Teenagers are evolving into adults and start to take on adult behaviors, like sexual activity. For parents, one of the many fears is that their child will be targeted by an adult. However, what if the teenager has entered into a consensual sexual relationship with another teenager? In New Jersey, there are exceptions made for two teenagers involved in a…
We Stand Beside You
Sexual Assault
Can I be Removed from the Megan’s Law Internet Registry?
Enacted in 1994 by the State of New Jersey, Megan’s Law is a group of statutes that mandates public disclosure of information pertaining to sex offenders. These laws were ratified on the federal level two years later, allowing states to let the public know when there are sex offenders in their communities. Part of this includes another statute that requires…
Megan’s Law Update
A conviction for a sex offense in the State of New Jersey generally carries with it the requirement of Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life. Under some, but not all circumstances, an individual may move to terminate his or her registration requirements under Megan’s Law, as well as parole supervision for life if that person has remained offense-free for…
Legal Defenses in Sexual Assault Cases
All forms of rape count as sexual assault, but not all sexual assault crimes count as rape. Even though state laws vary, all states view sexual assault crimes as crimes that involve sexual activity with no clear consent. The legal defense used in a sexual assault case may revolve around the issue of consent. However, other defenses have been used…
Sex Offender Misled by Police
A recent state Supreme Court ruling raises important questions about the tactics law enforcement officers use to secure a confession. In 2011, police officers pulled over an individual suspected of numerous sexual assaults. During questioning, officers led him to believe that, if he confessed, he would get a more lenient sentence that included counseling instead of incarceration. Upon confessing, he…
Philadelphia Police Officer Accused of Sexual Assault
A police officer in South Philadelphia was recently charged with sexually assaulting a woman with whom he took on a date. The officer, who works in Philadelphia’s 17th Precinct, is being held in jail with bail set at $1 million. He is currently suspended with intent to dismiss while the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office builds their case. The officer met…