International Human Trafficking Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
International human trafficking charges in Bergen County are prosecuted as indictable crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8, carrying severe penalties. As an international human trafficking lawyer Bergen County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges involving forced labor and commercial sex acts. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Human Trafficking Law
New Jersey law defines human trafficking under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8. The statute criminalizes knowingly recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining a person for labor, services, or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion. This includes both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Charges are typically filed as first or second-degree indictable crimes, prosecuted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage. The law applies regardless of the victim’s immigration status.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and forms are available at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Trafficking Cases
Human trafficking cases in Bergen County follow a specific path in the Superior Court. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office handles these investigations, often involving federal agencies. New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act governs pretrial release, using a Public Safety Assessment score instead of cash bail. A trafficking charge defense lawyer Bergen County must handle grand jury indictments, extensive discovery, and potential federal overlap.
- Arrest and Initial Detention Hearing: A judge determines release conditions based on a risk assessment, not bail money.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to secure a formal indictment for an indictable crime.
- Discovery and Pretrial Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may resolve through a negotiated plea or proceed to a jury trial in Hackensack.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows New Jersey’s guidelines, which include mandatory minimums for first-degree offenses.
In Bergen County, a conviction for first-degree human trafficking carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, with an 85% parole ineligibility period under the No Early Release Act (NERA).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Trafficking (1st Degree) | 1st Degree Crime | 10-20 years (NERA applies) | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory restitution, sex offender registration, forfeiture of assets. |
| Human Trafficking (2nd Degree) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Restitution, potential registration, civil penalties. |
| Promoting Prostitution (Related Charge) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Fines and potential collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Serious Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe stakes of an international human trafficking accusation and the technical interplay between state and federal law. Our approach is built on meticulous case analysis and aggressive defense strategy.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team, including attorneys like Mr. Sris who personally handles complex multi-jurisdictional defenses, is prepared to challenge the evidence in your case. Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy specific to the allegations you face.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer Near Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. If you need a forced labor defense lawyer Bergen County, our team is accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail for trafficking charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score.
What is the difference between sex trafficking and labor trafficking in NJ?
It depends on the purpose of the coercion. Both are prohibited under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8. Sex trafficking involves commercial sex acts, while labor trafficking involves forced labor or services. The penalties are similarly severe for both.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for human trafficking?
Yes. Human trafficking often violates both New Jersey state law and federal statutes (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 1589). This is known as dual sovereignty, and an international human trafficking lawyer Bergen County must be prepared to address both jurisdictions.
What defenses are available against a trafficking charge?
Defenses may include lack of knowledge, absence of force/fraud/coercion, mistaken identity, or challenging the legality of evidence. A trafficking charge defense lawyer Bergen County will analyze the specific facts to identify the strongest defense strategy.
What is the role of a forced labor defense lawyer in these cases?
A forced labor defense lawyer Bergen County challenges the prosecution’s claim that labor or services were obtained through coercion. This involves scrutinizing employment records, witness statements, and the circumstances of the alleged victim’s work.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · International Human Trafficking Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · International Human Trafficking Lawyer Essex County, NJ · International Human Trafficking Lawyer Hudson County, NJ.