New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey sex crimes defense attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for clients. Sex based offenses carry severe criminal consequences and a very deep stigma. Any allegations must be taken seriously. If you are facing a sex-related criminal charge, you have the right to raise a zealous defense. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Contact our New Jersey sex crimes defense lawyer today for a strictly confidential initial consultation.

We Defend Sex Crimes Charges in New Jersey

A sex-related criminal offense is one of the most serious allegations that any person could ever face. These charges carry deep personal stigma and stiff criminal penalties. You have the right to defend yourself against a sex-related criminal charge, no matter the nature of the allegation. Putterman Legal is a criminal defense firm that believes that every person deserves a chance to have their day in court.

Sex crimes carry life-changing consequences that extend far beyond prison time. Understanding the charges you face and the potential defenses available is the first step in protecting your rights and future.

We handle all types of sex crimes charges in New Jersey, including: 

• Sexual Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2): Sexual assault occurs when a person engages in sexual penetration without consent, or when the victim is under the age of 13. It is a second-degree crime that is punishable by five to ten years in state prison. 
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(a)): A more serious sexual assault offense, the crime offense involves penetration under circumstances involving violence, use of a weapon, serious bodily injury, or when the victim is under 13. It is a first-degree crime that is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. Notably, there are mandatory minimums. 
• Criminal Sexual Contact (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3): The offense covers intentional sexual touching without penetration when done for sexual gratification or to degrade the victim. Depending on circumstances, it is graded as a third- or fourth-degree crime. Convictions may result in up to five years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4): The charge applies to conduct that harms the welfare of a minor, including sexual exploitation or child pornography. Penalties depend on the facts but often involve second-degree charges with five to ten years in prison. Defendants also face Megan’s Law registration and parole supervision for life.
• Child Pornography (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)): Possession, distribution, or production of child pornography is prosecuted as a second- or third-degree crime. Convictions carry lengthy prison terms and mandatory Megan’s Law obligations. Notably, digital evidence is heavily used to prosecute these cases. When the computer is used, there could be federal charges. 

Understanding Different Types of Sex Offenses

Sex offenses in New Jersey include a wide range of criminal charges beyond sexual assault. Statutory rape involves sexual activity with someone under the legal age of consent, even if both parties agree. New Jersey law sets the age of consent at 16, but various factors affect these cases.

Date rape refers to sexual assault where the alleged victim and defendant knew each other or were on a date. These cases often involve questions about consent and physical force. Date rape charges can be just as serious as stranger sexual assault cases.

Child molestation and child endangerment charges involve inappropriate sexual contact with minors. These sex offenses carry severe penalties and lifetime consequences. Child molestation cases often rely on testimony from children, which presents unique challenges for the defense.

Aggravated Sexual Contact and Related Charges

Aggravated criminal sexual contact occurs when sexual contact involves circumstances that make it more serious. This includes cases involving victims under 13, physical force, or when the victim is physically helpless. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a third-degree crime with severe penalties.

Criminal sexual contact covers a range of unwanted sexual touching without penetration. The difference between simple and aggravated criminal sexual contact depends on the victim’s age, whether force was used, and other circumstances. Both charges require registration as a sex offender upon conviction.

Sexual contact charges often appear alongside other sexual offenses like aggravated assault or indecent exposure. When multiple charges are filed, the severe consequences multiply. Your defense attorney must address each charge separately while building a comprehensive defense strategy.

Sex Offender Registration and Megan’s Law

Megan’s Law requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register with law enforcement. Sex offender registration creates public records that affect where you can live, work, and travel. Registered sex offenders face restrictions on living near schools, parks, and other places where children gather.

A convicted sex offender must provide regular updates to their parole officer and local police. Sex offender registration tiers determine how long you must register and whether your information appears in public databases. Tier 3 offenders face lifetime registration with full public disclosure.

Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements is itself a criminal offense. Missing updates, failing to notify authorities of address changes, or violating residency restrictions can result in new charges and prison time.

Parole Supervision for Life and Community Monitoring

Parole supervision for life (PSL) is a mandatory condition for many sex crime convictions. Unlike regular parole, PSL never ends. Individuals convicted of aggravated sexual assault, child pornography, or other serious sex offenses face lifetime monitoring by a parole officer.

Community supervision under PSL includes strict rules about where you can go, who you can contact, and what activities you can do. Violating PSL conditions results in immediate consequences, including return to prison. Your parole officer has broad authority to search your home and monitor your activities.

Parole eligibility for sex crime cases is limited. The Early Release Act does not apply to most sex offenses, meaning convicted defendants must serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole consideration. Some offenses require serving the full prison term before release.

How Sex Crime Charges Affect Your Life

A sex crime conviction creates a criminal record that affects every aspect of your life. Employment becomes difficult, as most employers conduct background checks. Professional licenses are often revoked for convicted sex offenders. Housing options are limited due to residency restrictions.

Family members often suffer alongside the accused. Child custody and visitation rights can be lost. A family member convicted of sex offenses may be prohibited from living with their own children. These other consequences extend beyond legal penalties to affect your relationships.

The stigma of sex crime charges begins immediately upon arrest, before any conviction. Media coverage, public records, and online information can damage your reputation even if you’re ultimately found not guilty. This is why building an effective defense quickly is so important.

Potential Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges

Potential defenses to sex crime charges depend on the specific allegations. Consent is a common defense in adult sexual assault cases. If both parties agreed to the sexual activity, no crime occurred. Your defense attorney will gather evidence supporting consent, including text messages, witness testimony, and expert analysis.

False accusations happen in sex offense charges cases. Motives for false claims include custody disputes, revenge, or misunderstanding. Your criminal defense lawyer will investigate the accuser’s background, inconsistencies in their story, and evidence contradicting their claims.

Mistaken identity can be a defense when the alleged victim cannot reliably identify the perpetrator. In child sexual abuse cases, suggestive questioning or coaching may taint testimony. Your defense lawyer will challenge the investigation methods and present alternative explanations for the evidence.

Constitutional Rights in Sex Crime Cases

Your constitutional rights protect you throughout the legal process. The right to remain silent prevents self-incrimination. Police cannot force you to answer questions without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, so contacting a criminal defense lawyer immediately is critical.

The right to confront witnesses means you can challenge the alleged victim’s testimony. Cross-examination reveals inconsistencies and tests credibility. Your defense attorney uses this constitutional right to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Constitutional rights also include protection against unlawful searches and seizures. If police obtained evidence illegally, your defense lawyer can file motions to suppress it. Without key evidence, prosecutors may be forced to dismiss charges or offer better plea agreements.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation

Contacting a sex crimes attorney immediately after arrest protects your rights and strengthens your defense. Early investigation preserves evidence that might disappear. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage is deleted, and physical evidence degrades. Your experienced criminal defense attorney will act quickly to gather favorable evidence.

A New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can intervene before charges are filed. During police investigations, your attorney communicates with detectives and prosecutors on your behalf. Sometimes charges can be avoided entirely through early intervention and presentation of exculpatory evidence.

Your experienced attorney understands the investigation process and knows how prosecutors build cases. This knowledge helps in developing a compelling defense strategy from the start. Waiting to hire a defense attorney weakens your position and gives prosecutors time to build their case unchallenged.

Building an Effective Defense Strategy

An effective defense strategy begins with thorough investigation of the allegations. Your defense attorney reviews all evidence, interviews witnesses, and consults experts when needed. Sex crime cases often involve medical evidence, forensic analysis, and expert testimony about consent, memory, and trauma.

Your defense strategy may include challenging the credibility of witnesses, presenting alibi evidence, or demonstrating that sexual activity was consensual. In cases involving minors, your attorney might challenge how interviews were conducted or whether testimony was improperly influenced.

Negotiating a favorable outcome requires understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. Your defense lawyer will identify problems with their evidence and use leverage to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing when appropriate.

How Our New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Can Help

Facing any type of sex crime charge is a very serious matter. It is imperative that you have reliable and experienced legal representation. Our founding attorney, Bonnie Putterman, is a New Jersey criminal law advocate with the expertise needed to handle sex crimes charges, including serious felony offenses. We are proactive, and we have a proven record of client testimonials.

Our New Jersey sexual assault lawyers include experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of sex offense charges. As one of the best lawyers in the field, we provide aggressive representation while treating clients with dignity and respect.

Along with other things, our New Jersey sex crimes defense lawyer is prepared to: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case; 
• Investigate the sex crimes allegations, gathering relevant evidence; 
• Represent you before the police and prosecutors; and
• Develop a personalized strategy focused on protecting your rights. 

Our sex crimes attorney team examines every detail of your case to build a compelling defense. We challenge witness testimony, review forensic evidence, and consult with experts. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges.

What Makes Our Defense Team Different

Our criminal defense lawyer team brings decades of combined experience to sex crime cases. We understand the significant consequences these charges carry and fight aggressively to protect your rights. Unlike larger firms, we provide personalized attention to every client.

We believe in making informed decisions based on thorough case analysis. Your attorney will explain all options clearly, including the risks and benefits of going to trial versus accepting plea agreements. We never pressure clients into decisions but help them understand what to expect.

Our commonly referred defense strategies have achieved favorable outcomes in hundreds of sex crime cases. From disorderly persons offenses to first-degree crimes, we handle the full range of sexual offenses with skill and dedication.

Sex Crimes Charges in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Our New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today

At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey sex crimes defense lawyer is skilled, reliable, and committed to protecting the rights of clients. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you have any questions about your case, we can help. Contact us now for a fully private, no obligation case evaluation.

We defend sex crimes charges throughout New Jersey. Our law office provides a free initial case evaluation to discuss your case and explain your options. Call us today at (609) 625-8383 for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and future.

Whether you face charges for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, child pornography, or any other sexual offenses, our experienced defense attorney team is ready to fight for you. Contact us now for a free consultation and start building your effective defense against sex offense charges.