Luring or Enticing a Child Defense Attorney in Bergen County
New Jersey recognizes two different types of “luring” crimes. The first, and more serious crime, involves an attempt to lure a child. The second, and less serious offense, involves an attempt to lure an adult.
What Is Child Luring According to the Law?
Under the child luring statute, a person is deemed to be guilty of a second-degree crime if he attempts via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he reasonably believes to be a child into:
- A motor vehicle
- A structure or isolated area
Or to meet or appear at any other place with the purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child. The child luring statute was first enacted in 1993 to criminalize the early stages of what might develop into a kidnapping or a sexual offense and is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6.
Under the statute:
- A child is defined as a person less than 18 years old
- “Electronic means” includes but is not limited to the internet
The terms “structure” means any building, room, ship, vessel or airplane and also means any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or for carrying on business therein, whether or not a person is actually present
Luring an Adult
The adult luring statute is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-7. Under New Jersey law, a person commits a crime of the third degree, if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a person into:
- A motor vehicle
- A structure or isolated area
- Or to meet or appear at any place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the person lured or enticed or against any other person.
Experienced Bergen County Luring Lawyer
The above is merely a simplified overview of New Jersey’s luring law. This outline of criminal luring should not be used as a guideline for sexual offenses under New Jersey law, nor should it be considered an exhaustive analysis of luring under New Jersey law. If you have been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey or you are being investigated for a sex crime, and you need a strong criminal defense, the Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC can help.
Call us at (201) 488-7707 to schedule a consultation.
