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 17-year-old or younger to commit a criminal offense in Little Falls, Clifton, Wayne, and North Haledon.

She has successfully handled thousands of cases in New Jersey, in Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Court (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Ms. Hascup is a former Morris County Assistant Prosecutor who handled a host of domestic violence cases, ranging from homicide to robbery, during the course of her distinguished career.

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 as a result of a domestic violence or other related incident, Ms. Hascup can help. Call or email her now to request your free, initial consultation.