Juvenile Sex Crimes Lawyer
If your child (under 18 years old) is accused of committing a sex crime, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed. But, usually when juveniles engage in this type of behavior, it is not the result of deep-rooted criminality. This behavior often stems from natural sexual curiosity or exploration. But, such conduct is still illegal in New Jersey. Even sexting between teens can carry harsh, lifelong consequences. Juveniles who commit sex crimes may face criminal charges and prosecution. Also, juveniles may be subject to New Jersey’s sex offender registry (Megan’s Law). A sex offense adjudication can have long-lasting effects that may impact your child’s future. This is why is it vital to hire a lawyer who understands New Jersey sex offense law and Megan’s Law.
Maynard Law Office, LLC, represents juveniles facing sex offense charges all across NJ. Below is a list of legal services our firm offers for juveniles charged with sex crimes.
LEGAL SERVICES FOR JUVENILES FACING SEX OFFENSE CHARGES:
PRE-CHARGE MATTERS:
At Maynard Law Office, LLC, our practice includes juvenile sex crimes defense. We represent juveniles at all stages in the legal process.Our law firm has represented juveniles before law enforcement charged or arrested them. As a result, in many cases, our firm has obtained favorable legal outcomes. For example, our legal team has negotiated with the prosecutor to have the juvenile plead to non-Megan’s law offenses. In other cases, attorneys at our law firm were able to get prosecutors to drop all charges.
POST-CHARGE MATTERS:
Once your child faces sex crimes charges, it is crucial to consult with an experienced lawyer. A lawyer who is well-versed in sex offense law can help guide you and your child through the juvenile justice system. Our legal team not only understands NJ sex offense law, but we have experience making important strategic decisions. In various cases, these decisions have resulted in diversionary program outcomes.
A diversionary program is an alternative to prosecution. Typically, the juvenile must complete treatment and abide by other conditions. If conditions are successfully completed, the judge may dismiss the juvenile’s sex offense charges. Dismissed charges mean that the juvenile will not have a criminal record.
REMOVAL FROM MEGAN’S LAW:
Even if your child is on Megan’s Law, he or she may be able to get off Megan’s Law in the future. Removal depends (among other things) on the type of offense and the age when the juvenile committed the offense. Our law firm has been able to remove many clients from Megan’s Law for sex offenses they committed as juveniles.
TIER HEARINGS:
After a juvenile is adjudicated for a sex crime, the court assigns him/her a “tier” level. Tier level affects who is informed of a juvenile’s status as a sex offender. The initial tier hearing is very important. At this hearing, decisions about the juvenile’s re-offense risk are made that are difficult to change later on. At the initial tier hearing, the prosecutor proposes a tier level. A juvenile can hire a lawyer to argue against this proposed tier level. Ultimately, the judge decides the tier level. Our firm has lowered many of our client’s tier levels at these hearings.
MOVING TO NJ OR OUT OF NJ AS A REGISTRANT:
Juvenile registrants who want to move to another state for college, work, or travel, should first consult with a lawyer. Each state has its own sex offender laws. As a result, registrants should be aware of the legal effects of moving to, attending school in or working in another state.
If you are a registrant and are thinking about moving to or establishing a connection in another state, it is important to consult with a lawyer. An experienced attorney may help you understand your registration obligations in another state.
BEWARE: Even a brief visit to another state could trigger placement on that state’s sex offender registry. As a result, visits to other state could also result in placement on that state’s internet registry. If you do not follow another state’s sex offender laws, you could face criminal charges!
SEALING JUVENILE RECORDS:
Even though juveniles cannot get sex offense records “expunged” in NJ, they may be able to get their records “sealed.” However, juveniles must first satisfy certain criteria before courts will grant a motion to seal. Our law firm has helped many clients get their juvenile sex offense records sealed.
CALL MAYNARD LAW OFFICE, LLC, A JUVENILE SEX CRIMES DEFENSE FIRM. CALL (973) 540-0054 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
If your child faces sex crimes accusations or charges, call our law firm to see if we can help. Maynard Law Office, LLC has a solid knowledge of NJ sex offense law. We have also obtained favorable outcomes for juveniles charged with sex crimes.