Child Molestation

Newark Child Molestation Defense Attorney

When a man or woman is accused of sexual abuse of a child, their case involves much more than guilt or innocence. Regardless of the outcome of your case, your reputation and your family’s future is at stake.

People accused of sexual abuse come from all walks of life. Just being arrested on a child molestation charge has serious consequences. Often, you will be assumed to be guilty by the public at large. Even if you are exonerated in the criminal justice system, you may be labeled as a child molester with whispers that you “got away with it.” The negative effects can reach into your home life, employment, and neighborhood relationships.

If you retain an experienced child molestation defense attorney early on in the process, you are more likely to obtain a better result and reduce the damage to your reputation. Before you talk to police or anyone else about your arrest, contact child molestation lawyer Joseph Rotella for a free initial consultation.

Experienced Newark Child Molestation Defense Lawyer

As a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, Joseph Rotella is recognized as an expert in criminal cases, including child molestation cases. He is also board-certified as a criminal trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Over the years, Mr. Rotella has consistently encouraged people under investigation to contact him prior to arrest. He has found that his early involvement can help limit publicity and improve the outcome of your case. He knows that even such small details as arranging for a voluntary surrender instead of a public arrest can make a large difference. As a result, he has successfully handled cases involving a broad range of child sexual abuse, including Internet sex crimes such as child pornography, as well as sexual abuse in school and sexual abuse by priests.

As a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney and criminal trial specialist, Mr. Rotella approaches your case from a position of strength. When the prosecution discovers that you have hired him as your child molestation attorney, they will be more receptive to plea negotiations. Because of his reputation for courtroom success, they know that he will not hesitate to take your case to trial if their plea offers are not acceptable. They know that you are not intimidated when you hire Joseph D. Rotella, Esq., as your representative.

Represented Defendants in Priest Sexual Abuse Cases

Mr. Rotella has represented defendants in priest sexual abuse cases when adults and children allege past and present clergy sexual abuse. He has also served as attorney for many cases involving teacher sex abuse. In allegations of sexual abuse in school, the accusers may be young children or teenagers. Cases of sexual abuse in school or priest sexual abuse are prone to publicity, damaging the reputation of education and religious professionals. Mr. Rotella is dedicated to handling your case quickly; so collateral damage to your future is limited.

Sex crimes carry with them the possibility of sentencing under the No Early Release Act (NERA). This Act is commonly referred to as the “85% Rule.” What is requires is that any individual convicted of one of these sex-related crimes, whether involving a minor child victim, or an adult, must serve at least 85% of his or her sentence prior to being eligible for release.

Supervision for Life (CSL) under Megan’s Law and Jacob Wetterling Act

For individuals convicted of a sexually-based offense, the sentence is not always concluded at release. Conviction of many sexual offenses carries with it what is known as Community Supervision For Life (CSL). Megan’s Law requires state governments to provide private and personal information on registered sex offenders to the public. In addition, the Jacob Wetterling Act requires individuals convicted of sex crimes against children to register with communities where they live. These requirements follow a convicted sex offender for life.

The impact of these registration requirements is obvious. Only with experienced, competent representation can you take advantage of every opportunity to avoid being branded a sex offender.

Don’t Give Up Hope

There may be defenses in child molestation cases that an experienced criminal defense lawyer can use to your advantage. Early attorney involvement in cases involving sexual abuse of a minor is always beneficial. Mr. Rotella has found that negotiating for a lesser charge is much easier prior to indictment.