Princeton Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys
Sexual Assault
According to the US Department of Justice's 2007 National Crime Victimization Survey, nearly a quarter million people get raped, sexually assaulted, or threatened with attempted rape every year – not including children ages 12 years older or younger. This means that on average, someone in the US gets sexually assaulted every two minutes.
These are scary statistics, even though the survey suggests that the incidents of rape and sexual assault have fallen by approximately 60% over the past two decades. If you stand accused of sexual assault in New Jersey – or if a friend or a family member stands accused – chances are the person is terrified about potential consequences, remorseful, and overwhelmed about his/her legal and moral obligations. These emotions are understandable. After all, sex crimes are among the most vivid kinds of violent crimes. Business associates, strangers, and even intimates and family members may leap to judge you guilty even before hearing the facts. And rebuilding your reputation after these accusations may take years or even decades.
What Exactly Constitutes Sexual Assault?
The law considers both assault and attempted assault to be extremely serious crimes. The consequences for victims can be devastating. For instance, according to a 2002 report from the World Health Organization, sexual assault victims are three times more likely than average to suffer from clinical depression, 26 times more likely than average to engage in drug abuse, and four times more than likely than average to attempt or contemplate suicide. Given these horrific statistics and the grim reality that tens of thousands of women (and men) get raped and assaulted every year, it shouldn't surprise you to learn that the both New Jersey and Federal laws treat convicted assaulters quite harshly.
If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony sexual assault, you will likely have to serve some time in jail, face incredible probation restrictions, pay serious fines and fees and mandatory restitution, and much more. Indeed, the indirect consequences of the conviction can be even more devastating than the direct consequences (i.e. jail time, fines, probation) in that they will cause chronic problems for you. For instance, a convict may have to register as a sex offender, face a very hard time finding employment after incarceration, suffer loss of companionship and professional esteem, and everything that stems from the stigma of being a convicted sex offender.
An experienced, practical, compassionate Princeton sex crime defense attorney can give you the resources and tools you need to repair your family and professional relationships, get the counseling you need to move past the charges, and avoid hurting others in the future, if you did indeed cause or threaten harm.
Look to the skilled domestic violence defense attorneys Lependorf & Silverstein for your next steps. Call 609-240-0040 to set up a free consultation, or continue to browse our free informational resources that will help you understand both New Jersey domestic violence law and your specific charges better.