Internet sex crimes are almost always considered felonies in the state of New Jersey and may even be tried as federal offenses. If you have been charged with an internet sex crime, you need the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney to help fight for your rights. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation today, and find out how the New Jersey criminal justice system awards steep sentences for internet sex offenses.
Actions Classified As Internet Sex Crimes in The State of New Jersey
A cyber sex crime blends the two illegal activities of cyber crimes and sex crimes. A cybercrime is an illegal act of a criminal nature carried out using the internet. A sex crime is an illegal offense that carries a sexual component. As such, cybersex crimes are sex crimes utilizing the internet. There are many different variations of cybersex crimes that may lead to serious felony charges in New Jersey.
Various Forms of Sexual Offenses Committed Over the Internet
There are two prevalent types of internet sex crimes, each of which has multiple components: child pornography and cyber harassment.
Child Pornography
This type of activity is very grave and carries serious criminal consequences. Child pornography charges are separated into varying degrees of severity based on their nature, including possession, distribution, and production. When child pornography includes internet distribution, it often becomes a federal matter when it is distributed across state lines; as such, the charges mount, and penalties become more severe. Involving a child in production of sexually pornographic material is considered endangering the welfare of a child and carries a second degree felony offense; this severity is heightened when the child’s own guardian is responsible for this child endangerment, at which point the charge is elevated to a first degree felony, the most severe level that exists in the New Jersey criminal justice system.
Attempting to use the internet to lure a child into participating in sexual behavior is also a related internet sex crime.
Cyber Sexual Harassment
This illegal activity involves the sending of communication or material of a sexual nature to someone without their permission and with the intent to cause them emotional harm. This material could be sent directly to them or about them, as in the case with revenge porn, in which sexually explicit material involving them is more widely distributed without their consent. Cyber sexual harassment could include a separate charge, invasion of privacy, when a person is recorded in a sexually compromising position or act without their permission.
Severe Legal Consequences for Cyber Sex Crimes in NJ
Child pornography charges are very serious; carrying third, second, or first-degree felonies varies based on the specific charge: possession, distribution, or production. First-time possession of child pornography usually carries a third degree felony charge that could result in a three-to-five year sentence and fines of up to $15,000. Distribution is typically graded as a second degree offense carrying a five-to-ten year sentence and fines of up to $150,000. Production of child pornography and child endangerment are first degree felonies that could result in up to 20 years in prison and $200,000 in fines when the defendant is responsible for the care of the child involved.
Cyber sexual harassment charges carry serious penalties and vary based on the activity’s nature. Usually, they carry fourth or third degree charges that result in up to 18 months and five years of prison time and up to $10,000 or $15,000 in fines, respectively.
Potential Secondary Effects of Internet Sex Crimes in NJ
In addition to facing prison time and exorbitant fines as a result of cybersex crimes, there are collateral consequences. Most often, those who commit sex crimes or internet sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders under Megan’s Law. Additionally, being a registered sex offender could have adverse consequences for your professional and personal life moving forward, and failure to register under Megan’s Law comes with its own charges and penalties.
Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Advocating for Clients in Morris County, New Jersey
If you have been charged with an internet sex crime, the most important thing to do is immediately call an experienced criminal defense attorney and refuse to speak to investigators or anyone else until you have your attorney present. A skilled defense team will help you build a strong case and prevent you from further incriminating yourself. Our team is well-versed in defending our clients’ rights in Florham Park, Denville, Mount Arlington, Butler, Riverdale, East Hanover, and neighboring towns across New Jersey in their defense needs, including internet sex crimes. Contact our team without hesitation at 973-524-7238 or use the online contact option to set up a confidential and free consultation to discuss your charge.