At the Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC, our New Jersey sex offenses and sex crimes defense lawyer is an experienced criminal defense advocate. He provides proactive legal representation, with a focus on protecting clients’ rights and minimizing the negative consequences of an arrest/conviction. If you or your loved one was arrested on a sex-based criminal charge, we are here to help. To schedule a strictly confidential consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
We Defend the Full Range of Sex Offenses in New Jersey
Sex crimes charges carry a serious stigma. For those defending themselves against a sex offense allegation, it is especially important that they have skilled legal representation. Our New Jersey criminal defense law firm is qualified to handle the full range of sex crimes charges, including:
Sexual Assault: In New Jersey, sexual assault is the legal term used to describe the crime of rape. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(b), a person is guilty of criminal sexual assault if they sexually penetrate another person without consent. Sexual assault carries very serious criminal penalties, potentially including up to 25 years in prison, Parole Supervision for Life, and registration as a sexual offender. If you or your family member was arrested for sexual assault in New Jersey, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for immediate help.
Criminal Sexual Contact: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3, the offense of criminal sexual contact occurs when a person “commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in section 2C:14-2c.” Put another way, criminal sexual contact is the act of intentionally touching the intimate sexual parts of another person without consent and for the purpose of intimidation or degradation. In New Jersey, this is an indictable felony offense that can carry maximum penalties of up to 18 months in prison.
Luring/Enticing: Under New Jersey law (NJ Rev Stat § 2C:13-6), the criminal offense of luring/enticing is a second-degree felony. A defendant commits this offense if “he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he reasonably believes to be a child into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any other place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child.” It does not matter if the defendant actually lured or enticed the child. The attempt itself justifies a criminal conviction in New Jersey. This crime carries a maximum $150,000 fine and five to ten years in prison.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (Megan’s Law): New Jersey has strict sex offender registration requirements. Megan’s law is named for the state’s sex offender registration rules, which can be found in the New Jersey Statute from 2C:7-12 to -19. Sex offenders in the state have a proactive responsibility to comply with registration requirements. Under Megan’s Law, the failure to register as a sex offender can be charged as a third-degree felony offense that is punishable by three to five years in prison. If you or your family member was charged with violating the sex offender registration requirement, contact our New Jersey defense lawyer for immediate help.
How New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew V. Portella Can Help You
A New Jersey criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, our founding attorney Matthew V. Portella is an effective, aggressive advocate for clients. He takes a proactive, disciplined approach in defending all types of criminal cases, including sex crimes charges. When you reach out to our law office, you have an opportunity to consult with a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can:
- Answer your questions and explain your options during a confidential initial consultation;
- Investigate the allegations, secure and organize relevant evidence;
- Represent you in any negotiations with prosecutors; and
- Devise a comprehensive legal defense strategy focused on getting the best outcome.
Contact Our New Jersey Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC, we have provided reliable criminal defense representation to clients for more than two and a half decades. If you or your loved one is facing a sex crimes charge, New Jersey defense lawyer Matthew V. Portella can help. Contact us today to set up a completely confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. With a law office in Haddonfield, we provide criminal defense representation throughout the State of New Jersey.