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New Jersey Date Rape Lawyer

Date rape charges are serious charges under New Jersey law. Date rape is a type of sex crime under New Jersey law, and a charge or conviction for date rape can be socially stigmatizing – not to mention costly. The good news, however, is that the crime of rape, including date rape, has certain legal defenses associated with it.

If you were charged with date rape, a New Jersey date rape lawyer can conduct an investigation into the physical evidence lodged against you, along with the alleged victim’s personal, psychological, and criminal background. A skilled sex crimes attorney could advocate for you.

Prosecution of Date Rape Offenses

In order for the prosecution to be able to prove that a rape – otherwise known as a sexual assault – occurred, the State’s Attorney must be able to convince a jury that the sexual act was non-consensual. Therefore, the issue often comes down to one of credibility on the part of an alleged date rape victim.

Challenging Date Rape Charges

In cases of date rape, it is rare that police officers and other investigators undertake a thorough investigation into the alleged victim’s background or the circumstances which surround the date rape charge. In many cases, criminal prosecutors simply take the limited evidence that they have at their disposal and try to pursue a conviction. A New Jersey date rape lawyer will be able to undertake a complete investigation of the alleged date rape victim in order to help answer some or all of the following questions:

  • Has the alleged victim previously accused others of rape or sexual assault (especially accusations which were later deemed false or frivolous)?
  • Does the alleged victim take drugs, including prescription drugs?
  • Does the alleged victim have a history of abusing drugs or alcohol?
  • Does the alleged victim suffer from depression, personality disorder, paranoia, or alcoholism?
  • Has the alleged victim made threats against the accused?
  • Does the alleged victim’s chronology of events support the available evidence?
    • Penalties for a Date Rape Conviction

    If someone is convicted of date rape in New Jersey, they will be required to register as a sex offender. This requires that their picture be posted online and their profile remain online forever. They will also be required to serve a mandatory minimum of 85 percent of their criminal sentence and will remain under parole supervision for the rest of their life.

    A sex crime conviction will severely affect a person’s reputation in the community, as well as their liberty, associations, and living arrangements. And it is often very difficult – if not impossible – to find a decent place to live or a good job following a conviction.

    How a New Jersey Date Rape Attorney Can Assist You

    Anything you say to a law enforcement officer or detective can be used against you later in the criminal process – including at trial – in order for the prosecution to obtain a conviction. A New Jersey date rape lawyer can safeguard your constitutional rights while your case is pending and can be an advocate during plea negotiations and at trial. Call today to learn more.