Endangering welfare of children - New Jersey Sexual Assault Laws

Endangering welfare of children Crime & Punishment in New Jersey :

The New Jersey code § 2C:24-4 defines three degrees of the crime endangering welfare of children, each with associated punishments. The degree of the crime depends on the specifics of the crime committed, with higher degrees of the charge generally receiving harsher punishments.

Severity	Endangering welfare of children - Charge Description	Punishment
Crime of 2nd degree STATUTORY	If offender photographs, films, receives, distributes, sells etc. photography, film, reproduction etc. of child engaging in sexual act If offender causes or permits child to engage in sexual act if the person knows, has reason to know or intends that the prohibited act may be photographed, filmed etc. and if offender has legal duty to care for the child. If offender causes or permits child to engage in sexual act if the person knows, has reason to know or intends that the prohibited act may be photographed, filmed etc. When offender, who has a legal duty or has assumed responsibility to care for a child under age of 16, engages in sexual conduct with that child (Crime of the third degree if offender is any other person not under legal duty to care for the child)
Crime of 3rd degree STATUTORY	When offender, who is not under legal duty to care for a child and engages in sexual conduct with that child
Crime of 4th degree STATUTORY	If offender if offender views or possesses photography, film, reproduction etc. of child engaging in sexual act

New Jersey law allows endangering welfare of children to be enforced as a statutory charge. This means that this charge can be applied to cases in which the victim is younger than the New Jersey Age of Consent, even if the victim willingly engages in sexual relations with the defendant.

Endangering welfare of children is a charge that is unique to New Jersey. Crimes that would be prosecuted as endangering welfare of children in New Jersey will be prosecuted under a different statute depending on the state in which the crime takes place.

Back to list of New Jersey laws