Juvenile Sex Offense
Trenton NJ Juvenile Sex Assault Attorney
When a parent receives a call that their child has been arrested, charged or is being detained at the police station, the natural instinct is to rush to their aid without consideration as to the need for a defense attorney. Unfortunately, the impulse that almost everyone acts on can result in an uncomfortable encounter with complicated legal ramifications, especially when the stakes are as high as those involved with a juvenile sex offense such as a sexual assault. Having the benefit of an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side at every stage of a sex case can truly make a difference. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has been helping families defend juvenile charges at the Superior Court in Trenton for decades. If you would like to speak to one of the attorneys on our staff, including one of our several prosecutors, contact our firm any time of day or night at 609–683–8102. Our attorneys will ensure that the very best decisions are made in this difficult time so that your son/daughter has every chance of moving on without any life altering ramifications.
Juvenile Sex Charge at the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton New Jersey
It is important that you, as a parent, understand that a guilty plea or finding of juvenile delinquency at the Juvenile Court in Trenton for a sex offense can have significant consequences. Your child may be sent to juvenile detention for up to four years for a first degree crime, three years for a second degree crime, two years for a third degree crime and one year for a fourth degree crime. In addition, most sex crimes fall within Megan’s Law, a set of statutes that make sex offender registration mandatory and also impose community notification in some cases. What this means in practical terms is that if your child is adjudicated delinquent of specific sexual offenses, he or she could be required to register as a sex offender. These offenses include:
- False imprisonment if the victim is a minor;
- Sexual assault ;
- Kidnapping if the victim is under the age of 16;
- Luring;
- Endangering the welfare of a child (under some specific circumstances);
- Criminal sexual contact, if the victim is a minor;
- Aggravated sexual assault, and
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact.
This means if your child is charged with any of the above, it is that much more important that you contact an experienced juvenile attorney who has worked with many juvenile clients accused of committing a sex crime immediately. Your child’s very best chance of preserving his or her future lies in having an attorney who will fight hard for his or her freedom, rights and future.
If your child is required to register as a sex offender, then when he or she is released, the county prosecutor must determine the risk to the community, and notifications are made to community members. Sexual offenders are categorized as a Tier 1,2, or 3 level offender. A Tier 3 offender is believed to have a relatively high risk of re-offending, a Tier 2 offender is believed to have a moderate risk of re-offending, and a Tier 1 offender is believed to have a relatively low risk of re-offending.
There are two specific circumstances under which a juvenile may be relieved of his or her requirement to register as a sexual offender. If your child falls under Megan’s law for any type of offense that occurred before he or she turned 14, you may be able to have your attorney petition the court and request that your child be removed from the sexual registry. Also, if your child has spent fifteen years on the sexual registry under Megan’s Law, your attorney may be able to petition the court and asked that he or she be removed
Trenton Juvenile Criminal Sexual Contact Defense Lawyer
If your child has been charged with a sex crime, it is definitely advisable for you to contact an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. There is a fairly narrow window of opportunity following charges being filed with the Juvenile Unit at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. A knowledgeable juvenile attorney with a skill-set in sex based offenses can thoroughly protect your child. Don’t sit back and because time is the essence in juvenile cases. The lawyers at our firm are available to answer your questions and get your case on a track for success. Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today at 609–683–8102 for immediate assistance from a seasoned criminal lawyer.