Child Trafficking Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Legal Options?
Child trafficking is a severe federal and state crime in Bergen County, prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 and federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1591, carrying penalties up to life imprisonment. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a dedicated child trafficking lawyer Bergen County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate, confidential defense.
Understanding Child Trafficking Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, child trafficking is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 as knowingly recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity or causing the minor to engage in sexual activity. This statute is part of New Jersey’s full human trafficking laws, which are aggressively enforced. The crime is a first-degree offense, punishable by 20 years to life in state prison and fines up to $200,000. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 may also apply, especially if the activity crosses state lines, bringing even more severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s human trafficking statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures and forms in Bergen County, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage website.
handling a Child Trafficking Case in Bergen County
Child trafficking cases in Bergen County are prosecuted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, often in coordination with federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations. These cases are heard in the Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack. The prosecution’s case typically relies on digital evidence (communications, financial records), witness testimony, and experienced analysis. An early, strategic defense is critical to challenge the evidence and the intent element required for conviction.
- Initial Arrest & Detention Hearing: You may be held without bail. Your attorney must file for a detention hearing within 48 hours to argue for release with conditions.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury. A skilled attorney can present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor beforehand to potentially avoid indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, or seek discovery of all prosecution materials.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will negotiate for reduced charges or prepare a vigorous trial defense, challenging witness credibility and forensic evidence.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the minimum sentence. Post-conviction relief or appeals must be filed within strict deadlines.
Potential Penalties for Child Trafficking in Bergen County
In Bergen County, a conviction for child trafficking as a first-degree crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence and severe long-term consequences under both state and federal law.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fines | Sex Offender Registry | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Trafficking (State) | 1st Degree Crime | 20 years to Life (85% parole ineligibility) | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory Tier 3 (Life) | Asset forfeiture, restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Child Trafficking (Federal) | Class A Felony | 15 years to Life | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory (Federal) | Supervised release for life, international travel bans |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients across complex jurisdictions. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a history of over 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to every case. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts and legal challenges of your situation in Bergen County.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin with an immediate investigation to secure evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For an affordable child trafficking lawyer Bergen County, our firm provides transparent fee structures. We challenge the legality of searches, the credibility of witnesses, and the forensic evidence. In one firm-wide case, our attorneys secured a dismissal of child pornography promotion charges after demonstrating flaws in the digital evidence chain of custody. Results may vary.
Local Defense in Bergen County
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you are searching for a child trafficking lawyer near me Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only. We serve communities throughout the county including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Trafficking Defense
What should I do if I am contacted by police about a child trafficking investigation?
No. Do not speak to investigators. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a child trafficking lawyer Bergen County like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 before any interaction with law enforcement.
Can I be charged federally and by the state for the same act?
Yes. Under the doctrine of dual sovereignty, both the State of New Jersey and the federal government can prosecute you for the same underlying conduct related to child trafficking. This makes having a lawyer experienced in both state and federal courts essential.
What are the main defenses to a child trafficking charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the person was a minor, mistaken identity, challenging the validity of evidence obtained through illegal searches, entrapment, and insufficient evidence to prove the elements of recruiting, transporting, or obtaining.
How long does a child trafficking case typically take?
A case can take 12 to 24 months or longer from arrest to resolution, depending on the issues involved, whether it is in state or federal court, the volume of evidence, and if it proceeds to trial. Pre-trial motions and negotiations can significantly impact the timeline.
What is the difference between human trafficking and child trafficking?
Child trafficking is a specific subset of human trafficking where the victim is under 18 years old. The law often imposes stricter penalties and removes the need for the prosecution to prove force, fraud, or coercion was used when the victim is a minor.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also handles federal criminal defense in Bergen County and sex crimes defense in Bergen County. For a broader view of our practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal 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 · Child Trafficking Defense Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Child Trafficking Lawyer Essex County, NJ · Child Trafficking Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ.