Human Trafficking Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — Your Defense Strategy
Human trafficking charges in Bergen County are prosecuted as first or second-degree crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8, carrying severe penalties. If you are facing these serious allegations, you need a defense team with deep experience in criminal law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of human trafficking in Bergen County.
New Jersey Human Trafficking Law and Penalties
Human trafficking in New Jersey is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8. The law prohibits knowingly recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining another person for the purpose of involuntary servitude or forced labor. It also criminalizes causing a person to engage in commercial sexual activity through force, fraud, or coercion, or if the person is under 18 years old.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in building defenses against financial and coercive allegations often present in trafficking cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and filings for Bergen County cases are handled through the Superior Court, Bergen Vicinage.
Defending Human Trafficking Cases in Bergen County
Prosecutors in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office pursue human trafficking charges aggressively. A key local procedural fact is that these cases often involve extensive electronic evidence, including financial records, communications, and digital footprints, which the state must disclose during discovery. Our defense strategy meticulously reviews this discovery for inconsistencies, lack of evidence of coercion, or mistaken identity. We examine whether the alleged victim was truly forced or if there was a different arrangement.
- Initial Case Review: We conduct an immediate, detailed analysis of the criminal complaint and any available discovery to identify the core allegations and initial weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Investigation & Evidence Challenge: Our team conducts a parallel investigation, which may include reviewing financial records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting professionals to contest the evidence of trafficking or forced labor.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, or seek dismissal if the prosecution cannot meet its burden.
- Negotiation & Trial Strategy: We engage in strategic negotiations with prosecutors, aiming for charge reductions or favorable resolutions. If a fair offer is not reached, we prepare a vigorous trial defense focused on creating reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for Human Trafficking in NJ
In Bergen County, a human trafficking conviction carries severe penalties, including decades in prison and substantial fines, depending on the degree of the crime and specific circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Trafficking (Victim 18+) | 1st Degree Crime | 20-30 years | Up to $200,000 | Parole ineligibility, restitution, forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record. |
| Human Trafficking (Victim under 18) | 1st Degree Crime | 25 years to Life | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory minimum sentence, Megan’s Law registration, restitution, asset forfeiture. |
| Facilitating Human Trafficking | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Restitution, potential forfeiture, permanent felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a human trafficking charge and provide a defense focused on the specific details of your situation. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients against the most serious allegations.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin with a thorough investigation, challenging the evidence of force, fraud, or coercion that the state must prove. We scrutinize financial records, witness statements, and digital evidence. Our goal is to protect your rights and future by building the strongest possible defense strategy from the start.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Bergen County Defense
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack. Our location is accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
We are a human trafficking lawyer near Bergen County courts, serving communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between human trafficking and forced labor charges in NJ?
It depends. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8, “human trafficking” is the overarching crime, which includes the specific purpose of subjecting a person to involuntary servitude or forced labor. A forced labor defense lawyer Bergen County would argue against the evidence that labor or services were compelled through coercion. The charges are often intertwined, but the prosecution must prove the specific intent and coercive means used.
How long does a human trafficking case take in Bergen County?
These contested cases in Superior Court can take 12 to 24 months or longer to resolve, depending on the evidence volume, pre-trial motions, and whether the case proceeds to trial. The discovery phase involving electronic records is often extensive.
Can a human trafficking charge be reduced?
Yes. In some cases, a skilled trafficking charge defense lawyer Bergen County can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges to lesser offenses, such as conspiracy or facilitation, based on weaknesses in the state’s evidence or the defendant’s level of involvement. The possibility depends entirely on the specific facts of the case.
What should I do if I am investigated for human trafficking?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a lawyer. Exercise your right to remain silent. Any statements you make can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on how to proceed and interact with investigators.
What defenses are available against trafficking allegations?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge or intent, mistaken identity, absence of force or coercion, challenging the credibility of witnesses, and constitutional violations in the investigation (like illegal search and seizure). Each defense is highly fact-specific.
Related Pages: For other legal matters, see our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County and New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer. For a neighboring area, see Civil Litigation Lawyer Passaic County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 · Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.