Bergen County NJ Sexual Assault Attorneys

If you or a loved one is facing a Sexual Assault charge(s) here in Bergen County, then be aware that a conviction can carry a grave sentence if convicted. This includes, but is not limited to, years in state prison, register as a sex offender, and substantial fines. Our law firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, has the experience and knowledge to defend these charges since we have:

  • Over two-hundred (200) years of combined experience
  • A team of ten (10) criminal defense attorneys that devote their entire practice to criminal law
  • Our firm has seven (7) former prosecutors
    • Three (3) of our attorneys were former county prosecutors and held directorial positions of the Drug, Gang, and Gun Task Force, Major Crimes Division, Trial Division, Juvenile Division
  • One (1) of our attorneys is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction held by less than 1% of attorneys in this State
  • One (1) of our lawyers was recently selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2020 list for New Jersey which is a highly credentialed, peer-influenced, third-party validated, and a patented process that only 2.5% of the attorneys in New Jersey are selected to this list
  • Selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40

A Sexual Assault charge has serious consequences, and you or your loved one need serious attorneys to handle these allegations. We have three (3) offices located throughout Bergen County. We have offices in Paramus, Hackensack, as well as Fort Lee. Call one of our offices for a free consultation at 201-429-9783, we’re available 24/7.

Hackensack Sexual Assault Lawyers

N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(b) or (c), also known as Sexual Assault, is a severe charge that can have a lasting impact for you or your loved one if convicted at the Bergen County Superior Court. The statue states, in part, that:

  • A person is guilty of sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual contact when the alleged victim is less than thirteen (13) years old and the defendant is at least four (4) years older than the alleged victim
  • A defendant is also guilty of sexual assault if he/she commit an act of sexual penetration by:
    • Using force or coercion. However, the alleged victim does not sustain severe personal injury
    • Having a supervisory or disciplinary role over the alleged victim since they are on probation/parole, is detained in hospital, prison or other institution
    • The alleged victim being at least sixteen (16) but not eighteen (18) years old and
      • The defendant is related to the alleged victim by blood or “affinity to the third degree” or
      • The defendant watches or disciplines the alleged victim by his/her’s legal, professional, or occupational status, or
      • The defendant is “a resource family parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household”
    • The alleged victim being at least thirteen (13) but not sixteen (16) years old and the defendant is at least four (4) years older than the alleged victim

If you or a loved one is being charged with the above, they’ll likely be accompanying charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and/or Sexual Contact.

What is “Sexual Penetration” Under NJ Law?

In New Jersey, sexual penetration is defined as any vaginal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, insertion of the hand, finger, or object into the anus or vagina by the defendant or by the defendant’s instructions. This is codified in NJSA 2C:14-1(c).

Penalties if Convicted of Sexual Assault in Bergen County NJ

As stated before, the penalties for sexual assault can be severe. If you or a loved one is facing a sexual assault charge at the Bergen County Courthouse, it’s imperative that you or your loved one know the penalties if convicted. Sexual assault is second (2nd) degree indictable (felony). A second degree indictable is the second most severe grading of a crime here in New Jersey. A second degree charge carries:

  • A maximum of ten (10) and a minimum of five (5) years in state prison
  • A fine up to $150,000.00 and court costs

If convicted of Sexual Assault, however, you or your loved one will also face the following:

  • At least eighty-five (85%) percent of your sentence must be served before becoming eligible for parole
  • Parole Supervision for Life (PSL)
  • Register as a sex offender pursuant to ‘Megan’s Law’

Sexual Assault Law Firm in Fort Lee, New Jersey

To ensure that your rights will be protected to the fullest extent allowed by law, it is important that you engage an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being arrested for a sex crime. Set up a free initial legal consultation with the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall at any of our three (3) of our locations in Bergen County (Paramus, Hackensack, and Fort Lee) today to get started on a strong legal defense. Feel free to call us at 201-429-9783, we’re available 24/7