Sex Crimes

Of all the possible crimes to commit, there are a few that leave little room for social vindication and pardon. In addition to violent crimes against people, sex crimes are viewed as the most heinous type of crime in New Jersey and across the world. This stigma is not only true of society but also in the criminal justice system. Sex crimes are among the most severely punished, most of them carrying jail time and publish registration as a sex offender.

Unfortunately, the prejudices and biases against those accused of sexual offenses in society have also seeped into the justice system of today. Whether the trial is being overseen by a judge or decided by a jury of peers, most defendants facing sex crimes charges will experience a heavy bias in the courtroom that favors their accuser. Not only does this increase the possibility of an unfair conviction, but it also makes the task of defending the accused more difficult. Such situations require skilled, confident and unwavering legal representation by a Bergen County criminal defense attorney.

Types of Sex Crimes Charges

Like many other areas of criminal defense, the broad category of sex crimes includes a number of different charges depending on the nature of the alleged act. Furthermore, some crimes may be seen as more serious than others and this distinction is usually carried out by categorizing them in degrees under either misdemeanor or felony offenses. Common charges that fall under the category of sex crimes:

• Indecent Exposure
• Child Molestation
• Statutory Rape
• Sexual Harassment
• Sexual Assault
• Rape
• Prostitution
• Solicitation

Some of these crimes are not as serious as others. However, with certain aggravating factors, such as the age of the alleged victim, the use of violence or the presence of narcotics in the execution of the alleged crime, a crime usually charged as a misdemeanor may have the potential to be increased to a felony offense. Because prosecutors are known to utilize the “surprise factor” in order to catch the defense off guard with new evidence, it is important to approach every sex crime accusation with the same degree of intensity, regardless of how minor it seems.

The Necessity of Experienced Legal Representation

Generally speaking, any illegal activity that involves sexual gratification of the defendant or the sexual exploitation of the alleged victim will be considered a sex crime. Penalties for sexual offenses are harsh, both in the legal system and in the process of assimilating back into society. Convicted offenders are likely to face years in prison in addition to steep fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Even when the sentence is carried out completely, that individual may still experience oppression and judgment in daily tasks as they seek to rebuild their reputation and move forward with their lives. This is due to the publicity of such cases, especially in light of the sex offender registry which gives local communities access to personal information about all those within who have been convicted of sexual offenses.

If you have been accused of any type of sexual offense, you need to retain legal representation immediately in order to protect your future and your reputation from the harsh judgment of the legal system and social presumptions. Even if you are never convicted, a simple arrest can have a negative effect on your career, relationships and position in the community. The Law Offices of Benjamin G. Kelsen, Esq. LLC wants to advocate for you as you fight of these accusations and work to regain control of your life and reputation. Contact our Bergen County sex crime lawyer today to learn more about how we can represent you against your criminal charges.