This bill amends existing New Jersey law to establish an affirmative defense for individuals charged with any offense under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes if they were victims of human trafficking at the time of the alleged crime. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a defendant can assert this defense if they can demonstrate that they were a victim of human trafficking and that the offense was committed as a direct result of that victimization. Notably, the bill allows for this defense to be claimed even if the prosecution for the underlying human trafficking offense against the defendant did not result in a conviction.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language in existing statutes related to human trafficking and related offenses, ensuring that the affirmative defense applies broadly across various crimes, including human trafficking itself, the provision of services in furtherance of human trafficking, and prostitution-related offenses. The changes aim to provide legal protection for victims who may have been compelled to commit crimes due to their circumstances as victims of trafficking, thereby recognizing their victimization in the legal process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-8, 2C:13-9