Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer in Mercer County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a serious indictable crime in Mercer County, New Jersey, prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. A conviction can result in significant prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. If you are facing these charges, you need an experienced aggravated criminal sexual contact lawyer in Mercer County. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, aggravated criminal sexual contact is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. It involves sexual contact (touching for sexual gratification) that occurs under specific aggravating circumstances. These circumstances elevate the offense from a simple disorderly persons offense to a crime of the third or fourth degree.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The statute requires the prosecution to prove two key elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) that the defendant committed an act of sexual contact, and (2) that the act was committed under one of the aggravating factors listed in the law. These factors include the victim being under 13 years old, the victim being 13-16 years old and the actor having supervisory power, the act being committed during the commission of another crime like robbery or kidnapping, or the act involving the use of force or coercion. Understanding the precise statutory definition is the first step in building a defense, a task for which an experienced aggravated criminal sexual contact lawyer in Mercer County is essential.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms for Mercer County are available at the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage website.
handling a Mercer County Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Case
Cases involving aggravated criminal sexual contact in Mercer County are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton. New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017 abolished cash bail, meaning your pretrial release will be determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score that evaluates flight risk and danger to the community.
- Initial Arrest and Complaint: The process begins with an arrest or the filing of a complaint. You will be processed and have a detention hearing within 48 hours.
- Detention Hearing: A judge will review the PSA and arguments from both sides to decide if you will be released pending trial and under what conditions.
- Grand Jury Presentation: For indictable crimes like aggravated criminal sexual contact, the prosecutor must present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: This is a important window for your attorney to present mitigating evidence or legal arguments to the prosecutor in an attempt to have charges reduced or dismissed before indictment.
- Discovery and Motions: After indictment, your lawyer will obtain all evidence from the state and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If a fair plea cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial in Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact in NJ
In Mercer County, aggravated criminal sexual contact is typically a crime of the third or fourth degree, carrying the possibility of state prison time, fines, and mandatory Megan’s Law registration.
| Offense Degree | Incarceration | Fines | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Mandatory sex offender registration (Megan’s Law), parole supervision for life, no contact orders. |
| Third Degree Crime | 3 to 5 years | Up to $15,000 | Mandatory sex offender registration (Megan’s Law), parole supervision for life, no contact orders, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Mercer County Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that an aggravated criminal sexual contact charge is not just a legal problem but a life-altering event that threatens your reputation, freedom, and future. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your rights from the initial investigation through trial or resolution.
Our firm’s extensive experience provides a significant advantage in Mercer County. We are familiar with the local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures at the Mercer Vicinage. This local insight allows us to anticipate challenges and craft effective defense strategies case-specific to your specific situation. We have a proven record of achieving favorable results, including dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals, for clients facing serious indictable offenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Mercer County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Mercer County, including Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, and Hopewell. We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike. If you are searching for an “aggravated criminal sexual contact lawyer near me” in Mercer County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case. Meetings at our Tinton Falls location are by appointment. Our team provides the full criminal case representation lawyer Mercer County residents need when facing severe charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between criminal sexual contact and aggravated criminal sexual contact?
It depends on the presence of aggravating factors. Simple criminal sexual contact is a disorderly persons offense. Aggravated criminal sexual contact involves factors like the victim’s age, use of force, or commission during another crime, making it an indictable crime (felony) with prison time and sex offender registration.
Can aggravated criminal sexual contact charges be expunged in NJ?
Generally, no. Most indictable convictions for aggravated criminal sexual contact are not eligible for expungement under New Jersey law due to the severity of the offense and mandatory Megan’s Law registration requirements. This underscores the critical need for a strong defense from the start.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and is it available for this charge?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. While eligibility is case-specific, certain aggravated sexual contact charges may be considered for PTI, which could lead to dismissal after supervision. An experienced lawyer can assess your eligibility and advocate for your admission.
How does New Jersey’s bail reform affect my case?
New Jersey abolished cash bail. Your release after arrest depends on a Public Safety Assessment score. For serious charges, the prosecutor may seek detention. A skilled criminal charge defense lawyer Mercer County can argue for your release with conditions at the detention hearing.
Why do I need a lawyer who specifically handles sex crimes?
Sex crime cases involve technical evidence, sensitive issues, and severe penalties. A lawyer focused on this area understands the forensic details, psychological evaluations, and specific laws like Megan’s Law, which are important for building an effective defense that a general practitioner may not possess.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact in Mercer County, do not delay. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We provide the aggressive and knowledgeable defense required to protect your future.
Useful Links: Learn more about New Jersey criminal defense. For related legal issues in Mercer County, see our pages on DUI defense and family law. We also serve neighboring areas like Somerset County and Hunterdon County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. For current guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Mercer County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Mercer County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Mercer County NJ lawyers directory · Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer Middlesex County · Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact Lawyer Essex County, NJ.