New Jersey Child Abuse Defense Lawyer, Scott Gorman

Crimes committed against children are among the most-vigorously prosecuted offenses in the New Jersey criminal justice system. Prosecutors aggressively pursue charges against individuals accused of child abuse and endangerment, and those convicted of child abuse and endangerment can face severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment. If you are facing charges in Essex County, Morristown or elsewhere in New Jersey, you need experienced legal representation from an attorney who is prepared to fight for your freedom at trial.

Scott Gorman is a criminal defense attorney who has represented numerous clients charged with child abuse and endangerment. He knows how to effectively defend clients against serious criminal allegations. Regardless of what may or may not have happened, you deserve a fair trial, and Scott can make sure you do not face unjust prosecution or punishment.

Cruelty and Neglect of Children

Under Section 9:6-3 of the New Jersey Code, cruelty or neglect of a child is a fourth-degree criminal offense. This is a felony-level crime that carries potential penalties of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Section 9:6-3 states:

“Any parent, guardian or person having the care, custody or control of any child, who shall abuse, abandon, be cruel to or neglectful of such child, or any person who shall abuse, be cruel to or neglectful of any child shall be deemed to be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.”

Under Section 9:6-3, the court also has the discretion to sentence you to a period of probation and place your children in foster care. In this scenario, you must provide financial support for your child’s care, and, if you fail to do so, you can be sentenced to imprisonment.

Child Molestation and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Child molestation and endangering the welfare of a child are serious crimes that can be charged as first-, second-, and third-degree offenses. These offenses carry years-long prison sentences, and, for sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13, a defendant can face 25 years to life behind bars. Some examples of child molestation and endangerment charges include:

• Acts of sexual penetration with a child (with penalties varying depending upon the child’s age, the age difference between the child and the defendant, and the defendant’s relationship to the child);
• Acts of sexual contact with a child (including “intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts for the purpose of . . . sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor”);
• Sexual conduct that may “impair or debauch the morals of the child” (with increased penalties for defendants “having a legal duty for the care of a child or who [have] assumed responsibility for the care of a child”);
• Causing harm due to abuse or neglect; and,
• Engaging in acts involving the depiction of sexual exploitation or abuse of a child (including photographing, filming, possessing or distributing child pornography).

Contact Bergen County, NJ Defense Attorney Scott Gorman

If you have been arrested for child abuse or child endangerment, it is imperative that you speak with a Morristown or Essex County criminal defense attorney immediately. To schedule a free and confidential consultation at The Gorman Law Firm, call (201) 489-9199 or request to speak with an attorney online now.