South Jersey Laws
Sexual Assault
New Jersey Statutes Annotated- 2C:14-2: Sexual Assault


A person is guilty of sexual assault if he:

  • Commits an act of sexual contact with a victim who is less than 13 years old; and
  • Is at least four years older than the victim.

A person is guilty of sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual penetration with another person and:
  • The actor uses physical force or coercion, but the victim does not sustain severe personal injury;
  • The victim is on probation or parole, or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actor's legal, professional or occupational status;
  • The victim is at least 16 but less than 18 years old and:
    • The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree; or
    • The actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim; or
    • The actor is a foster parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household; or
    • The victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old and the actor is at least four years older than the victim.


    Sexual assault is a crime of the second degree and is punishable by:

    • Imprisonment for five to ten years;
    • A fine of up to $150,000;
    • Or both; or
    • Imprisonment for five years with no chance of parole.
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