Bergen County Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Sex trafficking of a minor in Bergen County is a first-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8, carrying a potential sentence of 20 years to life in state prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these severe allegations. Our team understands the legal and investigative challenges you face and works to protect your rights from the initial accusation through trial.
Understanding Sex Trafficking of a Minor Charges in New Jersey
The crime of sex trafficking of a minor is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8. This statute makes it illegal to knowingly recruit, lure, entice, harbor, transport, provide, or obtain a minor under the age of 18 for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value. A key aspect of this law is that it does not require proof of force, fraud, or coercion when the victim is a minor. The prosecution must prove you knowingly engaged in one of the prohibited acts with the intent that the minor would perform a sexual act for compensation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bergen County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For information on court procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts Criminal Division website.
Local Defense Strategy for Bergen County Cases
In Bergen County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, which has a dedicated Special Victims Unit. Early intervention by a sex trafficking of a minor lawyer Bergen County is critical. The prosecution often relies heavily on digital evidence, financial records, and witness testimony. A common investigative angle involves tracing communications and financial transactions to establish a pattern. An effective minor sex trafficking defense lawyer Bergen County will immediately challenge the seizure and admissibility of this evidence, scrutinize the credibility of witnesses, and examine whether there is proof of the required knowledge and intent.
- Immediate Case Assessment: Upon being retained, we secure all discovery from the prosecution and conduct an independent review of the evidence.
- Evidence Challenge: File motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures, a common issue in these investigations.
- Witness Scrutiny: Investigate the background and potential motives of all witnesses, including the alleged minor and any cooperating individuals.
- Negotiation or Trial Prep: Based on the evidence, we either negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of charges or prepare a vigorous trial defense focusing on reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for Sex Trafficking of a Minor
In Bergen County, a conviction for sex trafficking of a minor is a first-degree crime with severe, mandatory penalties that include lengthy prison terms and lifelong registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex Trafficking of a Minor (Victim under 18) | First-Degree Crime | 20 years to life in prison (No Early Release Act may apply, requiring 85% of sentence served) | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory registration under Megan’s Law (Tier 3), Parole Supervision for Life, possible federal charges. |
| Aggravating Factors (e.g., bodily injury, multiple victims) | First-Degree Crime (Enhanced) | Potential for consecutive sentences, increasing total incarceration. | Increased fines | Enhanced community notification, permanent restraining orders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Serious Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a charge for sex trafficking of a minor is not just a legal crisis but a personal one that threatens your future, family, and freedom. Our approach is to mount an immediate, thorough, and strategic defense.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in criminal cases across New Jersey. While every case is unique, our strategies have led to outcomes such as charges being dismissed prior to trial, reduction of charges to lesser offenses, and favorable plea agreements that avoid the most severe penalties. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Bergen County Defense Resources
If you are seeking a child trafficking charge lawyer Bergen County, our firm is positioned to help. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including near the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. We are accessible via Route 4, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Englewood, Paramus, and Ridgewood.
24/7 Phone Consultations — Meetings By Appointment Only
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Frequently Asked Questions (Sex Trafficking of a Minor Charges)
What is the main difference between sex trafficking and promoting prostitution of a minor in NJ?
It depends. Sex trafficking (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8) specifically involves a commercial exchange—recruiting or transporting a minor with the intent they engage in sexual activity for anything of value. Promoting prostitution may not have the same commercial intent element and is charged under a different statute.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the person was a minor?
Yes. Under New Jersey law, mistake of age is generally not a defense to sex trafficking of a minor charges. The prosecution must prove you knowingly engaged in the act (e.g., recruiting), but they typically do not have to prove you knew the exact age.
Are these charges state or federal?
They can be both. The same conduct can violate both New Jersey state law and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1591). You can be prosecuted by both the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is why having a lawyer experienced with both systems is critical.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately contact a sex trafficking of a minor lawyer Bergen County. Do not speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can intervene early, often before formal charges are filed.
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Potential defenses include challenging the evidence of intent, proving a lack of knowledge of the minor’s involvement in commercial sex, suppressing illegally obtained evidence, attacking the credibility of witnesses, or arguing mistaken identity. The right defense depends entirely on the case facts.
Related Legal Help: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for Sexual Assault in New Jersey and Federal Crimes. For an overview of our criminal practice, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
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 · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Essex County, NJ · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Hudson County, NJ.