New Jersey Sex Crimes: a Potential Change in the Statute of Limitations

Digital Journal
November 14, 2013

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1589049

Those with old histories of sexual abuse could be subject to a revised and indefinte statute of limitations, providing legislative proposals are enacted.

Over the past couple of decades, the Catholic Church has experienced an alarming record of sexual assault scandals within its doors. However, in legal terms, New Jersey's statute of limitations actually protected former offenders. This is because the statute of limitations, which starts the clock on viable criminal suits, often expired before young victims could report criminal actions by church officials.

In such cases, had the victims reported the crimes within he specified statutory period, many of the offenders could have have faced time behind bars. Instead, they were given second chances.

However, in 1996, New Jersey's laws transformed and eliminated the time limit for some criminal charges. So, can church officials now be held accountable for former acts, which date back to before 1996? Not exactly. Even within the new legal parameters, sex abuse victims have only two years to sue after linking abuse to other issues, including divorce or depression. This is spurring legal change.

A New Jersey senator proposed a bill in 2013, which would extend the statutory period to three full decades. Sources report that when the new session begins in January 2014, the bill will be prioritized.

Advocates of the bill argue that victims of childhood sex abuse need more time. This time provides a period for maturity and time to act, according to supporters. As the law stands, civil remedies compensate victims for cases outside the statutory period. Supporters of the bill believe the right to sue should be expanded.

NJ.com reports that sex-abuse matters have cost the Catholic Church a whopping $2.5 billion in the nation. As a result, supporters of the legislation note that the Catholic Church has not just a legal, but also a financial agenda in the status of the law.

According to advocates of the bill, many Catholic priests, including those stripped of religious duties after the Catholic Church found accusations of abuse to be probable, were sent to a retirement home in place of legal consequences. These purported offenders are under supervision of church hierarchy.

In the end, it will be a while before the status of the bill is confirmed. Nevertheless, an adoption of this proposal could mean serious consequences for sex offenders. Those with purported offenses dating back to 1984 could face very egregious charges.

If you are dealing with allegations related to a sex crime in New Jersey, it is never too late to act. The repercussions associated with a case are severe; however, a lawyer familiar with sex crime cases can help you assess your specific matter and help produce the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Article provided by Maynard & Sumner, LLC