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Will New Jersey Get Tougher on Child Pornography Crimes?
On June 24, the New Jersey Legislature unanimously approved a bill that rewrites many of New Jersey’s child pornography laws, and the bill now awaits Governor Chris Christie’s signature.
Known by the number S2493, the bill would crack down even harder on child pornography crimes than the state already does. The bill was a response to criticisms from victims and victims’ advocates that New Jersey’s laws were looser than federal laws covering the same subjects.
If Governor Christie signs the bill into law, these are some of the primary ways New Jersey’s criminal child pornography statutes will change:
- It will be a first-degree crime for adults other than parents to involve a child in pornography. (Parents are already guilty of a first-degree crime if they are proven to have engaged their child in pornography.)
- It will clarify that sharing child pornography via a peer-to-peer computer system is in fact distribution and not just possession.
- It will require anyone convicted of the crime of involving a child in pornography to serve at least 85 percent of his or her sentence.
- There will be mandatory minimum sentences for distribution of at least 25 images of child pornography-at least 5 years for first-time offenders and up to 10 years for subsequent offenders.
If New Jersey’s governor signs the bill into law, individuals charged with any crimes relating to possession or distribution of child pornography, or of engaging a child in pornography, will face tougher sentences if they are convicted. If you or someone you know is facing criminal child pornography charges, take the time to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Contact Our Office for Answers to Questions About Criminal Child Pornography Charges
Don’t hesitate to contact Mallon & Tranger in Somerville, New Jersey, for a free consultation if you are seeking a criminal defense lawyer after a charge involving possession or distribution of child pornography.