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State v RS, Ocean County Superior Court
In Ocean County Superior Court, RS was charged with multiple counts of second-degree sexual assault involving five child victims. Three of the alleged victims were RS’s own grandchildren, and the children ranged in age from six to fourteen years old. The State’s evidence included videotaped statements from several victims and findings from credibility assessments conducted during the investigation.
The charges carried a combined exposure of 88 years in New Jersey State Prison, with most counts subject to mandatory sentencing terms under the No Early Release Act (NERA). The defendant also underwent a polygraph examination during the investigation. Given the serious nature of the accusations and the strength of the State’s evidence, the risk of a lengthy sentence was extremely high.
Lazzaro Law Negotiates Plea to Reduce Long-Term Exposure
With such serious charges and multiple victims involved, Clifford E. Lazzaro, Esq., focused on securing the best possible outcome under challenging circumstances. Recognizing trial risks, the defense negotiated a plea agreement that would substantially reduce the client’s sentencing exposure.
As a result, RS pleaded guilty and received an eight-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison. Under NERA, he must serve 85% of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The defendant was also subject to Megan’s Law registration and lifetime supervision requirements.
Aggressive Defense in New Jersey Child Sex Crime Cases
This case illustrates the role of effective legal strategy in high-exposure New Jersey sexual assault cases. Lazzaro Law helped reduce what could have been a near-life sentence to a manageable term through focused advocacy and damage control litigation.
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