Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer in Somerset County, NJ
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Somerset County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4, carrying 5-10 years in prison and Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious allegations in Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage.
What Is a Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Charge in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a “continuing course of conduct with a child” is a specific, serious sex crime defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4. It involves engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16 over a period of at least 30 days. This statute elevates what might be charged as separate offenses into a single, more severe second-degree crime, reflecting the ongoing and predatory nature of the alleged behavior. The law is designed to address patterns of abuse rather than isolated incidents.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4 (official New Jersey statutes). Court proceedings for these indictable offenses are held at the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage in Somerville.
Defense Strategy for Somerset County Cases
These cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. A key local procedural fact is that the prosecution must prove the acts occurred over a period of at least 30 days; challenging the timeline or the evidence linking separate alleged incidents is a common defense angle. Given the severe penalties, including mandatory Megan’s Law registration, an early and strategic defense is critical.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Discuss the allegations and evidence confidentially with your attorney.
- Investigation & Discovery: Your lawyer will obtain all police reports, forensic interviews, and other evidence from the prosecution.
- Pre-Indictment Strategy: Before a case goes to a grand jury, your attorney may present mitigating information to the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: If indicted, the case proceeds in Superior Court. Your attorney will file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will advise on pursuing a plea negotiation or preparing for trial.
- Sentencing & SORA: If convicted, your attorney will advocate at sentencing and handle the mandatory Sex Offender Risk Assessment (SORA) hearing.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Somerset County, a continuing course of conduct with a child conviction carries severe, long-term consequences beyond prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4) | Second-Degree Crime | 5 to 10 years in state prison | Up to $150,000 | N/A | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration (often Tier 2 or 3), Parole Supervision for Life, No Early Release Act (NERA) applies (85% of sentence must be served before parole eligibility). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to sex crime defenses. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of these charges and provide a focused, strategic defense.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin with a thorough investigation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence on timeline, credibility, and procedure. We explore all options, from pre-indictment resolutions to trial defense, always aiming to protect your future from the lifelong consequences of a conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer Near Me Somerset County
If you are searching for an affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Somerset County, contact us. Our New Jersey location serves clients in Somerset County and is accessible from I-287, Route 22, and Route 206. We represent individuals in Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “continuing course of conduct” mean in New Jersey law?
It means two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under 16, occurring over a period of at least 30 days. This pattern forms a single second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4, with more severe penalties than individual acts.
Is there a statute of limitations for this charge in NJ?
No. New Jersey has no statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes, including a continuing course of conduct with a child. A case can be brought at any time after the alleged victim turns 18.
What are the mandatory penalties if convicted?
Mandatory penalties include state prison (5-10 years), registration under Megan’s Law, and Parole Supervision for Life. The No Early Release Act (NERA) also requires serving 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. An experienced continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Somerset County can challenge the evidence, timeline, and credibility. Successful pre-trial motions or negotiations can sometimes lead to charge reductions or, in rare cases, dismissals.
Where will my case be heard in Somerset County?
These indictable offenses are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage, located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville, NJ.
Related Pages: For other legal matters, see our pages on Business Law in Somerset County and DUI Defense in Somerset County. For an overview of our sex crime defense practice, visit our New Jersey Sex Crime Lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Somerset County, our page on continuing course of conduct with a child defense lawyer in Maryland covers the process end to end.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Somerset 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: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer Bergen · Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer Hudson · Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer Monmouth.