New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 76-year-old man faces child pornography possession charges after his house caught fire and firefighters found a single 1970s magazine containing images of prepubescent girls. According to a FOX News report, the professor's Eagleswood Township home caught fire the morning of January 17. Officials say firefighters found an old magazine containing pornographic images of girls on the premises while they were fighting the blaze. He now faces child endangerment charges. It is not clear why he had the magazine, if he was aware that he owned the magazine, or if he has a prior record.

Child pornography involves images of a minor engaging in or simulating a sexual act. It may be possessed in the form of a videotape, film, photograph, computer file, video game, magazine, or other reproduction. Simply possessing one of these items can result in charges that have serious consequences. Possession of child pornography in New Jersey can result in up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Individuals convicted of distributing pornographic material involving children face even harsher penalties.

Accusations of New Jersey sex crimes can hurt an individual both socially and professionally, even if he or she is not convicted of a crime. It is important that defendants facing these types of serious allegations seek quality legal representation to help fight the charges.

The New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect our clients' rights and reputation. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help you. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case assessments to anyone facing criminal charges in New Jersey.

A 30-year-old male physical education and art teacher was recently arrested on child pornography charges. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the Newark charter schoolteacher was arrested at his Paterson residence. Officials say they have seized 20 sexually explicit and graphic videos involving children from the teacher and a 17-year-old Paterson youth who was also arrested. Both individuals have been booked on single counts of possession and distribution of child pornography.

According to the report, the arrest resulted after a two-month investigation by the sheriff's Internet crime task force. It does not appear that the teacher has harmed any children or that any of the materials seized by the authorities involved students from where he works. It is not clear what connection his arrest has with the 17-year-old youth who is facing the same charges.

Although possession of child pornography may not seem as serious a crime as sexual assault or child abuse, it can have serious consequences on your life and career. Possession and distribution of child pornography charges require a criminal defense lawyer who understands sex crime laws. If convicted, a defendant may have to register as a sex offender in addition to several other serious penalties, such as jail time and heavy fines.

A skilled NJ sex crime defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein has experience handling possession of child pornography cases. If you or a loved one faces these types of serious allegations, please call one of our law offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 39-year-old man, who used to be a school bus driver, has been arrested on suspicion of molesting a girl. According to a news report in The Times of Trenton, the alleged incident involving the 12-year-old girl occurred between June 2010 and April 2011 in Hamilton Township. State authorities became suspicious of the man after dealing with the alleged victim's teenage brother for a drug addiction. The man's contract with the school district has not been renewed.

New Jersey Statute 2C:14-2 sets the parameters for which someone may be charged with sexual assault in New Jersey. An individual is said to be "guilty of aggravated sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual penetration with another person under any one of the following circumstances: The victim is less than 13 years old, the victim is under 16 and the suspect has supervisory power over the victim, the act is committed during another crime like robbery or kidnapping or there is a weapon involved." Sexual penetration does not, however, have to be involved for there to be a serious criminal charge.

Having a sex crime conviction on your record can affect your life professionally, socially, and financially. Not only do those convicted of sex crimes run the risk of losing their jobs, but in many cases, they can also lose their careers and their ability to earn a livelihood. They could also be required to register as a sex offender in the Department of Justice's sex offender registry.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime involving a child in New Jersey, please contact the NJ sex crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040 today. We will work diligently to protect your rights and your reputation. Call us today to find out how we can help.

A 44-year-old man faces child endangerment charges in Mercer County after allegedly providing obscene material to a minor. According to a news report in The Times, the Hamilton Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office took the man into custody. The authorities have not stated what the man allegedly did or whether he has a criminal history of committing sex crimes in New Jersey. Among the charges he now faces are attempted luring and providing obscene material to a minor.

New Jersey Code 2C:13-6 states: “A person commits a crime of the second degree if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he reasonably believes to be a child into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any other place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child.” It is common for these types of charges to result from misunderstandings, false allegations, and mistaken identities.

One of the most devastating consequences of sex crime allegations is the social and professional impact such a charge has. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, defendants in these types of cases get their names and photos published in newspapers and Internet sites. Even if the charges are dismissed, an individual's reputation, once tarnished, is difficult to rebuild. This is exactly why it is imperative to be proactive and contact a skilled lawyer that has experience successfully handling similar cases before charges are filed and the case is publicized in the media.

The experienced Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard to protect our clients' reputation and future. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

In 2008, two 14-year-old teenagers in Somerset County were charged after they held down a couple of 12-year-old boys and placed their bare buttocks on the boys’ faces. After years of investigations and appeals, the two teens may have to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. According to The Beaver County Times, the recent ruling by an appeals court means that boys made sexual contact for the purpose of humiliation.

Although the case may have involved two young individuals who made an unfortunate choice that may be considered little more than inappropriate horseplay, each of these boys may face a lifetime label as a sex offender. Now that the case is back in a lower court, one of the boys is reconsidering his guilty plea and a review is underway to determine if the other boy had adequate legal representation.

It doesn't matter if you are a juvenile or adult. All sexual contact cases must be taken seriously. Registration as a sex offender under Megan's Law can have negative consequences for individuals both socially and professionally. Under Megan's Law, a convicted sex offender must register with the local authorities and anyone can have access to information from their photographs to their home address and their criminal record. Imagine trying to seek a job as an adult when your criminal record shows that you are a sex offender. There are jobs available for individuals who are trying to fix their past mistakes but a number of employers will not even consider someone with any criminal record, let alone a sex offense.

The experienced sex crime defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the serious consequences our clients face in the aftermath of a sex crime charge. Our skilled attorneys have a proven track record of having penalties reduced, records sealed, and charges dismissed. Please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

A 61-year-old man has been charged with molesting a young girl over a two-year period. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the Jersey City Heights man was arrested on Charles Street in Hudson County. The arrest resulted in multiple charges including aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse of a girl under the age of 10.

N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 states that sexual assault charges in New Jersey are elevated to aggravated assault when the victim is under 13 years of age. If the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 it may be considered aggravated sexual assault if "the actor is related to the victim by blood, or the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim, or the actor is a foster parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household."

It is common for charges such as child molestation to result from false information and misunderstanding. While it is important to protect the children of New Jersey from sex offenders, it is also important to prevent innocent people from being unfairly charged and prosecuted. When someone has been wrongfully charged with a crime they did not commit, the charges should be aggressively fought in court.

The skilled New Jersey sexual assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of their clients. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need our skilled and knowledgeable defense lawyers on your side, fighting for your rights and protecting your best interests. Call our offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

A 56-year-old man in Florham Park, New Jersey, has been charged with attempted luring and attempted sexual assault after allegedly trying to meet up with two teenage girls, according to The Star-Ledger. Officials say the man travelled to Hamilton Township and booked a hotel with the intention of bringing back one of the teenage girls. An undercover officer worked on the case, which culminated in the man's arrest. He now faces up to 15 years in prison.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:13-7: “A person commits a crime of the third degree if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a person into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the person lured or enticed or against any other person.”

An individual does not have to be convicted of a New Jersey sex crime to face some of the penalties that come with such a serious offense. Individuals charged with a crime such as luring a juvenile could face severe penalties. The defendant could lose their job even prior to a conviction. Sometimes, professional licenses could also be in jeopardy. A person's career and future are at stake.

The New Jersey sex crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents who have been charged with a sex crime or other crime. Our attorneys fight aggressively for your rights and work diligently to get charges lessened or dismissed. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 right away for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

A 32-year-old man from West Orange has been arrested for attempted sexual assault and attempting to endanger a child after allegedly traveling to Bergen County to meet a teenager. According to a news report in The Bergen County Record, the County’s Computer Crimes Task Force claims to have found explicit online conversations between the man and a 13-year-old girl. He has been charged with luring, two counts of attempted sexual assault, and attempting to endanger the welfare of a child.

New Jersey Statute 2C:13-6 states: “A person commits a crime of the second degree if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he reasonably believes to be a child into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any other place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child.” A conviction will most likely result in a prison sentence.

Anyone facing these types of serious allegations would be well-advised to immediately seek legal representation. A sex crime conviction in New Jersey can have a significant impact on a person’s personal and professional life. Job loss, inability to find employment or earn a livelihood, loss of professional licenses—are all likely consequences. Those convicted of sex crimes against children are looking at a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the high stakes in these types of criminal cases. We aggressively attack wrongful charges and, depending on the circumstances, fight to have the charges reduced or thrown out. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 43-year-old man from Rhode Island has been arrested for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender after moving to New Jersey. According to The Gloucester Times, the arrest occurred in National Park. The man was originally convicted of a second-degree sexual assault in 1996. It is unclear from the report how long the man has lived in New Jersey or if he fully understood how much time he had before needing to register after moving.

New Jersey Code 2C:7-12-19 covers Megan’s Law Internet registration requirements for convicted sex offenders. Certain sex offenders are required by law to register in the county in which they reside. Anyone can have access to view this registry online. Depending on the conviction, the easily accessible website may display details about the alleged offender, where they live, what the offense was and, in some cases, what the offender looks like by posting a photo.

Being forced to register as a sex offender can cause substantial damage to one's reputation and even jeopardize an individual's chances of obtaining gainful employment or a place to live. Failing to register with local authorities will result in additional penalties. Convicted sex offenders who have moved to the state of New Jersey must register within 10 days of arrival. Offenders who have moved within the state only have 10 days to register as well. All offenders must verify their address every 90 days, regardless of whether or not they have moved. Failure to do so is a fourth degree offense.

Megan’s Law is one of many reasons why it is so crucial to fight sex crime charges with an experienced New Jersey sex crime defense attorney at your side, like those at Lependorf & Silverstein. If you have been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities. We will fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.

A new bill that would restrict where registered sex offenders may live has passed in the New Jersey Senate. According to The Times Statehouse Bureau, Senate Bill S837 passed unanimously on April 28, 2011. The bill will allow New Jersey towns to set up 500-foot buffer zones around playgrounds, schools, and daycare centers. These new restrictions would affect all convicted sex offenders, including juveniles. It is unclear what will happen to individuals already living in these buffer zones. It is also unclear if it is unconstitutional to restrict a sex offender’s housing options after they have already served a sentence.

Megan’s Law forces convicted sex offenders in New Jersey to annually register with local law enforcement agencies. Since 2001, this registry has been online. The online registry allows people to view who in their area may have been convicted of a sex crime, where they live, and what crimes they committed. New Jersey Statute 2C:7-2 lists a number of sex crimes that may result in required registration as a sex offender in New Jersey. This list includes predatory acts against children, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual contact. In some cases, a conviction of attempting one of these crimes may be enough to result in registration as a sex offender.

Sex offender registration has long-term social and professional consequences. Restricting where someone can live is just one more possible penalty that a convicted sex offender will face. Anyone charged with a sex crime in New Jersey would be well advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the future of our clients who have been charged with a sex crime. We offer free consultations to anyone facing sex crime charges in New Jersey at 609-240-0040. The stakes are high in sex crime cases. Call us today to find out how we can help.

With on-line advertising becoming so popular, many people are offering adult services on the internet. Craig’s List became a very popular place to advertise such services but due to increasing pressure, they have stopped accepting adult service ads. There are many other sites that do offer this source of advertising and since the ads are out in the public for all to see, many local police departments have set up sting operations to arrest these individuals that are offering their services.

It is important to note that merely being an escort and offering your time and companionship for money is not illegal. What makes this activity illegal is when it fits into the definition of prostitution and sexual activity as outlined in 2C:34-1.

2C:34-1 defines prostitution as “sexual activity with another person in exchange for something of economic value, or the offer or acceptance of an offer to engage in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value.”

Sexual activity “includes, but is not limited to, sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, and oral-anal contact, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex; masturbation; touching of the genitals, buttocks, or female breasts; sadistic or masochistic abuse and other deviate sexual relations.”

In many cases, the police arrest an individual before any of the above activity has occurred or clearly is offered. If you have been charged with such an offense, it is imperative that you contact an experienced New Jersey sex crime attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have experience dealing with prostitution and escort related charges and know how to avoid successful prosecution of these matters. Call us today for a free legal consultation.

A recent New Jersey Star-Ledger article reports that a 27-year-old man is suspected of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The man was charged with multiple charges including second degree luring via electronic means, second degree sexual assault, and fourth degree sexual contact.

The girl told police that she met the man in a Kids Chat. Allegedly, he told her that he was 15-years-old and used the pseudo name, “Slave.” The suspect denies engaging in sexual acts with the girl and knowing the girl’s age.

Police say that the girl told them that she engaged in two sexual acts with the suspect. They arrested the suspect after finding him driving with the girl in the passenger seat.

The penalties for New Jersey sexual assault with a minor include imprisonment, legal fines, and the permanent registration as a sex offender under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law. To make matters worse, sexual assault charges with a minor often carry a negative stigma and severe damage to one’s reputation within one’s community, regardless of whether a suspect has actually been convicted.

If you have been charged with a sexual assault crime in New Jersey, you should take immediate action and hire an attorney to provide you with the benefit of a strong defense. The New Jersey sexual assault defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein are skilled in defending our clients against serious sexual assault charges and may even be successful in helping you get the charges dismissed completely. Contact our office today for your free legal consultation by calling 609-240-0040.

The New Jersey Star-Ledger reports that a 44-year-old man from Wharton has been arrested for sexual assault against a minor. This is the second time the man from Morris County is facing sex crime charges in this case. This same case was previously dropped during the investigation when the girl recanted her allegations. Now years later, the girl has reaffirmed her prior allegations. She claims that her family was under duress during the previous investigation. The accused man is currently being held on a $150,000 bail and faces a second-degree charge of sex assault and child endangerment.

New Jersey sex crimes have serious consequences. Convictions for sexual assault carry lengthy prison sentences, fines and the stigma of being labeled a sex offender. Convicted sex offenders must register as a New Jersey sex offender in a database and usually carry that title with them wherever they go.

When a sex offense case is dropped and then reopened, it typically brings into question the validity of the allegation. It also raises questions about the credibility of the person who is making the allegation. False allegations in sex crime cases can be almost just as damaging to the accused as a conviction for the offense. Often in these cases, schoolteachers, babysitters and even parents can find themselves facing charges over assumptions and misinterpretations.

Continue reading "Man Charged with Sexual Assault of 11-Year-Old Girl" »

A 32 year-old man was indicted for allegedly having sex with a female high school student. The Courier Post reports that the alleged sexual assault took place between September 2008 and April 2009. The high school teacher faces one count of official misconduct and four counts of sexual assault.

New Jersey sexual assault charges, particularly when they involve minors, can have serious consequences. A person accused of a sex crime or sexual assault may face jail time, fines and social repercussions. Often in cases involving teachers and minors, the accused may lose their livelihood over accusations that may not even be valid. Accused teachers may lose their job and even those found innocent may have difficulty finding another job in the future. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help minimize the damage these cases can have on your career and livelihood.

New Jersey Criminal Code section 2C: 14-2 defines sexual assault as a second-degree criminal offense. Children under the age of 16 cannot give consent and those under the age of 18 cannot consent to sexual activity with someone in a supervisory position. This means that any sexual activity between a teacher and underage student is a serious crime. Even a false accusation can cost a teacher his or her career.

Continue reading "High School Teacher Indicted for Sexual Assault" »

The recent arrest of a man in Virginia for indecent exposure has left many citizens across the U.S. with different reactions as to what characterizes intentional and accidental exposure of one’s private parts when in the confines of one’s own home. According to a northjersey.com article, Fairfax police are saying that the man “wanted to be noticed…positioning himself so that the mother and child would see him not once, but twice.” The accused man claims that he never saw the 45-year-old woman and her 7-year-old child as they walked by his suburban house and spotted him in the nude through the window. Nevertheless, if the man is convicted, he may face a sentence of up to one year in jail for indecent exposure.

It is clear that this case may present some complex issues given the often blurred separating, or differing interpretations, of what constitutes private and public space, especially in instances where the windows of a house may not have blinds or curtains to hide inside activity from the outside.

Continue reading "Man Charged with Indecent Exposure for Being Nude in his House" »

The Internet has countless purposes and is used in practically every household on a daily basis. However, as a recent Internet sex crime demonstrates, what you do with your spare time on your private computer may not be as private as you think.

A recent report from northjersey.com discussed the case surrounding a well-known and liked Maywood chiropractor who has been sentenced to five years for luring underage girls on the Internet through sexual conversations. One of the girls whom he had arranged to have sex with was only 15 years old. Unbeknownst to him, the young girl happened to be an undercover cop, and the man was about to be arrested. The 2004 undercover sting operation placed the man in custody, although the case has not been settled until now due to pre-trial motions.

According to the report, the judge called the convicted sex offender “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” since he played an active role in the community leading food drives and providing free chiropractic care to the underprivileged, yet led a completely different type of lifestyle within the privacy of his own home. In the end, the man pleaded guilty to two counts of luring, in addition to a weapons offense for an illegal gun contained in a vault at his home. He was then sentenced to three years for the weapon offense, to run in tandem with the five year sentence for the luring offenses.

Being charged with a sex crime can turn a person’s life upside down. Especially when a sex offense involves minors, societal scorn can have irreversible influences on a person’s reputation, as well as tarnishing the name of his or her family. In addition to these consequences, sex crime convictions have the potential to impose severe penalties such as lengthy jail sentences, sex offender registration, and steep fines that can leave the accused in debt. In order to ensure that all of your Constitutional rights are protected under the law, it may be in your best interest to seek the services of a skilled New Jersey sex crime defense attorney.

Continue reading "Two Sides to One Man: Well-Known Chiropractor Sentenced for Sex Crimes" »

Just when you thought the local community pool was safe, an incident of sexual assault has occurred, one which will undoubtedly offset the ease of parents. A 15-year-old has to be charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy. The teen allegedly sexually assaulted the young boy in a men’s bathroom at the Roy K. Harkness Community Pool in Middlesex Borough. The name of the New Jersey boy accused of sexual assault has not been released because of his age. According to a report, he was taken into custody August 11, 2009 and charged as a juvenile for both endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated sexual assault.

Incidents such as this raise many questions regarding child abuse and the reasons why this young 15-year-old would have committed such a crime. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, one in six women and one in thirty-three men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Sexual assault accusations are very serious, requiring extensive investigations to ensure that proper evidence is collected and examined. The consequences surrounding a child sexual assault conviction can influence a person’s life in negative ways indefinitely, whether due to social stigma, significant jail time, sex crime registration, large fines, or loss of employment.

Continue reading "Middlesex Borough Sexual Assault at Community Pool" »

A 41-year-old New Jersey martial arts teacher pleaded guilty to having sex with two of his underage female students, according to a report. The teacher was also a New York City police officer who was suspended from the department following his arrest. The man pleaded guilty to three counts of transporting minors across state lines for the purpose of having sex with them, which is a felony under the federal Mann Act. The man met the victims through his martial arts studios in West Milford, New Jersey and Middletown, the report said.

The man faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for one count of the New Jersey sex crimes covered by his plea and 10 years for each of the other two counts. The five-year sentence involves a case from 2003 when the man reportedly drove a 14-year-old girl from Brooklyn to Middletown via New Jersey. By 2006, when the man reportedly had sex with two other minors, Congress had increased the penalties for the federal Mann Act violations, which is why he faces 10-year mandatory minimums for the 2006 crimes.

Continue reading "Karate Instructor, Former Cop Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Students" »

A national coalition of government partners researching the effects of DNA testing on crime solving has demonstrated the power of this scientific method with a series of case studies on criminal activity in New Jersey.

Partners in the DNA Initiative include the National Institute of Justice, the Office on Violence against Women, the Office on Community Oriented Policing Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

What this project is finding is that DNA evidence could go a long way toward helping to shed light on some of the worst offenders that currently escape police dragnets.

As part of its outreach website, the DNA Initiative has identified a set of “preventable rapes” in cases in the Essex County and Trenton communities and in other parts of the state.

In one observation, the case study shows how a criminal who committed three rapes in New Jersey within Essex County could have been identified and apprehended after the first offense through DNA testing for previous legal violations.

What the New Jersey Case Studies show is that DNA evidence could be highly effective in crime solving. However, some of the newest methods are not always employed in law enforcement due to budget constrictions or other factors.

Continue reading "National DNA Initiative Shines Light on New Jersey Crime Prevention" »

New Jersey Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt has introduced legislation aimed at curtailing "sexting" that involves young girls and boys sending racy and often, nude pictures of themselves online including sending explicit photos over their phone. According to this Associated Press report, the actions of these teens technically amount to distribution of child pornography, a New Jersey sex crime charge that could carry severe, lifelong penalties for these young people.

Under Lampitt's proposal, juveniles caught sending sexually explicit photographs via their cell phones will not face criminal prosecution. Instead, it would create an educational program in which participants would learn about the potential state and federal legal consequences and penalties for sexting. The program will also teach teens about the personal consequences including the effects of sexting on relationships, school-life and ruined future career and educational opportunities. Under the proposed legislation, it would be up to prosecutors to determine who can or cannot be admitted into this educational program. Juveniles who successfully complete this program will avoid trial or criminal record.

Continue reading "New Jersey Legislation Aims to Curtail Sexting" »

New Jersey sex crimes carry extremely serious consequences. If you are convicted of a New Jersey sex crime, you not only face the possibility of a lengthy incarceration, but also the stigma attached to a convicted sex offender and the requirement to register for life as a sex offender on a state and national sex offender database. Repeat sex offenders risk facing increased prison time and stiffer penalties.

ABC News reports in an article that a convicted sex offender in New Jersey was recently arrested and charged with molesting a boy. The arrested individual was a convicted, registered sex offender and he is now accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old boy when he was forbidden from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18. He was charged this time with two counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of the child.

False allegations are an unfortunate reality when it comes to child sexual abuse accusations. Healthcare workers, school teachers, babysitters and even parents can find themselves facing charges of child sexual abuse. In many cases, actions can be misinterpreted and assumptions may be made that aren't true.

Continue reading "New Jersey Sexual Assault Charges Against Man" »

Juveniles around the country are now facing the risk of acquiring sex offender status for posting naked pictures of themselves on MySpace. This may sound hard to believe, but it happened to a 14-year-old New Jersey girl earlier this year when she was accused of child pornography for posting 30 explicit nude pictures of herself on MySpace.com, according to this news report. If convicted, this young girl could be forced to register as a sex offender in New Jersey.

This is apparently not an isolated incident. Prosecutors nationwide are pursuing child pornography cases resulting from teenagers sending nude photos to one another over cell phones and e-mail, a phenomenon which is now known as "sexting." The New Jersey girl reportedly posted the explicit photos of herself because she wanted her boyfriend to see them. The 14-year-old girl was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. The consequences she faces if convicted are up to 17 years in jail and sex offender registration.

Obviously this teen and others like her need counseling and help, not jail time. This type of an offense should not fall under Megan's Law that requires the teen to register as a sex offender.

Continue reading "New Jersey Teen Faces Child Pornography Charges" »

A recent WABC-TV New York article reports that a New Jersey school bus driver has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Law enforcement officials from Morris County, New Jersey claim that Edward M. Comperchio, 74, of Hopatcong, was arrested at his home on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. According to a statement issued by Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi, Comperchio allegedly parked his school bus before making his scheduled rounds and assaulted the 12-year-old on the bus. Byram Bus Lines confirmed that Comperchio is an employee of the company but law enforcement authorities declined to name the school that the 12-year-old alleged New Jersey sex crime victim attends.

Comperchio is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail. A spokesman for Byram Bus Lines, Alan Mackerly Jr, said that the alleged sexual assault charges came as a shock to the company’s personnel. He said, "This is something that hit us out of the blue. My understanding is that this is under criminal investigation and we are cooperating with the authorities and the school board."

Sex crimes in New Jersey are covered by Chapter 2C of the Criminal Code. According to New Jersey law: An actor is guilty of sexual assault if he or she commits an act of sexual contact with a victim who is less than 13 years old and the actor is at least four years older than the victim.

The New Jersey Criminal Code defines sexual assault as a second degree crime which can result in the following criminal penalties:

• Steep fines


• Imprisonment in a New Jersey State Prison of up to 7 years


• Probation


• Parole


• Mandatory registration as a sex offender


• Publication of the offender’s name on the Internet as a registered sex offender


• Restrictions on where they can live


• And other criminal penalties

Continue reading "New Jersey Bus Driver Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl" »

A New Jersey grandfather is being held without bail on child pornography charges, according to this CBS news report. Officials say 66-year-old Thomas Elgert spent months preying on children, collecting naked pictures of them and trading them with sex offenders on the Internet. Elgert has been arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual exploitation of children – specifically production – and distribution of child pornography.

Undercover federal agents apparently apprehended Elgert by posing online as child molesters. In charging documents, agents accuse Elgert of asking an undercover detective to send him pictures of the detective having sex with his two young children and the family pet. Investigators believe Elgert may have molested children as well and are asking anyone who may have had close contact with him to come forward.

Sex crimes in New Jersey, especially those involving children, can have extremely serious consequences. Possession of child pornography can be charged as a state or a federal crime. In this case, it has been charged as a federal crime because it involved an FBI investigation. If you have been charged with possession of child pornography or any other sex crime charge, you would be well-advised to get an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible.

In any sex crime case, it is important that the defense begin a thorough and independent investigation right away. A sex crime charge, even if it doesn't end in a conviction, can mar your reputation and destroy your personal life and standing in the community. The stakes are extremely high. Punishment can involve jail or prison time, steep fines and requirement to register as a sex offender. If you have been arrested on suspicion of a sex crime in New Jersey, please contact the skilled New Jersey sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free case evaluation.

A Secaucus accountant has been sentenced to five years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to luring young boys to various locations in Wayne and photographing them performing sexual acts, according to a story from the Bergen County Record. Michael Findlay, 38, of Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested on February 23, 2007 after an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, which began after one of the boys' parents tipped off officials.

Authorities conducted surveillance outside Findlay's workplace and observed him picking up two 13-year-old boys to whom he had offered $100 per meeting. The photographing sessions were apparently being held at a hotel in Wayne and at other locations, officials said. Findlay was charged with 15 counts of second-degree child endangerment, seven counts of luring or enticing a child, one count of attempted sexual assault, four counts of fourth-degree child endangerment and five counts of criminal sexual conduct. The charges involved five male victims, all younger than 16.

Sex crime charges in New Jersey are not only damaging and humiliating to an accused offender, but they also have the most serious consequences, especially if the alleged crimes involve children. A person facing sex crime charges could lose his or her job. Their reputation could be tainted even if they are not convicted.

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you face time in prison, a significant amount of money in fines and attorneys' fees and required registration as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Please do not let this happen to you. Get an aggressive and skilled New Jersey sex crime attorney on your side right away. Please call Lependorf & Silverstein today to discuss your case.

New Jersey’s Supreme Court reinstated child sexual assault convictions recently for a man who claimed that his confession should not have been presented in his trial. According to details in this news report, John Nyhammer's 2003 convictions on aggravated sexual assault in New Jersey and child endangerment charges had been overturned when an appeals court ruled that he had not voluntarily waived his rights against self-incrimination.

Investigating detectives say that they obtained a waiver of Miranda rights signed by Nyhammer while they were interviewing him. The detectives questioned Nyhammer about whether or not his uncle had sexually abused a younger relative and asked if Nyhammer had suffered abuse as a child. They told him that the younger relative had made allegations against him and Nyhammer later admitted making inappropriate contact. This admission was presented in court and Nyhammer was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

But the conviction was overturned by an appeals court that said that the confession has been involuntary. In a unanimous decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court disagreed saying, "The defining event triggering the need to give Miranda warnings is custody, not police suspicions concerning an individual's possible role in a crime."

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Police in Rutherford, New Jersey, arrested 40-year-old Cesar Pajares on suspicion of fondling a teenage girl over a three-year period, the Bergen County Record reports. The girl, now 16, apparently told police in February that Pajares fondled her in a Rutherford home while she was between the ages of 13 and 16. Pajares, who is married and works as an optician, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in New Jersey, one count of aggravated criminal sexual contact and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Sex crime charges, especially when it relates to young children or minors, can have extremely serious consequences. A person who is accused of a sex crime in New Jersey – be it lewd conduct, rape, sex abuse or assault – is facing grave consequences including a lengthy prison term, loss of job, social life and the requirement to register for the rest of his or her lifetime as a sex offender. Society will view these people for the rest of their lives as "predators."

If you believe you have been falsely accused of a sex crime or child sex abuse in New Jersey, please call an experienced Princeton sex crime defense lawyer to discuss your case right away. It is critical that you have skilled legal representation to defend your rights and keep your record clean. A skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed, reduce your fines or your jail sentence. If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, please call Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and case evaluation.

A massage parlor worker in Wayne is facing prostitution charges, the Bergen County Record reports. The arrest came after a Wayne Police Special Operations Unit and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office executed a search warrant at the Eastern Cozy Spa on Hamburg Turnpike. Xiang Shu Jin, 48, was reportedly charged with two counts of receiving money for performing sexual favors. The arrest was made after a lengthy investigation, surveillance and undercover work by police, the news report stated.

Prostitution in New Jersey is defined as “sexual activity with another person in exchange for something of economic value or the offer or acceptance of an offer to engage in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value.” Prostitution is punishable in New Jersey with a jail sentence, fines and other penalties.

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Police in Ocean City have arrested Gregory Hoyle, a 19-year-old man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to this news report. The alleged assault occurred at a Mercer Place home the evening of January 31, 2009. Hoyle has reportedly been charged with sexual assault and is currently been held in Cape May County Jail.

Sex crimes, especially those that involve juveniles or children, can have tremendous consequences for the defendant. Crimes that involve sexual activities or that are sex-related are considered “sex crimes” in New Jersey. Some examples of sex crimes are sexual assault, rape and lewd conduct. If you have been accused of committing a sex crime, it is very important that you have skilled legal representation to protect your legal rights.

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A New Jersey court has thrown out a conviction in a sex abuse case because of comments a Bergen County sheriff’s officer made to jurors, according to this news report. Roy Hermalyn, who was an assistant school superintendent, was convicted in November 2007 of official misconduct. Prosecutors said he sexually touched a student and endangered the welfare of another.

After a one-month trial, jurors acquitted him of 23 counts and convicted him of four. Hermalyn was facing up to 10 years in prison. But a day after the verdict, one of the jurors told a defense attorney that a sheriff’s officer assigned to the courtroom told them that the jury had to be unanimous in its verdict. So the jury felt as if they had to decide and “come up with an answer.” Defense attorneys filed motions to dismiss the case. The state appeals court ruled that the officer’s comment was enough to warrant a new trial.

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A Superior Court judge opted to send a 20-year-old man convicted of sexually assaulting two young boys to an inpatient treatment program instead of handing him down a prison sentence. According to this news report in the New Jersey Star Ledger, Judge John Dangler agreed with Alexander Willadsen’s defense attorney that Willadsen should be sent to a treatment facility instead of getting a 10-year prison sentence, which was recommended by prosecutors.

Dangler reportedly heard testimony from a mental health expert and the head of the treatment facility before coming to a decision. Willadsen reportedly has an I.Q. of 75, just five points above the threshold for mental retardation. He was also sexually assaulted at the age of 11. Willadsen confessed to fondling two young boys over nine months in 2006 when he was 18 and also abused other young boys when he was a juvenile, according to court records. The decision to send Willadsen to a treatment facility was also apparently supported by the victims’ families.

Sometimes in DUI cases, and rarely in sex crime cases, judges will agree to sentence a defendant to spend time at a treatment facility rather than send them to prison. In this case, Judge Dangler must have been convinced that the defendant, victims and the taxpayers of New Jersey will be better served by Willadsen getting help, than making a more hardened criminal of him by sending him to prison for 10 years.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of a sex crime, please call experienced New Jersey sex crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and case discussion. We have obtained alternative sentencing for many of our clients. Our goal is to fight for your innocence, to keep you out of prison and to get you the help you need if you truly have a problem that requires professional assistance.

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Hamilton Township police have arrested a man who they say molested a 12-year-old girl inside a local Acme Supermarket on October 19, 2008. According to a CBS News report, the incident captured on the store’s surveillance camera, happened when the young girl got separated from her mother inside the store. A store employee reportedly saw the man touching the girl’s buttocks and told CBS that clearly “this is a child predator, it was no accidental touching.”

New Jersey sex crime detectives apparently arrested this man, whom they have not yet identified, after examining the grocery store surveillance video and comparing those images to photos on the Megan’s Law sex offender registry. The store’s camera also captured video of the man leaving in a two-tone blue and tan 1990 model minivan, the news report stated.

In any criminal defense, the evidence is a critical element of the case. In this case, the store surveillance video will be treated as the main piece of evidence. Surveillance video has been challenged in many cases, especially those involving robbery, sex crimes or other violent crimes. The most common problem with this type of evidence is mistaken identity.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, please call an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein. We will work hard to make sure and get the best possible result in your case. Call us today to discuss your case and start building your defense.

Maria Fernandez, 53, a Jersey City bus driver who transports developmentally disabled people, was arrested on sex charges in New Jersey for instructing one of her passengers to touch another inappropriately. According to a recent article in The Jersey Journal, Central Avenue resident Fernandez was charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person and arrested in Bergen County.

The report said Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli set Fernandez’ bail amount at $35,000. Fernandez, who is a driver for the Amity Bus Company in Jersey City, has been ordered to have no contact with the victims.

Among criminal defense cases, sex crime cases are the ones that are potentially the most damaging to a person’s reputation and their standing in the community. Even a charge that is later proved false and invalid can taint one’s ability to earn a future living or maintain social relationships. A New Jersey sex crime conviction usually brings with it punishment that could include jail time, fines, and measures such as registering as a sex offender.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in New Jersey it is crucial that you enlist the services of a trusted and a skilled criminal defense attorney who has a proven success record. At Lependorf and Silverstein, we are always sensitive to our client’s requirements and handle all cases with the strictest confidentiality. Please contact us without delay. We will fight with all of our resources to clear your name and reputation.

28-year-old Joshua Roehrich has been indicted on sexual assault charges in Warren County. The grand jury indictment stems from suspicion that Roehrich sexually assaulted a 13-year-old Phillipsburg girl over a two-year period. According to this news report, officials allege in a 10-count indictment that Roehrich abused the girl from June 2005 to September 2007 when the girl turned 16.

Roehrich reportedly faces five charges of second degree sexual assault. He is said to have performed various sex acts with the girl. He has also been charged with four counts of fourth degree sexual contact over the same period and one count of third degree endangering the welfare of a child, the article states.

A sex crime conviction could lead to harsh punishment including court-ordered counseling, lengthy prison term, monetary fines, probation, weapons and firearm restrictions and mandatory registration as a sex offender. An experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may be able to lessen your fines, reduce your jail sentence or even have the charges dismissed.

A competent sex crime defense attorney may be able to reduce your fines, charges or even get you acquitted of the charges. If you have been charged with a sex crime in the state of New Jersey, call the New Jersey sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation.

A 74-year-old has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in Hamilton after police reportedly found images of children having sex with adults on his home computer, according to this article. Charles W. Britton was arrested after a three-week investigation by local police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and a State Police forensics unit.

Authorities were tipped off by employees at a local computer repair business in Hamilton. Britton had taken his computer to them for repairs. That was when the employees reportedly found numerous images on the hard drive of young girls and boys having sex with adults. Police seized computers from Britton’s home as well after reportedly obtaining a search warrant.

Possession of child pornography is a serious charge. If convicted, a defendant may have to register as a sex offender and also could face jail time. These types of allegations require a criminal defense lawyer who not only knows and understands New Jersey sex crime laws, but also has a thorough knowledge of computer forensics – which refers to a branch of forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage mediums. A competent criminal defense attorney will have the resources to take a careful look at the evidence in these cases.

At Lependorf & Silverstein we have an excellent track record of obtaining acquittals or reducing charges including in sex crime cases and federal crimes. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime, call a New Jersey sex crime defense lawyer with Lependorf & Silverstein today. Consultations are always free.

A high school football coach and substitute teacher has been arrested and charged with having a sexual relationship with a Perth Amboy high school student. According to a recent news article, 25-year-old Demond Edwards of Woodbridge was charged with sexual assault in Perth Amboy and endangering the welfare of a child – both second-degree offenses.

Investigation by the Perth Amboy Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office also reportedly revealed that Edwards had sent “inappropriate” text messages to a second female at the high school where he worked as a permanent substitute teacher. The investigation apparently began after the two victims told officials about their teacher.

Sex assault charges are serious especially when they involve minors. The teacher in this case, if convicted, will lose his job, most likely never work as a teacher again and will be required to register as a sex offender wherever he goes. A sex crime conviction will go on your permanent record and seriously jeopardize your career and your future.

Sex crime cases, especially those involving minors and young children, can be complex and difficult to defend. It takes an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney to analyze the details of the case and witness statements in order to separate fact from fiction. A misunderstanding or a spiteful statement could ruin the rest of your life. Do not let this happen to you. Call an experienced New Jersey sex crime defense attorney right away to discuss your case and your legal options.

A former high school girls’ basketball coach who was convicted of sexually assaulting a player has been sentenced to seven years in prison, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. Pamela Balogh, 40, a former coach at Immaculata High School, was found guilty of second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child; and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The jury in December however did not find her guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, which could have gotten her more prison time.

The victim, now a freshman in college, reportedly testified during the trial. She was 15 years old when the abuse started in 2005. Prosecutors alleged that Balogh initially lured the girl with gifts and phone calls before assaulting her in the coach’s office, her car, her home, and her sister’s home. Balogh was arrested in December 2006.

This coach’s story is an example of the damage a criminal sexual assault charge can cause to a person’s life and career. This woman will probably never coach again in a school. A sexual assault charge or conviction in New Jersey will cost you – heavy fines, probation and often prison time. According to Department of Justice statistics, more than half of sexual assault convictions result in prison sentences. If convicted defendants manage to escape prison time, they will be placed on probation. Sexual assault convictions also carry the longest median prison sentence, other than homicide – seven years, which is what this former coach got.

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With recent news about New Jersey and other states brokering a cooperation deal with MySpace to help protect kids from online predators come questions. Will MySpace reporting really help protect kids? Or will it just provide another venue for false accusation and entrapment? Given the recent national hysteria about New Jersey sexual predators, including the wildly popular Dateline “To Catch a Predator” series, the answer is not yet clear.

Here at Lependorf & Silverstein, we have seen all too many false accusations when it comes to sex crimes. While it’s easy to click a button and claim that somebody has offended or abused you, such accusations are often made out of anger or without basis. What people don’t realize is that a sex abuse claim, even if it is proven invalid, can completely decimate the accused person’s reputation, relationships, and job prospects. All too often, a baseless accusation can destroy an innocent person’s life.

While we hope that the MySpace abuse reporting system results in capturing those who truly intend to exploit children online, we also hope that people use the system as it was intended. Unfortunately, false accusations do happen – and that’s where we come in. We’re among New Jersey’s most aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorneys. We respect each and every client and know how to use the legal system and our vast network of legal resources to construct the defense that’s right for you.

However draconian state and federal law protecting kids online, nothing will ever replace a vigilant parent and a common-sense approach to personal safety. Unfortunately for those who are falsely accused of online solicitation, it’s not so simple. That’s why it’s so important to arm yourself with the right attorney when you face criminal accusations. Have you been accused of a New Jersey crime? Time is of the essence. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free phone consultation.

http://www.lependorfsilverstein.com/lewd-conduct.shtmlPolice arrested a math teacher from the Vo-Tech School in Sussex County for allegedly having sexual relations with two students. The New Jersey Herald, in an online article reported recently that
Richard Koppenaal a resident of Frankford Township was being held on suspicion of having illegal sexual relations and sexual contact with two of the high school’s students over the course of the last two years. Sparta Township Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office investigations also revealed that the criminal events took place across as many as five different Sussex County towns.

Sussex Tech Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback was quoted in the article stating Koppenaal, 37, is being suspended with pay pending an executive school board decision. Koppenaal who had been with the school for over three years now faces criminal charges including one count of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of fourth-degree sexual contact. His bail amount has been set at $100,000 bail with Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti refusing to lower it. Judge Conforti also ruled Koppenaal to keep away from the school and from its students including the alleged victims, the paper reported.

In our experience at Lependorf & Silverstein, having successfully defended many professionals, we know a false accusation is always possible. Our defense attorneys conduct their own investigations in each case and ensure every piece of evidence is examined in the effort to clear the client.

From the judge's ruling in the above case it is clear the consequences for such an arrest and any indictments that may happen later, will be far reaching and damaging to one’s image in the community. It is crucial you call the offices of Lependorf & Silverstein immediately when facing sex crime charges.

A Phillipsburg Middle School teacher’s aide is under investigation after he was charged with possession of child pornography. Detectives took James Leonarczyk’s personal computer from his home, according to a news report in the New Jersey Star-Ledger. The 40-year-old aide was arrested Friday after officials served a search warrant and confiscated the computer, which reportedly had the pornographic images.

According to officials, their investigation of another computer user in Rhode Island led them to Leonarczyk, the article stated. Detectives are now talking to students and examining Leomarczyk’s demeanor with students and of course the possibility of whether there are any victims. An eighth grade teacher’s aide, Leonarczyk was also a soccer coach outside the school district.

So far, officials say they haven’t found indications of inappropriate behavior or abuse on his park. But they have left the door open for more charges in this case, the article said. Leonarczyk, who has been released on his own recognizance, has been suspended but not removed from his job at the school district. School officials are not releasing any other information because a personnel matter is protected and confidential and not a public record.

Although possession of child pornography may not be as serious a crime as sexual assault, child abuse or rape, it will have serious consequences on your life and career. Anyone of convicted of possession of child pornography will be required to register as a sex offender although it will be under a category not visible to the public as part of the Megan’s Law database.

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