Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Somerset County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Sex trafficking of a minor is a first-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8, carrying a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison. In Somerset County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused.
Understanding Sex Trafficking of a Minor Charges in New Jersey
Sex trafficking of a minor is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8. The law makes it a crime to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, or obtain a minor (under 18) for the purpose of a commercial sex act. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be proven when the victim is a minor. This is a strict liability offense in many respects, meaning the prosecution does not need to prove the defendant knew the victim’s age. The statute is part of New Jersey’s full human trafficking laws designed to protect children from exploitation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 (New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage website.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in Somerset County
Sex trafficking of a minor cases in Somerset County originate with investigations by the New Jersey State Police, the FBI, or county prosecutors. Indictments are handed down by a grand jury in Somerville. These are first-degree crimes heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit. Given the severity, securing a minor sex trafficking defense lawyer Somerset County with experience in both state and federal courts is critical from the investigation stage.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Law enforcement may execute search warrants for electronic devices and financial records. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present.
- Detention Hearing: New Jersey has no cash bail. A judge will decide pretrial release based on a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score arguing flight risk and danger.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case will be presented to a Somerset County grand jury. An attorney cannot be present in the grand jury room but can advise you beforehand.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, including discovery from the state. Critical motions may challenge the legality of searches or the sufficiency of the indictment.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Given the penalties, plea negotiations may focus on securing a non-custodial sentence or a reduction in charges. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), requiring 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility.
Potential Penalties for Sex Trafficking of a Minor in NJ
In Somerset County, a conviction for sex trafficking of a minor is a first-degree crime punishable by 20 years to life in prison and fines up to $200,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex Trafficking of a Minor (Victim under 18) | First-Degree Crime | 20 years to life | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory registration as a Tier 3 sex offender under Megan’s Law; parole supervision for life; asset forfeiture; restitution to victim. |
| Sex Trafficking of a Minor (Victim 18+) with coercion | First-Degree Crime | 20 years to life | Up to $200,000 | Same as above. |
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 legal experience to serious criminal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high-stakes nature of child trafficking charge lawyer Somerset County cases and the severe, lifelong consequences of a conviction. Our approach is to build a defense that meticulously examines every piece of evidence, challenges procedural errors, and protects your rights at every stage.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in New Jersey courts. While every case is unique, our defensive strategies are informed by a deep understanding of state and federal laws. For instance, our team has successfully defended clients against serious child pornography charges in other jurisdictions, securing outcomes like case dismissals (nolle prosequi) or favorable plea agreements that avoided mandatory minimum sentences. We apply this rigorous, evidence-focused defense to sex trafficking allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Somerset County Defense Representation
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) 455-2770
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients across Somerset County. We are familiar with the Somerset Vicinage courthouse at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville. Our firm provides a sex trafficking of a minor lawyer Somerset County for residents in Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sex Trafficking Defense in Somerset County
Does New Jersey have cash bail for sex trafficking charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money. For serious charges like sex trafficking, securing a strong defense lawyer to argue for release is critical.
What is the difference between state and federal sex trafficking charges?
It depends on who investigates and prosecutes. State charges (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8) are handled by the Somerset County Prosecutor in Superior Court. Federal charges (18 U.S.C. § 1591) are brought by the U.S. Attorney in Newark and can carry even harsher penalties. A lawyer experienced in both systems is essential.
Can you be charged if you didn’t know the victim was a minor?
Yes, in many cases. New Jersey law often imposes strict liability regarding the victim’s age in sex trafficking cases. The prosecution may not need to prove you knew the person was under 18. This makes the defense focus on other elements of the charge.
What are possible defenses to sex trafficking of a minor charges?
Potential defenses include mistaken identity, lack of knowledge of commercial sex acts, challenging the credibility of witnesses or digital evidence, proving the alleged victim was not a minor, or arguing violations of constitutional rights during the investigation.
Is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) available for sex trafficking charges?
No. PTI is generally not available for first-degree crimes like sex trafficking of a minor. The severity of the offense typically excludes it from diversionary programs, making a strong trial or negotiation defense essential.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides strong defense for criminal defense in Somerset County. For charges that may cross state lines or involve federal agencies, learn more about our New Jersey federal criminal defense practice. For related family legal matters, see our Somerset County family law services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding sex trafficking of a minor charges in Somerset County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 Somerset 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: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lawyer Essex County, NJ.