Attorney for Criminal Sexual Contact Charges - N.J.S. 2C:14-3

Call a Proven Morristown Criminal Defense Lawyer

Have you been accused of criminal sexual contact in Morris County? Criminal sexual contact involves committing an act of sexual contact with a victim where the actor uses physical force or coercion but the victim does not sustain a severe physical injury. Criminal sexual contact can involve a victim who is on probation or parole, or someone that is detained in hospital or prison and the actor is in a position of power over the victim. It can also involve a victim that is at least 13 but less than 16, or a victim that is at least 16 years of age but less than 18.

With the offense of criminal sexual contact, the actor can be in a supervisory position over the victim, they can be related to the victim by blood, or the actor can be a resource family parent or a guardian.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3, criminal sexual contact is a crime in the fourth degree. An actor is guilty of aggravated sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances covered under 2C:14-2a. (2) through (7). Aggravated sexual contact is a crime in the third degree.

Let the Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. Defend You!

As shown above, the sex crime of criminal sexual contact can be charged as a third degree or fourth degree crime. Being convicted of a third degree crime can involve between three and five years in prison, whereas a conviction for a fourth degree crime cannot exceed 18 months. Obviously, there is a big difference between these two offenses. What's more, a conviction for aggravated criminal sexual contact requires mandatory sex offender registration and failure to register alone is a crime in the third degree. If you are being accused of criminal sexual contact, I urge you to contact me, Attorney Christopher G. Porreca immediately for a strong defense!