Accomplished New Jersey Attorney Defends Clients Accused of Date Rape

Respected lawyer helps adults and juveniles fight sexual assault charges

At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman, we defend people who are up against charges of sexual assault, commonly known as rape. In New Jersey, the crime of sexual assault covers any forced or coerced sexual penetration. This includes “date rape,” a colloquial term describing non-consensual sex wherein the alleged victim was impaired by drugs or alcohol and/or when the assault was committed by a date or other familiar acquaintance. Because proof is often limited in these cases, the court may resort to weighing the accuser’s story against the accused’s version. We assert our client’s right to a fair trial, focus on the evidence and fight to make sure both sides of the story are told.

Sexual assault defendants face stiff sentences, sex offender registration

Sexual assault, including date rape, carries severe penalties in New Jersey, including:

• Long-term incarceration — A sexual assault conviction comes with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, or 20 years for aggravated sexual assault. Aggravated sexual assault occurs when the victim is under the age of consent or incapacitated, a weapon is used, or the assault is part of another crime.
• Sex offender registry — Under Megan’s Law, any individual convicted of sexual assault in New Jersey is required to register as a sex offender.

Juveniles found delinquent of sexual assault or criminal sexual contact can also face harsh punishments, including mandatory sex offender registration and time in a juvenile detention center. Any sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 is sexual assault if the perpetrator is at least four years older than the victim. In some cases, juveniles are charged as adults.

Committed New Jersey lawyer works to help clients prove sex was consensual

There is no statute of limitations for prosecuting date rape in New Jersey. Whether allegations relate to a recent crime or an event from the past, we can pursue full exoneration and fair settlements for our clients. We work to corroborate the defendant’s account of events, including by conducting thorough investigations and gathering evidence such as text messages and witness testimony.

In any case where a sexual encounter was consensual, a date rape claim is invalid. In New Jersey, a person can consent to sexual activity if they are at least 16 years old, or if they are of 13 to 15 years of age and their partner is not more than four years older than them. The age of consent is 18 when the older partner has a “duty to care” for the younger partner.

However, under New Jersey law a person cannot give consent if they are drunk, drugged or high, whether they ingested a substance willingly or by force.

Skilled Garden State attorney takes on defense of date rape drug charges

We also defend cases charging illegal possession of drugs commonly associated with date rape. These include GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and roofies (Flunitrazepam or Rohypnol). Possessing these without a valid prescription is a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Manufacturing, distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute any amount of GHB or less than one gram of roofies is a second-degree crime punishable by five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Manufacturing, distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute more than one gram of roofies is first-degree punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Contact a diligent New Jersey criminal defense attorney to fight date rape charges

At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman, we represent New Jersey adults and minors accused of sexual assault. If you or a loved one is up against serious allegations, call us at 866-221-1270 or contact us online to arrange for a consultation. We have offices in Marlton, Hackensack, Newark and New Brunswick.