NJ Human Trafficking Defense Attorney

NJ Human Trafficking Defense Attorney

Being charged with human trafficking in New Jersey carries devastating penalties and intense public stigma. These complex cases require an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle.

New Jersey laws impose strict punishment for trafficking individuals for labor, sexual services, or other purposes through force, fraud, or coercion. Even peripheral involvement can lead to multi-decade prison sentences and massive fines if convicted.

So if you are under investigation or have been arrested for human trafficking in NJ, it is urgent to retain legal counsel immediately. An aggressive lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s case for weaknesses and build a strong defense focused on achieving an acquittal or getting charges reduced.

Human Trafficking Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey defines human trafficking primarily through statute 2C:13-8, which makes it a serious first-degree felony to traffic individuals or profit from human trafficking networks. Charges involve:

• Forced labor
• Sex trafficking of adults or children
• Removing human organs for profit

Related offenses like racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy may also apply. Traffickers, brokers, transporters, and financiers can all face prosecution.

Penalties for Human Trafficking Convictions in NJ

Depending on specific circumstances, human trafficking convictions can bring:

• 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison
• Fines up to $200,000
• Asset forfeiture
• Restitution to victims

Sex trafficking of a minor under 18 brings even harsher penalties of up to life imprisonment. These severe sentences reflect how seriously New Jersey takes human trafficking crimes.

Finding an Experienced NJ Human Trafficking Defense Attorney

If you are charged with any offense related to human trafficking, it is imperative to retain an attorney with specific experience defending these complex cases. Look for a lawyer who:

• Focuses on NJ trafficking and sex crimes defense
• Has represented trafficking defendants before
• Is familiar with the prosecutors and courts
• Has obtained successful case results

Don’t take chances on your defense. Vet attorneys thoroughly and find one with a proven track record handling these allegations.

How Can a Lawyer Defend Against Human Trafficking Charges?

While human trafficking cases are challenging to defend, an experienced attorney can pursue arguments such as:

• You did not knowingly participate in trafficking
• You did not financially benefit from illicit activity
• There is no evidence of force, fraud, or coercion
• The alleged victims were not trafficked
• Misidentification (you were not involved)

An aggressive defense lawyer will work tirelessly to undermine the prosecution’s version of events by highlighting contradictions, credibility problems, lack of evidence, and procedural errors.

Should I Accept a Plea Deal or Go to Trial?

Your attorney will advise if pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges makes strategic sense based on the circumstances of your case. But you should be extremely reluctant to accept any plea that includes long-term imprisonment.

If viable defenses exist, your lawyer may recommend rejecting any plea offers and taking your case to trial. An acquittal on all charges should be the top priority.

Are Human Trafficking Charges Defensible?

While the public is quick to condemn anyone accused of human trafficking, the reality is these cases can have major evidentiary and procedural flaws that an experienced lawyer can exploit. Just a few examples:

• Unreliable or coerced witness testimony
• Entrapment by undercover police
• Lack of direct evidence tying you to illegal acts
• Credibility issues with victims

Before losing hope, speak to a defense lawyer about the specifics of your charges. There may be more ways to fight than you think.

Conclusion

Facing human trafficking charges in New Jersey is daunting. But an aggressive criminal defense lawyer can often get allegations reduced or dismissed by exploiting flaws in the prosecution’s case.

Don’t assume you have to plead guilty and serve a lengthy mandatory minimum sentence. Fight back. With an experienced attorney highlighting deficiencies in the state’s evidence, you have strong chances of acquittal or conviction on lesser charges.

While the penalties seem harsh, viable defenses frequently exist. Protect your future through zealous legal representation – it’s your best weapon against devastating trafficking convictions.

References

[1] New Jersey Human Trafficking Statute 2C:13-8

[2] Prosecuting Human Trafficking Cases

[3] NJ Court Rules 1:20 – Attorney Ethics