Passaic County NJ Criminal Lawyer Discusses Use of a Minor to Commit a Crime
Experienced criminal defense attorney Alissa D. Hascup represents clients throughout New Jersey who have been charged with family offenses, including use of a minor to commit a criminal offense in Paterson, Totowa, Little Falls, Clifton, Wayne, Morristown, Denville, Hackensack, and Newark.
She has successfully handled thousands of cases in New Jersey’s Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Courts (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Ms. Hascup is also a former Assistant County Prosecutor, Special Deputy Attorney General, and Municipal Prosecutor who prosecuted a host of cases, ranging from aggravated assault to robbery, during the course of her distinguished career. She is ready to fight for you.
If you are facing charges for use of a 17-year-old or younger to commit a criminal offense (commonly referred to as “use of a juvenile”), you need serious, aggressive legal representation. Ms. Hascup is a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will attack the State’s case and put you in a position to achieve the best possible result. Contact her offices anytime for an initial consultation, which is always provided free of charge.
Use of a 17-Year-Old or Younger to Commit a Criminal Offense in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:24-9
Use of a 17-Year-Old or Younger to Commit a Criminal Offense is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-9, which provides:
a. Any person who is at least 18 years of age who knowingly uses, solicits, directs, hires, employs or conspires with a person who is in fact 17 years of age or younger to commit a criminal offense is guilty of a crime.
An offense under this section constitutes a crime of the fourth degree if the underlying offense is a disorderly persons offense. Otherwise, an offense under this section is classified one degree higher than the underlying offense (meaning that if the underlying offense is a crime of the fourth degree, this offense is a crime of the third degree; if the underlying offense is a crime of the third degree, this offense is a crime of the second degree; and if the underlying offense is a crime of the second or first degree, this offense is a crime of the first degree).
Penalties for Use of a Minor to Commit a Crime in New Jersey
A conviction under this section does not merge with a conviction for the underlying offense (meaning that a consecutive term of imprisonment can be imposed for a conviction under this section). Nothing contained in the statute prohibits the court from imposing an extended term of imprisonment.
A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Contact a Totowa NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
The consequences of a conviction for use of a minor to commit a criminal offense can be extremely serious and severe. Alissa D. Hascup, a talented and knowledgeable attorney can work to limit your exposure by attempting to negotiate an alternate result on your behalf.
Should you find yourself in a situation where you or a loved one have been charged with use of a 17-year-old or younger to commit a criminal offense, Ms. Hascup can help. Call or email her now to request your free, initial consultation.
