New Jersey Luring a Minor Defense Lawyers

New Jersey Luring a Minor Defense Lawyers

Being accused of luring a minor in New Jersey triggers serious criminal charges that can lead to lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration if convicted. These allegations require an experienced defense attorney to counteract forcefully.

Under New Jersey law, luring a minor involves communicating with a child under 16 online or in person to commit a criminal offense such as sexual assault or kidnapping. Even if no physical contact occurs, charges can still apply.

If you are under investigation or have been arrested for luring a minor 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 acquittal or getting charges reduced.

New Jersey’s Luring Statute – N.J.S.A 2C:13-6

New Jersey’s luring law is contained in N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6. This statute makes it a serious second-degree crime for a person to attempt, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a minor under 16 or a person believed to be a minor into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area for criminal purposes.

The alleged intent must be to commit one of the following offenses:

• Sexual assault
• Criminal sexual contact
• Kidnapping
• Endangering the welfare of a child

The luring charge can apply even if the perpetrator is unsuccessful in making physical contact with the minor victim.

Penalties for Luring a Child in New Jersey

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6, potential penalties for luring a minor include:

• 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison
• Fines up to $150,000
• Parole supervision for life
• Megan’s Law sex offender registration

Sentencing enhancements such as the No Early Release Act can extend the mandatory minimum sentence to 85% of the full term. And separate charges often apply for related sex crimes.

Hiring an Experienced Luring Defense Attorney

If you are charged with luring a minor in New Jersey, it is imperative to retain legal counsel with specific experience defending these cases. Look for an attorney who:

• Focuses on NJ luring and sex crimes defense
• Has represented luring 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 luring allegations.

Fighting Luring Charges in New Jersey

While luring a minor cases are challenging to defend, an experienced attorney can pursue arguments such as:

• You did not actually communicate with a minor
• Mistaken identity (you were not the perpetrator)
• No intent to commit a subsequent criminal offense
• Entrapment by law enforcement
• Illegal police conduct in the investigation

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 and sex offender registration.

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 Online Sting Operations Legal in New Jersey?

While online sting operations are common in luring cases, experienced defense lawyers can often challenge the legality of police conduct based on entrapment, false pretenses, violation of jurisdiction limits, and other issues.

Police cannot implant criminal intent where none existed previously. Your attorney’s aim is to show you were unlawfully induced into wrongdoing that you otherwise would not have committed.

Conclusion

Facing luring a minor 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 prison sentence plus register as a sex offender. 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 luring convictions.

References

[1] New Jersey Luring Statute – N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6

[2] Luring Charges and Penalties in NJ

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