New Jersey § 2c:13-8
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2c:13-8, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2c:13-8.
Human trafficking. a. A person commits the crime of human trafficking if he: (1) knowingly holds, recruits, lures, entices, harbors, transports, provides or obtains,
by any means, another, to engage in sexual activity as defined in paragraph (2) of
subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:34-1 or to provide labor or services: (a) by causing or threatening to cause serious bodily harm or physical restraint against the person or any other person; (b) by means of any scheme, plan , or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that the person or any other person
would suffer serious bodily harm or physical restraint; (c) by committing a violation of N.J.S.2C:13-5 against the person; (d) by destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any passport,
immigration-related document as defined in section 1 of P.L.1997, c. 1 ( C.2C:21-31 ), or other document issued by a governmental agency to any person which could be
used as a means of verifying the person's identity or age or any other personal identifying
information; (e) by means of the abuse or threatened abuse of the law or legal process; (f) by means of fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation against the person; or (g) by facilitating access to a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance
analog as set forth in chapter 35 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; 1 or (2) receives anything of value from participation as an organizer, supervisor, financier
or manager in a scheme or course of conduct which violates paragraph (1) of this subsection ; or (3) knowingly holds, recruits, lures, entices, harbors, transports, provides or obtains,
by any means, a child under 18 years of age, to engage in sexual activity as defined
in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:34-1 , whether or not the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age
or older, even if that mistaken belief was reasonable. b. An offense under this section constitutes a crime of the first degree. c. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of this section that,
during the time of the alleged commission of the offense of human trafficking created
by this section, the defendant was a victim of human trafficking. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-6 , the term of imprisonment imposed for a crime of the first degree under paragraph
(2) or (3) of subsection a. of this section shall be either a term of 20 years during which the actor shall not be eligible for
parole, or a specific term between 20 years and life imprisonment, of which the actor
shall serve 20 years before being eligible for parole. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3 , the sentence for a conviction for a crime of the first degree under this section
shall include a fine in an amount of not less than $25,000, which shall be collected
as provided for the collection of fines and restitutions in section 3 of P.L.1979,
c. 396 ( C.2C:46-4 ) and forwarded to the Department of the Treasury to be deposited in the “Human Trafficking
Survivor's Assistance Fund” established by section 2 of P.L.2013, c. 51 ( C.52:17B-238 ). e. In addition to any other disposition authorized by law, any person who violates
the provisions of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to any victim. The court shall award to the victim restitution which is the greater of: (1) the gross income or value to the defendant of the victim's labor or services;
or (2) the value of the victim's labor or services as determined by the “New Jersey Prevailing
Wage Act,” P.L.1963, c. 150 ( C.34:11-56.25 et seq. ), the “New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law,” P.L.1966, c. 113 ( C.34:11-56a et seq. ), the Seasonal Farm Labor Act, P.L.1945, c. 71 ( C.34:9A-1 et seq. ), the laws concerning the regulation of child labor in chapter 2 of Title 34 of the
Revised Statutes, or any other applicable State law, and the “Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938,” 29 U.S.C. s.201 et seq. , or any other applicable federal law. 1
N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-1 et seq.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2c:13-8
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2c:13-8 cover?
Section 2c:13-8 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 2c:13-8?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2c:13-8" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 2c:13-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.