Helping You Understand The Computer Crimes Charges You Are Facing
When you decide to type words into a search engine or “surf the internet” for images and videos, you may not stop to think about the consequences of your actions. But clicking on the wrong link or file can lead to you being charged with various computer sex crimes that can result in serious penalties such as prison time, fines, sex offender registration requirements and parole supervision for life.
The state has considerable resources ready to invest in investigating and prosecuting you for computer crimes. A conviction will lead to the loss of your freedom and serious impacts on your future ability to find a job or housing. If you have been arrested for and charged with computer crimes, turn to me, criminal defense attorney Jill R. Cohen. At my firm, The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I confidently handle computer crime cases for clients throughout South Jersey. I pride myself on the time I spend with each client, explaining the charges they are facing and the potential defenses we can mount in order to protect their freedom and future as thoroughly as possible.
Internet Sex Crimes In New Jersey
New Jersey classifies computer and internet sex crimes as felonies, meaning that convictions automatically result in sex offender registration requirements. New Jersey law enforcement officials are extremely vigilant in looking out for potential computer sex crime activity and frequently monitor online forums, chatrooms and social networking sites to identify people who may be engaged in unlawful activity. Investigators also often engage in sting operations against people they suspect may engage in unlawful activity online.
There are a number of computer sex crimes under New Jersey law. Some of the conduct that may lead to your arrest and prosecution include:
- Child pornography charges: The law prohibits the possession, copying or dissemination of any audiovisual material that depicts minors engaging in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity. It is not a defense to child pornography charges to claim that you didn’t know that the subjects of photos or video were minors or that you didn’t intend to share those materials.
- Online luring: New Jersey’s criminal statutes also prohibit the act of arranging a meeting with a minor for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity.
- Lewd communication: New Jersey law further makes it illegal for anyone to communicate with a minor on the internet in a lewd manner.
- Endangering the welfare of a child: Many computer crimes cases also involve charges of endangering the welfare of a child. The endangering statute prohibits any activity that tends to “impair or debauch the morals of a minor.” Conduct such as engaging in sexual activity with a minor, filming or photographing a minor engaging in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity, or knowingly distributing materials depicting children being abused or exploited have all been charged under the endangering the welfare of a child statute. Particularly egregious conduct can even result in first-degree indictable offense charges.
Will I Have To Register As A Sex Offender?
Many computer sex crimes will require you to register as a sex offender, either for a term of years or potentially even for the rest of your life. In addition to a sex offender registration requirement, you may also be subject to judicial supervision for the rest of your life, which can impose additional restrictions and requirements upon you.
Even if you haven’t been formally arrested or charged with computer crimes but merely suspect that you are being investigated for such offenses, it is critical that you speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience representing clients facing technology-related crimes.
Moving quickly to secure evidence to build a strong legal defense on your behalf might help you avoid the disruption and stigma of an arrest or criminal charge or at least put yourself in a good position to seek a favorable outcome in the event you are arrested and charged with computer crimes.
Schedule A Free Case Review With Me
If you or a family member has been arrested for and charged with computer crimes in New Jersey, you need to act quickly if you want to defend your freedom and your future. Call my Haddonfield office today at 856-754-5501 or contact me online now to schedule a free initial consultation.
