Rider University Sex Offense
Lawrence NJ Sexual Assault Attorney
As difficult as it may be to comprehend, the Rider University Public Safety Report indicated that there were 5 cases of sexual assault on campus during 2015. The cases were placed under the heading of “rape” which would include sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. The report also related arrests for “fondling” which is another term for criminal sexual contact and/or lewdness. If you or your child was arrested at Rider University for a sex offense, you absolutely must retain an attorney immediately. A conviction for most charges of this nature have dire consequences, including serious exposure to prison as well as mandatory registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. Retaining the best lawyer you can afford is imperative to your escaping these extreme penalties.
At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our attorneys certainly know what they are doing in terms of Rider University and sex cases. Our staff has been representing students and visitors to the college for decades and our founder, Jonathan F. Marshall, is even a graduate from the institution. Our former prosecutors also have considerable experience defending rape and other sex charges at the Mercer County Superior Court and elsewhere in New Jersey. For a free initial consultation with an attorney immediately, contact our Lawrence Township Office at (609) 683-8102.
Sexual Assault Charge at Rider University
The charge known as sexual assault set forth under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2. This law makes it a crime to commit sexual penetration, including vaginal intercourse or insertion of any object in the vagina or anus, using physical force or coercion without severe personal injury. Sexual assault also arises when there is sexual penetration where the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actor’s legal, professional or occupational status. Sexual assault is enhanced from a second degree crime to aggravated sexual assault, a first degree crime, where penetration occurs under the following circumstances:
- The act is committed during the commission, or attempted commission, whether alone or with one or more other persons, of robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault on another, burglary, arson or criminal escape;
- The actor is armed with a weapon or any object fashioned in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon and threatens by word or gesture to use the weapon or object;
- The actor is aided or abetted by one or more other persons and the actor uses physical force or coercion;
- The actor uses physical force or coercion and severe personal injury is sustained by the victim;
- The victim is one whom the actor knew or should have known was physically helpless or incapacitated, intellectually or mentally incapacitated, or had a mental disease or defect which rendered the victim temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding the nature of his conduct, including, but not limited to, being incapable of providing consent.
Sexual assault is a second degree crime that results in 5-10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $150,000 and community supervision and registration as a sex offender for life. Aggravated sexual assault is a first degree crime that results in 10-20 years in prison and a fine that can reach $200,000. Megan’s Law continues to apply to this offense.
Charged With Criminal Sexual Contact at Rider University
The Rider University offense of criminal sexual contact (i.e. fondling, groping, etc.) arises in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 if a student or other individual has sexual contact using physical force or coercion (without severe personal injury) or the “the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actor’s legal, professional or occupational status.” Criminal sexual contact is “aggravated” if it occurs under circumstances (3) through (7) above. Criminal sexual contact is a fourth degree crime that results in penalties at the Superior Court that include up to a $10,000 fine and up to 18 months in state prison. Sex offender registration does not apply to this offense. Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a third degree crime that carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine that can reach $15,000.
Lawrenceville NJ Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer
It should be patently clear to you that a sex offense is nothing handle without the assistance of a skilled lawyer. A Lawrence Township Criminal Attorney at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is well qualified to help you defend your charge. We are former prosecutors and attorneys who are highly knowledgeable in sex crimes with over 100 years of combined experience. For the time and attention you need in this difficult time, call us at (609) 683-8102. A lawyer on our team will be more than happy to conduct a thorough review of your case without obligation.