A human trafficking conviction in New Jersey can result in intense penalties, including decades behind bars, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Because human trafficking is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses under New Jersey law, those facing allegations or charges of this crime should understand what they are up against. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced New Jersey sex crimes attorney to learn more about the consequences of human trafficking in New Jersey and how our legal team can help you fight them. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How Is Human Trafficking Defined Under New Jersey Law?
Here in the state of New Jersey, human trafficking is seen as a particularly heinous crime. New Jersey NJ Rev Stat § 2C:13-8 states that a person may be charged with human trafficking if he or she knowingly lures, holds, recruits, entices, harbors, transports, or otherwise encourages another individual to take part in sexual activity or provide labor.
Human trafficking charges often involve allegations that an individual has used force, threats, coercion, intimidation, or other means to compel another person to provide labor or engage in commercial sexual activity.
Key Elements of Human Trafficking Charges
- Recruiting or enticing another person for labor or sexual activity
- Harboring or transporting an alleged victim
- Using force, threats, or coercion
- Involving a minor under 18 in unlawful activity
- Exploiting a person for labor or commercialized sexual activity
Why Human Trafficking Charges Are Taken So Seriously in NJ
Prosecutors in New Jersey, including those in Bergen County, pursue charges of human trafficking aggressively, as these are crimes that exploit vulnerable individuals. As such, extensive investigations often occur involving multiple law enforcement agencies, witnesses, and considerable criminal proceedings.
What Must Prosecutors Prove in a Human Trafficking Case?
Before you can be convicted of a human trafficking offense in Bergen County, or anywhere in New Jersey for that matter, the prosecution must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, the specific facts that must be proven will ultimately depend on the allegations against you and the section of the law involved.
Quick Overview
Typically, in order to convict someone of a human trafficking offense, the prosecution must show:
- The defendant knowingly engaged in prohibited conduct
- The alleged victim was subjected to labor or sexual exploitation
- Force, threats, coercion, or other illegal methods were used in accordance with the law
- The defendant’s action meets all elements of the criminal statute
- The prosecution supports its allegations with admissible evidence
Evidence Commonly Used in Human Trafficking Cases
- Texts and other forms of written or electronic communications
- Witness testimony
- Financial information, like banking statements and transactions
- Surveillance footage
- Statements made over the course of the investigation
What Happens if I am Convicted of Human Trafficking?
The penalties for a human trafficking conviction can impact a person for the rest of their life. In most cases, anyone who is convicted of human trafficking here in New Jersey will face anywhere between 20 years and a life sentence of incarceration.
If you’re currently facing these charges, you should connect with an experienced attorney to fight for the best possible outcome.
Criminal Penalties
- Considerable time in New Jersey State Prison
- Potential for life imprisonment, in some instances
- Hefty financial penalties
- Probation and post-release supervision
- Permanent criminal record
- Potential sex offender registration
Beyond incarceration and potential registration as a sex offender, human trafficking convictions can have considerable impacts that extend beyond the New Jersey criminal justice system. Those convicted of these offenses can face difficulty obtaining employment and housing opportunities, limited government assistance benefits, and even impacts on professional licenses. Similarly, non-citizens can face immigration consequences, including removal proceedings.
Can a Human Trafficking Conviction Require Megan’s Law Registration?
It’s critical to understand that some human trafficking charges involving sexual offenses may require those convicted to register as sex offenders. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the offenses involved, those convicted of human trafficking and subsequent criminal sex offenses may be required to comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements.
Additional Consequences of Megan’s Law Registration
- Continued reporting obligations
- Registration with law enforcement agencies
- Restrictions that can impact employment opportunities
- Limitations on housing opportunities
- Long-term reputational consequences
Contact Our Experienced Bergen County Firm
The Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri prides itself on providing our clients with the competent, honest, and effective legal advice they deserve. Whether you are facing sex crime charges, require assistance filing for bankruptcy, or are looking to go through the foreclosure mediation process, you can depend on us to fight for your rights through every step of the process going forward. Contact the Law Office Boyd & Squitieri today to learn more about how our legal team can help you.