When You’re Facing Sexual Assault Charges in New Jersey, Prepare for the Worst

Sexual assault charges are among the most egregious a person can face. They carry life-changing penalties and a stigma that can haunt you for the rest of your life. An accusation can be damaging enough, but a conviction can put you behind bars for a very long time and have repercussions for the rest of your life. To make matters worse, it’s incredibly easy for someone to point the finger at another person, whether the accusations are true or false. Since rape and sexual assaults are serious crimes, the emotionally charged nature of the offenses can convict a suspect before the evidence is even introduced. If you’re facing sexual assault charges, now is the time to hire an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney.
Official data from law enforcement agencies indicates that as many as 10 percent of rape allegations turn out to be “unfounded.” This means that the police concluded that no crime had occurred. While the events surrounding rape can get confusing and it’s important to exhibit the utmost sensitivity to the alleged victims, the stakes are too high for the wrongfully accused offender to stay silent. To make matters worse, New Jersey’s sexual assault laws are a lot more complicated than one may think. So what one person may deem as harmless and even consensual behavior may be seen differently in the eyes of the State.
New Jersey’s sex crime laws generally fall under two categories: criminal sexual contact and sexual assault, which also includes aggravated sexual assault. Understanding the difference between these violations, the penalties that come with them, and your legal footing can be incredibly tricky. Aggravated sexual assault is a first degree crime and carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Before you assume you can fight these charges on your own, it is imperative that you contact an experienced legal professional. You may be innocent, but proving your innocence is a whole other matter.
At the law firm of Lombardi and Lombardi, we have helped numerous clients defend themselves against destructive and life-altering sexual assault charges. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can assess the charges against you and immediately begin planning your defense.