New Jersey Sexual Assault Attorneys
Dedicated Advocacy to Help Clients Overcome Sex Crimes Convictions
In New Jersey, Sexual Assault is codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2. Sexual abuse victims have a difficult time in the criminal justice system. However, it’s also the case that individuals accused of such crimes may be treated unfairly — even when evidence shows that the allegations against them may be false. A conviction for criminal sexual contact in our state comes with significant repercussions, and if the state successfully prosecutes, you could have to pay financial compensation in a civil lawsuit after dealing with criminal penalties. This is why you need a New Jersey sexual assault lawyer on your side.
At The Bianchi Law Group, we’ve seen what can happen when defendants are convicted in sex crime cases. Prison sentences, extreme fines, registry as a sex offender, and various other consequences are common. The system has started treating victims who are sexually abused with more respect, but this has also opened the door for potential false allegations. New Jersey sexual abuse cases are often complicated, and when it comes down to “he said, she said,” it’s often the case that the alleged victim will be believed as opposed to the defendant.
While you have the assumption of innocence, it often doesn’t feel that way in sex abuse cases. Fortunately, a dedicated criminal defense attorney may be able to help. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Why Hire Former Sexual Assault Prosecutors?
The Bianchi Law Group is made up of a team of former trial prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of most crimes in New Jersey and will defend you for all federal and state crimes in New Jersey, including sex assault. When facing charges of this severity, working with a former prosecutor can offer significant advantages. After all, just about every prosecuting attorney has handled a major sexual assault case during their career.
Our team of New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys understands the strategies used by the government to secure convictions. We also understand the pressure that prosecutors are under for convictions in these cases — oftentimes facing public harassment or attacks if they don’t pursue allegations where evidence cannot support a conviction. At The Bianchi Law Group, we’ll put all this knowledge and experience to work for you.
When you decide to work with our New Jersey sexual abuse lawyers, you’ll have staunch legal advocates who will not cave to the pressure of today’s social and political climate. Everyone deserves a dedicated defense attorney, and that’s precisely what we offer. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court
Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are also both certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Criminal Trial Attorneys. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Supreme Court has a certification committee that classifies certain New Jersey Lawyers as Certified Trial Attorneys. The process requires the prospective attorneys to satisfy strict criteria, including extensive jury trials, a primary focus on criminal law, an application submission, a peer review process, a character and background check, and passing a written examination.
Only 250 of over 98,000 lawyers (less than 1%) are designated as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This should be an important factor in finding a New Jersey criminal defense attorney to represent you. Many New Jersey Lawyers describe themselves as trial attorneys, but most do not have the New Jersey Court’s distinction as Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. That’s because this is not an easy distinction to come by, and it’s a testament to the fact that our law firm is experienced, adept, and effective when defending against sexual abuse charges at trial.
While our New Jersey sexual assault lawyers will make every effort to have charges thrown out before trial, we’re prepared to engage in litigation when it’s in the best interests of our clients. A bad outcome at trial can result in serious legal penalties — along with a damning scenario if you face a civil lawsuit. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in New Jersey
The Penalties for Sexual Assault in New Jersey depend on the circumstances of the offense. . Generally, sexual assault is a second-degree crime in New Jersey. However, there are certain circumstances that may elevate the sexual assault to an Aggravated Sexual Assault, which is a first-degree crime in New Jersey.
The circumstances that elevate the sexual assault to an Aggravated Assault, first-degree are found in 2C:14-2(a), and require an act of sexual penetration under any of the following circumstances:
- The victim is less than 13 years old;
- In some circumstances, the victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old;
- The act is committed during the commission, or attempted commission, whether alone or with one or more other persons, of robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault on another, burglary, arson, or criminal escape;
- The actor is armed with a weapon or any object fashioned in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon and threatens by word or gesture to use the weapon or object;
- The actor is aided or abetted by one or more other persons, and the actor uses physical force or coercion;
- The actor uses physical force or coercion, and severe personal injury is sustained by the victim;
- The victim is one whom the actor knew or should have known was physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or had a mental disease or defect that rendered the victim temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding the nature of his conduct, including, but not limited to, being incapable of providing consent.
Crimes in the first degree can be punishable from 10 years to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Crimes in the second degree can be punishable from 5 years to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Crimes in the third-degree range can be punishable from 3 years to 5 years in the New Jersey State Prison. Crimes in the fourth-degree range can be punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. Disorderly persons offenses can be punishable up to 6 months in the County jail, usually in the County where the crime was committed.
The Sentencing Judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 and Penalties assessed against sex offenders as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-10 for all convictions for Sexual Assault in New Jersey.
Contact Our Trial Ready New Jersey Sexual Assault Lawyers
Like in all of our cases handled at the Bianchi Law Group, our experienced team of former prosecutors are there to ensure the Government can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If our attorneys cannot resolve the case with a dismissal or a fair and just plea bargain, our lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group will not hesitate to select a jury and take the case to trial. That is what we do and what distinguishes us from other attorneys.
We are former prosecutors, trial-tested, and certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as certified criminal trial attorneys. We will not hesitate to go to trial if a fair outcome cannot be secured beforehand. Our goal is to always get the best possible outcome for each of our clients. Such outcomes can look very different between cases — ranging from pre-trial dismissals and reduced sentencing to acquittals at trial. Our legal team will review your case and help you understand all your options.
Contact us at (862) 292-4442 to schedule your free consultation with our New Jersey sexual assault lawyers today.