Corrupting or Influencing a Jury (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-8) is an extremely serious charge in New Jersey that can be graded as a crime of the first degree in certain circumstances.
Most seriously, people who use threats or force to influence a jury in cases involving murder, manslaughter, terrorism, aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, carjacking, and a laundry list of other serious felony crimes will be charged with a crime of the first degree and face a sentence of a decade or more if convicted on the charge.
When threats or force are used to influence a juror or jury in a case that doesn’t involve one of those serious felonies, the charge is a crime of the second degree, with a sentence of five to 10 years and a fine of $150,000 if convicted.
When threats or force are not alleged to have been used, you’ll be charged at the third degree level, and face a sentence of three to five years if convicted, and fines of $15,000.
While most third degree crimes are prosecuted with a presumption of non-incarceration for first offenders, the statute specifies that the presumption does not apply to cases of Corrupting or Influencing a Jury.
These allegations are incredibly serious, and must be faced assertively by an experienced attorney.
If you’re facing charges for Corrupting or Influencing A Jury under 2C:29-8, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.
