New Jersey, also known as the “Garden State,” is a popular tourist destination known for its unique history and beautiful scenery. However, behind the state’s picturesque landscape lies a darker issue: the rising rates of blackmail. With incidents at an all-time high, many are left wondering: is blackmail illegal in NJ? To find out more about this serious crime and how to protect yourself, keep reading.
Is Blackmail Illegal In NJ?
In New Jersey, blackmail is illegal. It is considered a form of extortion, which is defined as the use of threats or coercion to obtain something from another person. According to New Jersey law, blackmail can be charged as a second-degree crime and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, if the extortion is committed through electronic means, such as email or text message, it can be charged as a third-degree crime, which carries a lengthy sentence in prison.
Blackmail Laws in New Jersey
Blackmail laws are taken very seriously in New Jersey. It is a second-degree crime and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. They are one of the strictest states with laws covering blackmail and extortion. Below is the classification of the crime:
2C:20-5. Theft by extortion: A person is guilty of theft by extortion if he purposely and unlawfully obtains the property of another by extortion. A person extorts if he purposely threatens to:
- Inflict bodily injury on or physically confine or restrain anyone or commit any other criminal offense;
- Accuse anyone of an offense or cause charges of an offense to be instituted against any person;
- Expose or publicize any secret or any asserted fact, whether true or false, tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or to impair his credit or business repute;
- Take or withhold action as an official, or cause an official to take or withhold action;
- Bring about or continue a strike, boycott, or, other collective action, if the property is not demanded or received for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor purports to act;
- Testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information concerning another’s legal claim or defense,
- Inflict any other harm which would not substantially benefit the actor but which is calculated to materially harm another person.
It’s important to note that blackmail is a serious crime and should be reported to the authorities immediately. If you are a victim of blackmail, you should contact the police and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Blackmail in NJ?
If you are a victim of blackmail in the state of New Jersey, it is essential to understand that the law is on your side. Being a victim of this serious crime can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice.
- First, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this situation. Blackmail has become more prevalent in recent years due to the ease of access to information. Reach out to friends and family members for support.
- Second, document as much evidence of the crime as possible. It may be difficult to think about the situation, but preserving and collecting evidence is crucial for the next steps.
- Third, contact law enforcement. Start by reporting the crime to your local law enforcement agency and you can also report the crime to the FBI.
By following these steps, you can take the necessary actions to protect yourself and seek justice. Remember that blackmail is a serious crime and should be reported to the authorities immediately.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question of whether blackmail is illegal in NJ (New Jersey), the answer is a clear “yes.” It is imperative if you are a victim to speak up and report it right away. We understand that this can be a difficult and scary experience, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Reach out to friends and family members for support and know that there are resources available to you.
One of the resources available is reporting the crime to our 24/7 blackmail helpline. The Digital Investigation team has solved many cases involving online blackmail and we are here to help you. Don’t wait, report the blackmail today and take the first step towards protecting yourself and seeking justice.
