswick, South Amboy or another municipality. An attorney on our team is available immediately in our New Brunswick Office for free consultation by calling 732-246-7126.
Legal Elements of the Offense of Aggravated Sexual Contact
Aggravated criminal sexual contact is, as previously stated, a third degree crime. As such, it can only be dealt with at the Superior Court in New Brunswick NJ. In order for the county prosecutor to prove someone guilty of this offense he or she must establish, beyond reasonable doubt, that sexual contact was committed:
- With a child under the age of 13;
- With a child that is at least 13 but less than 16 (and the accused is related to the child, is the supervisor of the victim, or foster parent, guardian or acts as parent for the victim);
- While committing a robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, arson, or criminal escape;
- While assisted by another person and uses physical force or coercion;
- Using physical force or coercion and severe personal injury results to the victim; or
- 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.”
Penalties for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
An individual convicted of aggravated criminal sexual contact faces serious penalties. The jail exposure is up to five (5) years in state prison. In addition, fines can reach $15,000. Beyond these consequences, an individual will have a felony criminal record as this offense is a third degree crime.
Megan’s Law Registration & Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
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” post conviction. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is one such offense. What this means is that anyone convicted under 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.
New Brunswick Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer
Since someone convicted of aggravated criminal sexual contact automatically becomes subject to sex offender registration and the possibility of years of incarceration, it is pivotal that a skilled lawyer be retained to represent your interests. At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our attorneys have over a century of experience defending complex criminal charges, including those involving criminal sexual contact. If you were charged in Sayreville, Metuchen, North Brunswick, Plainsboro or elsewhere, an attorney on our team is armed with the tools to help you. Contact our Woodbridge Office at 732-751-4458 to discuss the parameters of your charge with a seasoned defense attorney.
Contact the aggravated criminal sexual contact attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall if you were arrested in New Brunswick, Plainsboro, Metuchen, Piscataway, East Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, South Amboy, Sayreville, North Brunswick and other locations in Middlesex County.
