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.

Legal News

Contact Us

If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you want a battle-tested, aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. Alissa D. Hascup will protect your rights and your freedom. She is highly skilled and highly motivated and puts clients first – always.

Please contact Ms. Hascup’s office today to request a free initial consultation about your charges. She will review the facts of your case, answer your questions and tell you how she can help get your charges significantly reduced or even dismissed.

With offices in Paterson, Newark and Hackensack, Ms. Hascup can be reached 24/7 and offers nights and weekend appointments as well as flexible payment options.

Courts We Serve

In Passaic County, including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic, West Milford, Hawthorne, Little Falls, Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, Woodland Park, Wanaque, Totowa, North Haledon, Haledon, Bloomingdale, and Prospect Park and in Essex County, including Newark, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, Montclair, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, Millburn, Verona, Cedar Grove, West Caldwell, Glen Ridge, Fairfield, and Roseland.