Sextortion Lawyer Burlington County, NJ

Q: What are the potential penalties for sextortion in Burlington County?

Penalties depend on the charged offense. Aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree crime, carries 10 to 20 years in prison with an 85% mandatory minimum under NERA. Sexual assault, a second-degree crime, carries 5 to 10 years. Criminal coercion is graded based on the underlying threat and can be a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree. A conviction for any registrable sex offense also triggers Megan’s Law requirements—lifetime registration, community notification, and periodic verification—as well as potential parole supervision for life.

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Facing a sextortion allegation in Burlington County involves serious criminal charges, potential mandatory sex offender registration, and lasting harm to your reputation and livelihood. Sextortion—the use of threats to expose intimate images, videos, or information to coerce sexual conduct or payment—is prosecuted actively in New Jersey under multiple statutes, including criminal coercion and sexual assault. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office handles these matters in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Criminal Part, located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and focuses his criminal defense work on protecting the rights of individuals accused of sex crimes. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

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What Sextortion Means in Burlington County

Sextortion often involves a threat to disseminate sexually explicit images or recordings unless the victim provides additional sexual content, engages in sexual acts, or pays money. In New Jersey, these actions may be charged as criminal coercion or as sexual assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 if the coercion results in a sexual act. Invasion of privacy charges may also apply. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office works with local police departments and digital forensic units to investigate these cases, often using search warrants for electronic devices and social media accounts.

Because sextortion investigations frequently involve complex digital evidence, defending against an allegation requires a thorough understanding of both criminal law and the technology behind instant messages, social media platforms, and cloud storage. Our firm has experience analyzing these types of cases and works to ensure that evidence is properly obtained and preserved. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel appear regularly in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, and are familiar with the procedures and personnel of the 8th Vicinage, which handles all indictable sex offense matters.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Sextortion Cases

A defense strategy in a sextortion case begins with a careful review of the state’s evidence. Our team examines whether the alleged threats meet the statutory definition of coercion, whether any consensual aspects of the communication negate the elements of the offense, and whether law enforcement followed proper protocols in obtaining digital evidence. Pre-charging intervention—engaging with the prosecutor’s office before formal charges are filed—can sometimes lead to a decision not to proceed or to a lesser charge. If charges are filed, we explore all available defenses, including challenging the authenticity of the digital communications, scrutinizing chain of custody, and evaluating any potential Miranda or Fourth Amendment violations.

Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about court dates, discovery, and plea negotiations. Because sextortion convictions can carry lengthy prison terms—aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree crime, carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years with an 85% mandatory minimum under the No Early Release Act, while second-degree sexual assault carries 5 to 10 years—early and experienced representation is critical. The firm works to identify factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to present mitigating information at every stage, from the initial bail hearing through the SORA (Sex Offender Risk Assessment) phase if registration becomes an issue.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after service as a prosecutor. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and concentrates his practice on criminal defense. Together with the firm’s Of Counsel—attorneys who are not employees but are—he draws on decades of courtroom experience to represent clients in sex crime matters. Our New Jersey location is at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. Consultations are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sextortion under New Jersey law?

Sextortion occurs when an individual threatens to expose sexually explicit images, videos, or private information to force another person into sexual activity or to obtain money or property. In New Jersey, prosecutors may charge sextortion as criminal coercion, sexual assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2), invasion of privacy, or extortion under the theft statute. Because these crimes carry varying degrees of severity and different registration consequences, the specific charges depend on the facts of the case and the evidence the state can present.

What are the potential penalties for sextortion in Burlington County?

Penalties depend on the charged offense. Aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree crime, carries 10 to 20 years in prison with an 85% mandatory minimum under NERA. Sexual assault, a second-degree crime, carries 5 to 10 years. Criminal coercion is graded based on the underlying threat and can be a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree. A conviction for any registrable sex offense also triggers Megan’s Law requirements—lifetime registration, community notification, and periodic verification—as well as potential parole supervision for life.

Do I need a lawyer if I am accused of sextortion?

Yes, you should retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you become aware of an investigation or accusation. Even before formal charges are filed, the prosecutor’s office may be building a case using digital evidence, interviews, and search warrants. An attorney can intervene early, communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, and advise you on how to respond to any investigative contacts. Attempting to handle a sextortion accusation on your own can expose you to self-incrimination and weaken your defense.

How can a defense attorney challenge sextortion charges?

A defense attorney can challenge sextortion charges by scrutinizing the constitutionality of the search and seizure of digital evidence, questioning the reliability of the alleged statements, and examining whether the conduct meets the legal elements of the offense. For example, if the state cannot prove that the defendant made a threat or that the alleged threat was the cause of the victim’s compliance, the charges may not hold up. Additionally, consent, lack of intent, and proof of fabrication are potential defenses that can be explored.

What should I do if I am being investigated for sextortion in Burlington County?

If you learn that you are under investigation for sextortion, contact an attorney before speaking with any law enforcement officer. Do not consent to a search of your electronic devices without legal advice. Preserve all communications and avoid discussing the case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer. Early legal guidance can help you understand the scope of the investigation and work toward a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Can sextortion charges be reduced or dismissed in New Jersey?

Yes, sextortion charges can be reduced or dismissed if the evidence is insufficient, if procedural errors are made, or through effective negotiation with the prosecutor. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel assess whether the state can prove each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. They also explore diversionary programs, pre-trial intervention, and plea agreements that may result in reduced charges or alternative sentencing. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the facts and the quality of the defense.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Our full statewide discussion of sextortion in New Jersey builds on the points above.