New Jersey Internet Luring Attorney
The most common way for someone to commit luring is over the internet or through other electric means. Not surprisingly, lawmakers have constructed a specific criminal offense where someone attempts or lures another adult “via electronic or any other means.” If you been charged with internet luring, our team of criminal attorneys has what is needed to defend you. We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall and we can offer you:
- Over 200 years of combined experience defending sex offenses in New Jersey such as sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and luring
- Ten lawyers that specialize exclusively in criminal defense
- Former prosecutors that have served as Director of the Major Crimes Bureau, Special Operations, an entire Trial Division and many other high-level positions
- Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys
You are encouraged to contact our firm for a comprehensive initial consultation at 855-450-8310. An attorney is available to take your call 24/7.
Attempting to Lure a Minor on the Internet or By Other Electronic Means
The charge of luring by electronic means is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:13-7. This law makes it a third-degree crime where an individual “attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a person into a motor vehicle, 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.” It is important to keep in mind that this offense is directed at instances where the alleged victim is an adult as opposed to a minor. An entirely different charge of luring a minor arises when the latter is the case.
Elements of Proof. Four elements must be established beyond a reasonable doubt to convict someone for violating 2C:13-7. First, the defendant must have made a communication. Second, the communication must have been via electronic means such as the internet. Third, the conduct involved an attempt to lure or entice another person into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area. This violation applies where the conduct goes no further than an attempt; it does not apply where luring is fully accomplished. Fourth, the state must prove that the defendant had a purpose to commit an offense with or against the person. The state need not prove that the purpose was to commit a crime, only that the accused intended to commit at least a disorderly persons offense.
Penalties. An individual is subject to a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 5 years in prison. If the defendant has a prior conviction for luring, he/she must be imprisoned with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of at least one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or one year, whichever is greater. If the defendant has a prior conviction for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact or endangering the welfare of a child, the mandatory minimum prison term is three years. You should also know that a conviction under 2C:13-7 falls outside either Megan’s Law or Parole Supervision for Life (“PSL”).
Luring Offense Defense Lawyer in NJ
If you were arrested for attempting to lure another adult or, worse yet, a child, you need to select the best attorney you can find to defend this charge. The team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is comprised of accomplished litigators with a long track record of success representing individuals charged with luring throughout New Jersey. To speak to one of our top lawyers immediately, call 855-450-8310. Attorneys are available around the clock to take your call.
