Ocean County Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been accused, arrested, or under investigation for a sex crime, retaining the representation of a skilled litigator is critical. Barbara Suppa will provide a zealous defense when handling your case, as she fully understands the criminal penalties and social stigma that is attached to these types of crimes. 

Sex crimes can include a multitude of charges such as: aggravated sexual assault (with an adult or minor); sexual assault; endangering the welfare of a child; lewdness; invasion of privacy; criminal sexual contact; and possession and distribution of child pornography. In addition to severe penalties for such crimes, which may include lengthy prison sentences with periods of parole ineligibility; collateral consequences such as registration as a sex offender (“Megan’s Law”) and Parole Supervision for Life (“PSL”) may also be imposed as part of a conviction. 

Megan’s Law: Megan’s Law sex offender registration and community notification is set forth pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:7-1 through 2C:7-11. If convicted of certain enumerated crimes, an individual is mandated to register as a sex offender and will be tiered based on the determination of the risk for reoffending. Depending on the tier (three levels with Tier 3 as the “High Risk”), the central registry information may be made available on the Internet. Information on the registry documents where the individual lives; any change in address; changes in employment and changes in schooling. Under Megan’s Law, any individual who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent, with the requisite crime, must register as a sex offender. Registration could be for the rest of one’s life; however, there are certain circumstances which permit removal. If there is a failure to register, or violation of PSL, there could be additional criminal charges.  

Evaluation of the evidence for sex crimes is critical. Most often, the sole evidence the State possesses is the statement from an alleged victim. The “he said, she said” types of cases.   This evidence may or may not be reliable. Barbara Suppa knows what evidence should be gathered during the investigation. If any evidence is overlooked by law enforcement, she has the experience to fully assess the matter and incorporate that lack of evidence into your defense. If you are charged with a sex crime, Ms. Suppa’s tenacity will underlie her effective legal advocacy in this area. 

Computer Crimes: In New Jersey, possession and distribution of child pornography is charged as Endangering the Welfare of a Child pursuant to 2C:24-4. Penalties for either Possession or Distribution can range from probation to prison time with a period of parole ineligibility. 

Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography cases tend to result from “tips” provided to law enforcement agencies regarding the “download” of certain images. A task force; local law enforcement agencies; or Federal or State agencies, will investigate these computer-related crimes to detail the type of images, how many images, and whether the images have been distributed and to whom. Ms. Suppa knows the intricate details of these investigations because she supervised the Computer Crimes Unit for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Ms. Suppa will exploit her experience into this area and will remain passionate about the resolution.