New jersey criminal charge
Criminal sexual contact in New jersey
Criminal sexual contact is a criminal offense under New jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. Its classification is not fixed: New jersey assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3.
What is the penalty for criminal sexual contact in New jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 3 years to 5 years (Aggravated criminal sexual contact — Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2a.(2) through (7).; first-offender presumption of non-incarceration may apply (2C:44-1(e), carve-outs)) | presumptive | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to 15000 usd (no statutory minimum) (Aggravated criminal sexual contact — Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2a.(2) through (7).; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3); offense-specific ceilings may exceed) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Jail / prison | up to 18 months (no statutory minimum) (Criminal sexual contact — Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2c.(1) through (5).; first-offender presumption of non-incarceration may apply (2C:44-1(e), carve-outs)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to 10000 usd (no statutory minimum) (Criminal sexual contact — Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2c.(1) through (5).; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
Applies to current.
How is criminal sexual contact classified in New jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated criminal sexual contact | crime of the third degree | Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2a.(2) through (7). | N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3undefined |
| Criminal sexual contact | crime of the fourth degree | Applies when the actor commits an act of sexual contact under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2c.(1) through (5). | N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3undefined |
Common questions about criminal sexual contact in New jersey
What degree of offense is criminal sexual contact in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: criminal sexual contact ranges from a crime of the fourth degree to a crime of the third degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3.
Aggravated criminal sexual contact: crime of the third degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3) · Criminal sexual contact: crime of the fourth degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3)
What are the penalties for criminal sexual contact in New Jersey?
Penalties for criminal sexual contact in New Jersey depend on how it is classified — from a crime of the fourth degree up to a crime of the third degree — with the ranges set by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which New Jersey statute covers criminal sexual contact?
Criminal sexual contact is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 (Criminal sexual contact).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.