Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Represents Clients Facing Sexual Assault Charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout NJ

Sexual assault charges are prosecuted in the same courts as other criminal offenses. They are graded according to the same scale that applies universally in the New Jersey criminal justice system. However, sexual assault charges are vastly different than most other offenses. The social stigma attached to sexual assault allegations alone can destroy your reputation and change your life forever. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio is a top-rated New Jersey sexual assault attorney dedicated to aggressively defending every client accused of sexual assault—to give you the best chance of getting your life back.

The firm takes the phrase “innocent until proven guilty” seriously. When you choose The Law Offices of Michele Finizio to protect your rights, you can expect:

• 20-plus years of legal experience in your corner
• Dedicated support from an experienced defense attorney throughout the entire criminal process
• A lawyer who treats you with respect, dignity, and compassion—and who will never pressure you to accept a guilty plea

Sexual assault is the legal term for rape. When charged with sexual assault, a conviction carries up to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of state-mandated sex offender registration requirements. Because the prosecutor is likely to pursue the charges aggressively, you need a New Jersey Sexual Assault Attorney with the skills needed to build a solid defense.

Michele Finizio is recognized for their creative, smart, and effective defense strategies.

We work to find approaches that maximize your chance of successfully resolving your case—whether that means a not-guilty verdict, having your charges dismissed, or negotiating lesser charges to help you put the past behind you.

Your initial consultation at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio is always free. Contact us today to discuss a custom defense strategy with an experienced New Jersey sexual assault attorney.

Facing A Criminal Charge And Have Questions? We Can Help. Contact The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Today At 856-888-9059 Or Fill Our Our Convenient Online Contact Form For A Free Consultation About Your Case.

Grading New Jersey Sexual Assault Charges

Sexual assault charges can be graded as first or second-degree offenses in New Jersey. Both are extremely serious felony-level charges.

An act of penetration is classified as sexual assault, or rape, if one of the following is also true:

• The defendant used physical force or coercion but did not seriously injure the alleged victim.

• The victim was 16 or 17 years old and:
• (1) the defendant was a blood relative to the third degree and was a step-relative or in-law.
• (2) the defendant had some type of supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim.
• (3) the defendant was the victim’s guardian or a resource family parent (or occupied a similar parental role).
• (4) the victim is at least 13 but not 16 years old and the defendant is at least four years older.

• The victim was on probation or parole or was in a hospital, prison or institution, and the defendant had some type of supervisory or disciplinary power.

Rape is generally a second-degree crime under these circumstances. Conviction carries up to ten years in prison and a maximum $150,000 fine. Additional penalties include:

• Sex offender registration for life
• Community or parole supervision for life

Aggravated Sexual Assault: A First-Degree Crime

Sexual assault charges can be aggravated to a first-degree crime if the prosecution can prove any of the following aggravating factors:

• The victim is younger than 13 years old
• The assault is committed during the course of committing (or attempting) another serious crime
• The defendant had a weapon or something that the victim reasonably believed was a weapon
• At least one other person aided and abetted the defendant
• The defendant physically forced or coerced the victim into the act and severely injured the victim
• The defendant knew or reasonably should have known, that the victim was unable to provide consent because of a physical, intellectual, or mental handicap or other disability
• The victim was at least 13 but not yet 16, and the defendant was a blood relative, a step-relative or in-law, or had some type of supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim, or was the victim’s guardian or a resource family parent (or occupied a similar parental role)

In addition to sex offender registration, first-degree aggravated assault charges carry up to 20 years in prison. These are not the type of charges that you can trust just anyone to defend. You need the best possible New Jersey Sexual Assault Attorney on your team. Call The Law Offices of Michele Finizio as soon as possible to discuss options in your case.

Call an Experienced New Jersey Sexual Assault Attorney You Can Trust Today

When faced with sexual assault charges, it is important to remember that you need a New Jersey Sexual Assault Attorney who has actual in-court experience defending clients’ rights. Many other law firms might encourage clients to accept guilty pleas. In a sexual assault case, reaching a plea deal is often not even on the table.

Michele Finizio has been fighting to protect clients’ rights for over 20 years. The firm is always prepared to aggressively defend your rights at trial before a judge and jury. With the skills, resources, and passion of The Law Offices of Michele Finizio by your side, you have the tools you need to get the best outcome in your case.

Call or contact the firm today to schedule your free initial consultation with a qualified sexual assault defense lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Assault Charges Charges in New Jersey