Burlington County Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer — What Are Your Defenses?

The use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a serious felony in New Jersey, often involving digital evidence. In Burlington County, these charges are prosecuted aggressively and can carry severe penalties, including mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

New Jersey Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors

In New Jersey, the specific statute governing the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is N.J. Stat. § 2C:14-1. This law makes it a crime to use any device or system capable of electronic, wire, or radio communication—including the internet, social media, texting, or apps—to knowingly solicit, lure, or entice a minor, or attempt to do so, for the purpose of committing certain enumerated offenses against that minor.

Last verified: April 2026 | Burlington County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature

The prohibited underlying offenses typically include sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, or attempting to commit these acts. The law is designed to catch predatory behavior at the planning stage, meaning the prosecution does not need to prove that physical contact occurred, only that the communication was made with the intent to commit the underlying crime.

Official Legal Resources

Understanding the specific statutes and court procedures is critical. You can review the official New Jersey criminal code at the New Jersey Legislature website (njleg.state.nj.us). For information on court procedures in Burlington County, visit the New Jersey Courts Burlington Vicinage website (njcourts.gov).

The Burlington County Court Process for Internet Crimes Involving a Minor

Charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors are heard in the Burlington County Superior Court, Criminal Division. These cases are treated as indictable offenses (the New Jersey equivalent of felonies) and follow a formal process. An experienced online child exploitation defense lawyer in Burlington County understands that these cases often hinge on digital forensics, the authenticity of communications, and the defendant’s intent.

1. Complaint & Arrest: The process begins with a criminal complaint, often following an investigation by local police, the New Jersey State Police, or a federal task force like the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit.
2. First Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will have a first appearance before a judge, who will advise you of the charges. Given the serious nature of the offense, the prosecution will likely seek pretrial detention. Your lawyer must argue for your release at a detention hearing.
3. Grand Jury Presentation: The case is presented to a grand jury, which decides whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment. An attorney can present mitigating information to the prosecutor before this stage.
4. Pre-Indictment Plea Negotiations: Before an indictment is formally filed, there may be an opportunity to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge, which can significantly reduce potential penalties.
5. Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: If indicted, your defense will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the search and seizure of electronic devices, and obtain all discovery, including forensic reports and undercover officer communications.
6. Trial or Final Disposition: The case will proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement based on the strength of the evidence and motions.

Potential Penalties in Burlington County

In Burlington County, a conviction for use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a crime of the second degree, carrying severe consequences that can impact the rest of your life.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Experience in Defending Against Serious Charges

Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique perspective to defending clients accused of serious felonies. Our firm-wide experience of over 120 combined years and more than 4,739 case results provides a foundation for building strong defenses in contested cases like those involving the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors. We understand both how the prosecution builds its case and where its weaknesses may lie.

Case Results & Defense Strategy

While every case is unique, our approach to defending charges related to the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors involves a meticulous review of all evidence. We scrutinize the legality of how evidence was obtained, the forensic analysis of devices, and the context of all communications. In one case, our review of an undercover operation’s protocols led to the suppression of key evidence, resulting in a favorable plea to a non-registrable offense.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Local Defense for Burlington County Residents

If you are facing an investigation or charges for an internet crime involving a minor in Burlington County, having a local defense team is important. Our firm is positioned to serve clients throughout the area, including those near the Burlington County Superior Court in Mount Holly. We are accessible to residents in communities like Moorestown, Willingboro, Medford, Evesham, and Mount Laurel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Legal Services: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for federal crimes and other sex offenses. For more information on our statewide practice, see our New Jersey criminal defense hub.

Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (609)-983-0003 for current legal guidance regarding the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors.