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State v DL, Union County Superior Court
n February 2015, DL was indicted in Union County Superior Court on nine serious charges. These included first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The allegations claimed that DL, the victim’s stepfather, engaged in sexual activity with the victim starting at age six and continuing through his teenage years. The State also claimed to have video evidence showing DL involved in sexual intercourse with the alleged victim, who was in his mid-twenties when the charges were filed.
The legal exposure was extreme. DL faced up to 120 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 98 years of parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act (NERA). The initial plea offer included ten years in prison along with Megan’s Law, Nicole’s Law, and Parole Supervision for Life (PSL).
Pre-Trial Defense Strategy Led to Reduced Charges
The defense team at Lazzaro Law developed a focused legal strategy to weaken the State’s case. Multiple pre-trial motions were filed, including Rule 401, 403(a), and 901 hearings. These motions challenged the admissibility and reliability of the State’s evidence and attacked the alleged victim’s credibility. A motion to dismiss the indictment was also filed.
Final Outcome: Probation and No Incarceration
Just before trial, the State offered an amended plea to third-degree child endangerment. DL accepted the offer. In January 2017, he was sentenced to probation with no jail time, though he remained subject to Megan’s Law, Nicole’s Law, and Community Supervision for Life.
New Jersey Sex Crime Defense Attorney for Serious Allegations
This case demonstrates how a skilled New Jersey sex crime defense lawyer can handle high-exposure charges and achieve results that avoid prison. Strong litigation strategy and pre-trial advocacy made all the difference in DL’s outcome.
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