Facing sex crime charges can come with instant consequences. Even before a case reaches the courtroom, you may feel the weight of public judgment along with the stress of wondering what comes next. New Jersey sex laws are some of the most complex in the State’s criminal code, and the penalties are severe. That’s why you need an Ocean County sex crime attorney who understands the law and what makes a successful defense strategy.
William Fay, Esq., is an Ocean County sex crime lawyer who has experience on both sides of the aisle. Before becoming a defense lawyer, he worked as a Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Today, he leverages that background to help clients who are accused of crimes, as he’s able to anticipate how prosecutors will build their arguments, then develop strategies that weaken their cases.
Every client’s case is different, which is why Mr. Fay never takes a one-size-fits-all approach. He carefully reviews the evidence, listens to your account, and works to identify the weaknesses in the State’s case. Mr. Fay crafts tailor-made defenses that protect your rights and work toward the best outcome possible.
Clients who hire Mr. Fay work directly with him from start to finish: he’ll be with you at intake, through negotiations, and in court. His approach is client-focused and result-driven, aggressive in the courtroom when it matters, and compassionate when guiding you through these difficult circumstances.
If you’re under investigation or already charged, don’t wait. Contact William Fay, Esq., today for a free, no-obligation consultation via phone or in-person.
Why Hire William Fay for Your Defense of Sex Crime Charges in Ocean County, NJ?
When you’re accused of a sex crime in New Jersey, your freedom and reputation are at stake. That’s why you need an attorney who understands the law and how to mitigate the damage. William Fay is a native New Jersey citizen who investigated and prosecuted numerous criminal cases for the State before transitioning to a defense lawyer.
Mr. Fay knows that no two sex crime charges are alike, which is why he carefully reviews the evidence to create defense strategies designed to protect his clients’ rights and get the most beneficial outcomes possible. He’s determined to help every client fight the accusations, and he treats every case with the professionalism and seriousness it deserves.
Most importantly, Mr. Fay doesn’t delegate cases to new attorneys or push clients off on paralegals. You’ll have his personal cell phone number so he can stay in regular contact with you throughout the process.
If you’re facing sex crime charges in Ocean County, reach out today for a free, fully confidential case evaluation with William Fay, Esq.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Sex Crime Matters?
Many sex crimes are classified as first- or second-degree felonies. This means you could serve years in state prison and suffer lifelong consequences, including mandatory registration on the New Jersey sex offender registry. Once you’re convicted of a qualifying offense, you may have to register for decades or for life.
Without a lawyer, you’re at a disadvantage. Prosecutors have focused their training on these cases and often push for the most severe charges possible. A sex crime defense attorney like Mr. Fay understands how to challenge questionable evidence, expose mistakes in police or prosecutorial procedure, and advocate for alternatives such as reduced charges or treatment programs.
A skilled defense attorney also protects your rights during questioning, so you don’t make any early missteps. A good defense will present your side of the story and fight for dismissed or reduced charges. With Mr. Fay, you’re never left guessing. You’ll have a reliable attorney who will guide you through each step with his signature compassion and aggressive defense.
What Types of Sex Crime Cases Does William Fay Handle?
Mr. Fay defends clients across a wide range of sex crime charges in Ocean County and beyond, including the following:
- Aggravated Sexual Assault – This crime involves sexual penetration with force, threats, or when the alleged victim is under 13, or between 13 and 16, with specific circumstances such as involving an authority figure. It is a first-degree indictable offense (felony), carrying a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.
- Sexual Assault – Sexual assault involves sexual penetration without consent or with someone between the ages of 13 and 16. It’s a second-degree felony, which can result in a prison sentence of five to 10 years.
- Sexual Battery or criminal sexual contact – New Jersey law doesn’t use the term “sexual battery,” so related conduct is charged under criminal sexual contact statutes. The seriousness depends on whether penetration occurred or whether there was unwanted sexual touching.
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child – This statute includes a wide range of acts, from sexual conduct to allowing a child to be exposed to harmful material. Depending on the circumstances, it can be a first-, second-, or third-degree felony.
- Child Pornography – Possessing, distributing, or producing child pornography can lead to years in prison, large fines, and mandatory sex offender registration.
- Revenge Porn – Releasing or threatening to release intimate images without consent is unlawful and called “revenge porn.” This is typically a third-degree felony.
- Luring – Luring or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area can result in up to 10 years in prison.
- Lewdness – This crime involves exposing oneself or engaging in sexual conduct in public. It is often charged as a disorderly persons offense, but it can be a felony, depending on the circumstances.
- Indecent Exposure – Indecent exposure is typically charged under lewdness laws in New Jersey, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.
- Prostitution-Related Offenses – Prostitution and solicitation cases vary in degree depending on the case. They can be charged as disorderly persons offenses or third-degree crimes.
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – If you’re required to register under Megan’s Law and fail to do so, you can be charged with a third-degree crime.
- Removal from Megan’s Law – In certain cases, you may be eligible to petition the court for removal from Megan’s Law registration requirements. Mr. Fay represents clients in these petitions.
- Megan’s Law Tier Classification Hearings – New Jersey uses a tiered system to classify sex offenders. These classifications impact the extent of community notification. Mr. Fay advocates for clients at classification hearings to help minimize notification requirements whenever possible.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in New Jersey?
Penalties for sex crimes can vary based on the degree of the offense, such as for the following:
- First-degree crimes carry 10 to 20 years in state prison
- Second-degree crimes carry five to 10 years in prison
- Third-degree crimes carry three to five years in prison
- Fourth-degree crimes carry up to 18 months in prison
These punishments often include significant fines, sometimes up to $200,000. In addition to prison and fines, many sex crime convictions require registration under Megan’s Law, community supervision for life (CSL), and potential parole supervision for life (PSL).
What Are Potential Defenses in Sex Crime Cases?
Defenses in sex crime cases depend on the facts, but common strategies include the following:
- Challenging whether the testimony is credible
- Reviewing and challenging forensic or DNA evidence
- Arguing that there was consent (for certain crimes)
- Demonstrating errors in police investigation or procedure
- Raising Constitutional challenges to searches, seizures, or interrogations
- Offering alibi evidence to prove mistaken identity
Mr. Fay evaluates every case with fresh eyes. He carefully reviews the facts and identifies gaps where a strong defense can be built.
Does New Jersey Have Internet Sex Crime Laws?
Several of New Jersey’s sex crime laws address conduct that happens online, and they’re punished harshly. State law treats online activity as seriously as in-person conduct. For example, revenge porn and possession of child pornography charges can come solely from online activity.
What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Arrested for Alleged Sex Crimes?
If you’re arrested for a sex crime in Ocean County, you should do the following:
- Remain silent until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact William Fay, Esq., a reputable sex crime defense attorney, immediately.
- Avoid posting about the case online or discussing it with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Gather any relevant evidence, including messages or potential witness contact information.
The earlier you bring an experienced lawyer like Mr. Fay into the process, the more opportunities there are to build a strong defense.
What Should You Know About the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry?
If you’re convicted of certain offenses, you must register with local law enforcement through the sex offender registry. Your tier classification determines whether schools, neighbors, or the general public are notified. Failure to comply with registration requirements constitutes a separate criminal offense in itself. Removal from the registry may be possible in limited circumstances, such as 15 years without reoffending, but strict conditions must be met.
Contact an Ocean County Sex Crime Defense Attorney Today
When you face sex crime charges in Ocean County, you need a lawyer who’s experienced, aggressive, and reliable. Mr. Fay has all of those qualities and more, and he will personally handle your case from start to finish. Call William Fay, Esq., today for your free, no-obligation phone or in-person consultation with an Ocean County sex crime lawyer.