This bill amends current 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 defense applies if the defendant can demonstrate that they were a victim of human trafficking and that the offense was committed as a direct result of that victimization. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the absence of a conviction for the underlying human trafficking offense does not negate the possibility of this affirmative defense.

The bill also modifies existing provisions related to human trafficking and related offenses, ensuring that victims are not further penalized for crimes committed as a result of their victimization. It retains the affirmative defense for specific crimes, such as human trafficking and prostitution, while expanding it to cover a broader range of offenses. This legislative change aims to provide protection and support for victims of human trafficking, acknowledging their circumstances in the legal system.

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