Sexual Assault, Megan's Law and Other Sex Crimes
We have two attorneys who are each certified by the Supreme Court of NJ as a criminal trial attorney. Call us for our extraordinary level of experience and recognized expertise!
The law defines sex offenses as improper touching that is sexual in nature with a child under 16 or an unwilling adult. Since those charged with sex offenses may lose the ability to go home or see their children, it is very important to have an attorney protect your rights.
Frequently bogus charges are filed by an angry significant other or by a child to retaliate against an individual for some perceived wrong. Others may file sexual charges to get an advantage in a divorce, custody, visitation, or other dispute. Previously abused children sometimes file bogus charges to gain attention. A strong defense can impact the outcome of the case by providing evidence to question the motive and credibility of the alleged victim.
Those convicted of a sex offense can face the following:
- long prison sentences
- branding for life as a sex offender
Megan's Law can destroy a person's life with lifelong parole supervision and internet postings of a sex offender's photo, name and address:
- Tier-One Offenders (no internet posting)
- Tier-Two Offenders (internet posting plus automatic notifications sent to all neighboring schools, child care centers, camps, etc.)
- Tier-Three Offenders (internet posting plus notifications sent to everyone in the neighborhood)
These postings can result in harassment and even attacks on the person convicted as well as his or her home and family. A vigorous defense will reduce the chances of a long prison sentence and may help the defendant prevent internet postings and public notification by doing the following:
- Lowering the tier designation
- Helping the defendant plead guilty to a lesser, different crime
- Using psychological evaluations to convince the state or the court not to require community and/or internet postings
Megan's Law offenders can also apply for a lower tier designation or termination of their Megan's Law status after completing their sentence. Success is often related to the quality of the attorney's court presentation.
With over 120 years of combined legal experience, the lawyers at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can help you fight sex charges and Megan's Law. We know the strengths and weaknesses of our adversaries and their cases and we fight to uphold your rights.
Call us at 856-547-7888 for an appointment. Initial consultations are free.
Select Case:
New trial set for man accused of sex assault
By: Mike Mathis BCT staff writer Date: May 20, 2003
MOUNT HOLLY - A new trial will be scheduled in July for a former teacher and counselor whose conviction on charges he sexually assaulted three teenage boys was reversed. [The man], 48, was convicted in October 2000 of 16 counts of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.
In a decision released in March, an appeals panel ruled that the refusal by a Superior Court judge to allow an expert to testify during [the] trial denied [the man] his right to present a defense.
[The man] was serving a 40-year sentence in Trenton State Prison when his conviction was overturned. He is now free on $100,000 bail.
After a short hearing before Superior Court Judge Marvin E. Schlosser yesterday, Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Morgan said all three of [the man's] alleged victims are likely to testify at the new trial. The victims also testified against [the man] at his first trial.
Morgan said he has not made any plea offer to [the former teacher] to settle the case before the retrial begins.
Defense attorney Yaron Helmer would not say if [the defendant] would accept a plea agreement if offered. He said [the man] is looking forward to the retrial. "He's relieved he's going to have an opportunity to defend himself," Helmer said.
[The man], a former teacher at the Grace A. Dunn Middle School in Trenton, was charged in March 1998 with assaulting the boys at his home and during camping trips in the Lebanon State Forest.
The victims told prosecutors they were assaulted at various times between 1993 and 1997. They were between the ages of 12 and 16 during that time. Among the victims were twin brothers.
The defense maintained the boys fabricated allegations of sexual assault because [the former teacher] turned down their requests to live with him because they were undergoing problems at their own homes.
2004 Copyright Calkins Media, Inc. All rights reserved
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