N.J. Stat. tit. 2C, ch. 12

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1 Assault.

2C:12-1. Assault. a. Simple assault. A person is guilty of assault if the person: (1) Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense. b. Aggravated assault. A person is guilty of aggravated assault if the person: (1) Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury; or (2) Attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (4) Knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm, as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of another, whether or not the actor believes it to be loaded; or (5) Commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection a. of this section upon: (a) Any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the officer's duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of authority or because of the officer's status as a law enforcement officer; or (b) Any paid or volunteer firefighter acting in the performance of the firefighter's duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a firefighter; or (c) Any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services acting in the performance of the person's duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of emergency first-aid or medical services; or (d) Any school board member, school administrator, teacher, school bus driver, or other employee of a public or nonpublic school or school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the person's duties or because of the person's status as a member or employee of a public or nonpublic school or school board or any school bus driver employed by an operator under contract to a public or nonpublic school or school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the person's duties or because of the person's status as a school bus driver; or (e) Any employee of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the employee's duties or because of the status as an employee of the division; or (f) Any justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Tax Court or municipal judge while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of judicial duties or because of the status as a member of the judiciary; or (g) Any operator of a motorbus or the operator's supervisor or any employee of a rail passenger service while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the person's duties or because of the status as an operator of a motorbus or as the operator's supervisor or as an employee of a rail passenger service; or (h) Any Department of Corrections employee, county correctional police officer, juvenile correctional police officer, State juvenile facility employee, juvenile detention staff member, juvenile detention officer, probation officer or any sheriff, undersheriff, or sheriff's officer acting in the performance of the person's duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of the person's authority or because of the status as a Department of Corrections employee, county correctional police officer, juvenile correctional police officer, State juvenile facility employee, juvenile detention staff member, juvenile detention officer, probation officer, sheriff, undersheriff, or sheriff's officer; or (i) Any employee, including any person employed under contract, of a utility company as defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.224 (C.2A:42-86) or a cable television company subject to the provisions of the "Cable Television Act," P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the employee's duties in regard to connecting, disconnecting, or repairing or attempting to connect, disconnect, or repair any gas, electric, or water utility, or cable television or telecommunication service; or (j) Any health care worker employed by a licensed health care facility to provide direct patient care, any health care professional licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to Title 26 or Title 45 of the Revised Statutes to practice a health care profession, except a direct care worker at a State or county psychiatric hospital or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home, while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the duties of providing direct patient care or practicing the health care profession; or (k) Any direct care worker at a State or county psychiatric hospital or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home, while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the duties of providing direct patient care or practicing the health care profession, provided that the actor is not a patient or resident at the facility who is classified by the facility as having a mental illness or developmental disability; or (l) Any employee of a store or other retail mercantile establishment while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the person's duties. "Store or other retail mercantile establishment" means the same as such term is defined in N.J.S.2C:20-11. "Employee" means any person who provides customer assistance, store management, visual merchandising, loss prevention or security services, whether in uniform or in plain clothes, or who acts as a cashier, salesperson, or team associate or otherwise interacts with customers for or on behalf of the store or other retail mercantile establishment; or (6) Causes bodily injury to another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10 which resulted in bodily injury to another person; or (7) Attempts to cause significant bodily injury to another or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such significant bodily injury; or (8) Causes bodily injury by knowingly or purposely starting a fire or causing an explosion in violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which results in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel involved in fire suppression activities, rendering emergency medical services resulting from the fire or explosion or rescue operations, or rendering any necessary assistance at the scene of the fire or explosion, including any bodily injury sustained while responding to the scene of a reported fire or explosion. For purposes of this paragraph, "emergency services personnel" shall include, but not be limited to, any paid or volunteer firefighter, any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services and any law enforcement officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which resulted in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel; or (9) Knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, points or displays a firearm, as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer; or (10) Knowingly points, displays or uses an imitation firearm, as defined in subsection v. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer with the purpose to intimidate, threaten, or attempt to put the officer in fear of bodily injury or for any unlawful purpose; or (11) Uses or activates a laser sighting system or device, or a system or device which, in the manner used, would cause a reasonable person to believe that it is a laser sighting system or device, against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the officer's duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of the officer's authority. As used in this paragraph, "laser sighting system or device" means any system or device that is integrated with or affixed to a firearm and emits a laser light beam that is used to assist in the sight alignment or aiming of the firearm; or (12) Attempts to cause significant bodily injury or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, recklessly causes significant bodily injury to a person who, with respect to the actor, meets the definition of a victim of domestic violence, as defined in subsection d. of section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19); or (13) Knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, recklessly obstructs the breathing or blood circulation of a person who, with respect to the actor, meets the definition of a victim of domestic violence, as defined in subsection d. of section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19), by applying pressure on the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth of such person, thereby causing or attempting to cause bodily injury. Aggravated assault under paragraphs (1) and (6) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the second degree; under paragraphs (2), (7), (9), and (10) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the third degree; under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the fourth degree; and under paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury, otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree, except: any aggravated assault under subparagraph (g) of paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section shall be a crime of the third degree; and any aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section resulting in serious bodily injury shall be a crime of the second degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other law, a conviction for assaulting a law enforcement officer under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section shall not merge with a conviction for any other criminal offense. A mandatory term of incarceration pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2) shall not apply to a conviction for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section unless the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the officer. A person charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (5) of subsection b. of this section resulting in serious bodily injury shall be ineligible to apply for admission to a program of supervisory treatment pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-12 through 2C:43-22. Aggravated assault under paragraph (8) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; if the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily injury it is a crime of the second degree. Aggravated assault under paragraph (11) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the third degree. Aggravated assault under paragraph (12) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the third degree but the presumption of non-imprisonment set forth in subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1 for a first offense of a crime of the third degree shall not apply. Aggravated assault under paragraph (13) of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the second degree. c. (1) A person is guilty of assault by auto or vessel when the person drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another. Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the fourth degree if serious bodily injury results and is a disorderly persons offense if bodily injury results. Proof that the defendant was operating a hand-held wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle in violation of section 1 of P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3) may give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. (2) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and bodily injury results. (3) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the second degree if serious bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) while: (a) on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property; (b) driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 if the municipality, by ordinance or resolution, has designated the school crossing as such; or (c) driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 knowing that juveniles are present if the municipality has not designated the school crossing as such by ordinance or resolution. Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel in violation of this paragraph. A map or true copy of a map depicting the location and boundaries of the area on or within 1,000 feet of any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board produced pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) may be used in a prosecution under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of this subsection. It shall be no defense to a prosecution for a violation of subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that the defendant was unaware that the prohibited conduct took place while on or within 1,000 feet of any school property or while driving through a school crossing. Nor shall it be a defense to a prosecution under subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that no juveniles were present on the school property or crossing zone at the time of the offense or that the school was not in session. (4) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and bodily injury results. For purposes of this paragraph, "driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner" shall include, but is not limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of the vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, or following another vehicle too closely. As used in this subsection, "vessel" means a means of conveyance for travel on water and propelled otherwise than by muscular power. d. A person who is employed by a facility as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) who commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection a. of this section upon an institutionalized elderly person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.443) f. A person who commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection a. of this section in the presence of a child under 16 years of age at a school or community sponsored youth sports event is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. The defendant shall be strictly liable upon proof that the offense occurred, in fact, in the presence of a child under 16 years of age. It shall not be a defense that the defendant did not know that the child was present or reasonably believed that the child was 16 years of age or older. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to create any liability on the part of a participant in a youth sports event or to abrogate any immunity or defense available to a participant in a youth sports event. As used in this act, "school or community sponsored youth sports event" means a competition, practice, or instructional event involving one or more interscholastic sports teams or youth sports teams organized pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter or which are member teams in a youth league organized by or affiliated with a county or municipal recreation department and shall not include collegiate, semi-professional or professional sporting events. amended 1979, c.178, s.22; 1981, c.290, s.14; 1983, c.101; 1985, c.97, s.2; 1985, c.444; 1990, c.87, s.1; 1991, c.237, s.2; 1991, c.341, s.2; 1993, c.219, s.2; 1995, c.6, s.1; 1995, c.181; 1995, c.211, s.1; 1995, c.307, s.2; 1997, c.42; 1997, c.119; 1999, c.77; 1999, c.185, s.2; 1999, c.281; 1999, c.381; 2001, c.215; 2001, c.443, s.2; 2002, c.53; 2003, c.218; 2005, c.2; 2006, c.78, s.2; 2010, c.109; 2012, c.3; 2012, c.16, s.6; 2012, c.22, s.2; 2015, c.98, s.1; 2015, c.100, s.1; 2017, c.240; 2019, c.219, s.3; 2021, c.172; 2021, c.352, s.1; 2024, c.94, s.1; 2025, c.39, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1a Short title.

1. This act may be known and may be cited as the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." L.2023, c.48, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1b Defendant, assault, health care professional, health care facility volunteer, employee, anger management course.

4. a. In addition to any fine imposed pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-3 or any term of imprisonment pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-6, the court may order any defendant who commits an assault pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-1 against any health care professional, volunteer working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, supportive services staff member working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, or employee of a health care professional or health care facility, while the health care professional, volunteer, supportive services staff member, or employee is performing official duties, to satisfactorily complete an anger management course. b. The court may order a defendant to participate in an anger management course of up to 12 months duration pursuant to this section. c. A defendant shall pay the enrollment cost of an anger management course ordered pursuant to this section. d. A defendant sentenced to an anger management course pursuant to this section shall have one year to comply with the court order. Failure to satisfactorily complete the course within one year shall constitute a violation of the order. Any defendant who fails to comply with the court order requiring an anger management course may be subject to an additional penalty of up to $500. e. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop and approve a list of eligible anger management courses that may provide anger management services to any person ordered to participate pursuant to this section. f. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish standards and procedures for certification of anger management courses required pursuant to this section. L.2023, c.48, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1c Convicted defendant, assault, health care professional, health care facility volunteer, employee, community service.

5. a. Notwithstanding the term of imprisonment provided in N.J.S.2C:43-6 or any fine imposed pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-3, a defendant convicted of assault, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-1, against any health care professional, volunteer working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, supportive services staff member working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, or employee of a health care professional or health care facility, while the health care professional, volunteer, supportive services staff member, or employee is performing official duties, may be sentenced to community service. b. The court may order the defendant to perform community service pursuant to this section in lieu of part of the defendant's period of incarceration. The court may impose a term of community service of up to 30 days. c. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish standards and procedures for the certification of community service organizations and providers to which a defendant may be sentenced pursuant to this section. L.2023, c.48, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1.1 Knowingly leaving scene of motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, third degree crime.

2. A motor vehicle operator who knows he is involved in an accident and knowingly leaves the scene of that accident under circumstances that violate the provisions of R.S.39:4-129 shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree if the accident results in serious bodily injury to another person. The presumption of nonimprisonment set forth in N.J.S.2C:44-1 shall not apply to persons convicted under the provisions of this section. If the evidence so warrants, nothing in this section shall be deemed to preclude an indictment and conviction for aggravated assault or assault by auto under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:12-1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provisions of law, a conviction arising under this section shall not merge with a conviction for aggravated assault or assault by auto under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:12-1 and a separate sentence shall be imposed upon each conviction. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provisions of law, whenever in the case of such multiple convictions the court imposes multiple sentences of imprisonment for more than one offense, those sentences shall run consecutively. For the purposes of this section, neither knowledge of the serious bodily injury nor knowledge of the violation are elements of the offense and it shall not be a defense that the driver of the motor vehicle was unaware of the serious bodily injury or provisions of R.S.39:4-129. L.1997, c.111, s.2; amended 2003, c.55, s.3; 2007, c.83, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1.2 Endangering an injured victim.

1. Endangering an injured victim. a. A person is guilty of endangering an injured victim if he causes bodily injury to any person or solicits, aids, encourages, or attempts or agrees to aid another, who causes bodily injury to any person, and leaves the scene of the injury knowing or reasonably believing that the injured person is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated or otherwise unable to care for himself. b. As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) "Physically helpless" means the condition in which a person is unconscious, unable to flee, or physically unable to summon assistance; (2) "Mentally incapacitated" means that condition in which a person is rendered temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding or controlling one's conduct, or of appraising or controlling one's condition, which incapacity shall include but is not limited to an inability to comprehend one's own peril; (3) "Bodily injury" shall have the meaning set forth in N.J.S.2C:11-1. c. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of this section that the defendant summoned medical treatment for the victim or knew that medical treatment had been summoned by another person, and protected the victim from further injury or harm until emergency assistance personnel arrived. This affirmative defense shall be proved by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence. d. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provision of law, a conviction arising under this subsection shall not merge with a conviction of the crime that rendered the person physically helpless or mentally incapacitated, nor shall such other conviction merge with a conviction under this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provision of law, the sentence imposed pursuant to this section shall be ordered to be served consecutively to that imposed for any conviction of the crime that rendered the person physically helpless or mentally incapacitated. e. Nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude, if the evidence so warrants, an indictment and conviction for murder, manslaughter, assault or any other offense. L.2000,c.174,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1.3 Report of missing child required.

2. a. A parent, guardian, or other person with legal custody of a child who knew or should have known of the disappearance of a child for which that parent, guardian, or other person is responsible who fails to report the missing child to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. b. For the purposes of this section, a "missing child" means a person 13 years of age or younger whose whereabouts are not currently known. L.2011, c.174, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-3 Terroristic threats.

2C:12-3. Terroristic threats. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he threatens to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. A violation of this subsection is a crime of the second degree if it occurs during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. The actor shall be strictly liable upon proof that the crime occurred, in fact, during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. It shall not be a defense that the actor did not know that there was a declared period of emergency at the time the crime occurred. b. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he threatens to kill another with the purpose to put him in imminent fear of death under circumstances reasonably causing the victim to believe the immediacy of the threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out. L.1978, c.95; amended 1981, c.290, s.15; 2002, c.26, s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-3.1 Disorderly persons offense, threat, health care professional, health care facility volunteer, employee; definitions.

3. a. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if the person orally or in writing: (1) knowingly and willfully makes a threat against any health care professional, volunteer working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, supportive services staff member working for a health care professional or working at a health care facility, or employee of a health care professional or health care facility, with the intent to intimidate, interfere with, or impede the health care professional, volunteer, supportive services staff member, or employee in the performance of the health care professional's, volunteer's, supportive services staff member's, or employee's official duties; or (2) knowingly sends, delivers, or makes for the purpose of sending or delivering a threat prohibited pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. b. For the purposes of this section: (1) "Health care professional" means a person licensed or certified to practice a health care profession pursuant to Title 26, Title 45, or Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. (2) "Health care facility" means a health care facility licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et al.), a State or county psychiatric hospital, a State developmental center, or a health care service firm registered by the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety pursuant to P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). L.2023, c.48, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-10 Definitions; stalking designated a crime; degrees.

1. a. As used in this act: (1) "Course of conduct" means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person; directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about, a person, or interfering with a person's property; repeatedly committing harassment against a person; or repeatedly conveying, or causing to be conveyed, verbal or written threats or threats conveyed by any other means of communication or threats implied by conduct or a combination thereof directed at or toward a person. (2) "Repeatedly" means on two or more occasions. (3) "Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress. (4) "Cause a reasonable person to fear" means to cause fear which a reasonable victim, similarly situated, would have under the circumstances. b. A person is guilty of stalking, a crime of the fourth degree, if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his safety or the safety of a third person or suffer other emotional distress. c. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he commits the crime of stalking in violation of an existing court order prohibiting the behavior. d. A person who commits a second or subsequent offense of stalking against the same victim is guilty of a crime of the third degree. e. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he commits the crime of stalking while serving a term of imprisonment or while on parole or probation as the result of a conviction for any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States. f. This act shall not apply to conduct which occurs during organized group picketing. L.1992, c.209, s.1; amended 1996, c.39, s.1; 1998, c. 17, s.3; 1999, c.47, s.1; 2001, c.220, s.2; 2009, c.28.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-10.1 Conviction for stalking, permanent restraining order.

3. a. A judgment of conviction for stalking shall operate as an application for a permanent restraining order limiting the contact of the defendant and the victim who was stalked. b. A hearing shall be held on the application for a permanent restraining order at the time of the verdict or plea of guilty unless the victim requests otherwise. This hearing shall be in Superior Court. A permanent restraining order may grant the following specific relief: (1) An order restraining the defendant from entering the residence, property, school, or place of employment of the victim and requiring the defendant to stay away from any specified place that is named in the order and is frequented regularly by the victim. (2) An order restraining the defendant from making contact with the victim, including an order forbidding the defendant from personally or through an agent initiating any communication likely to cause annoyance or alarm including, but not limited to, personal, written, or telephone contact, or contact via electronic device, with the victim, the victim's employers, employees, or fellow workers, or others with whom communication would be likely to cause annoyance or alarm to the victim. As used in this paragraph, "communication" shall have the same meaning as defined in subsection q. of N.J.S.2C:1-14. c. The permanent restraining order entered by the court subsequent to a conviction for stalking as provided in this act may be dissolved upon the application of the stalking victim to the court which granted the order. d. Notice of permanent restraining orders issued pursuant to this act shall be sent by the clerk of the court or other person designated by the court to the appropriate chiefs of police, members of the State Police and any other appropriate law enforcement agency or court. e. Any permanent restraining order issued pursuant to this act shall be in effect throughout the State, and shall be enforced by all law enforcement officers. f. A violation by the defendant of an order issued pursuant to this act shall constitute an offense under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:29-9 and each order shall so state. Violations of these orders may be enforced in a civil or criminal action initiated by the stalking victim or by the court, on its own motion, pursuant to applicable court rules. Nothing in this act shall preclude the filing of a criminal complaint for stalking based on the same act which is the basis for the violation of the permanent restraining order. L.1996, c.39, s.3; amended 2009, c.232, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-11 Disarming a law enforcement, corrections officer; crime; degrees.

1. a. A person who knowingly takes or attempts to exercise unlawful control over a firearm or other weapon in the possession of a law enforcement or corrections officer when that officer is acting in the performance of his duties, and either is in uniform or exhibits evidence of his authority, is guilty of a crime of the second degree. b. A person violating the provisions of subsection a. of this section shall be guilty of a crime of the first degree if: (1) The person fires or discharges the firearm; (2) The person uses or threatens to use the firearm or weapon against the officer or any other person; or (3) The officer or another person suffers serious bodily injury. L.1996,c.14.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-12 Definitions relative to certain acts of inmates, parolees

1. As used in this act: "Bodily fluid" means saliva, blood, urine, feces, seminal fluid or any other bodily fluid. "Department of Corrections employee" means any corrections officer, parole officer or other employee of the New Jersey Department of Corrections and any person under contract to provide services to the department. L.1997,c.182,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-13 Throwing bodily fluid at certain law enforcement officers deemed aggravated assault; grading, sentences.

2. A person who throws a bodily fluid at a Department of Corrections employee; county correctional police officer; juvenile correctional police officer; State juvenile facility employee; juvenile detention staff member; probation officer; any sheriff, undersheriff, or sheriff's officer; any municipal, county, or State law enforcement officer; court services officer; a paid or volunteer firefighter; or a person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services while in the performance of the person's duties or otherwise purposely subjects such employee or volunteer to contact with a bodily fluid commits an aggravated assault. It shall be a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers serious bodily injury. If the victim suffers bodily injury, it shall be a crime of the third degree. Otherwise, this shall be a crime of the fourth degree. A term of imprisonment imposed for this offense shall run consecutively to any term of imprisonment currently being served and to any other term imposed for another offense committed at the time of the assault. Any person charged with assault with a bodily fluid under this section shall have a blood sample drawn or other biological sample collected to test for communicable diseases at a clinical laboratory licensed by the Department of Health pursuant to the "New Jersey Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act," P.L.1975, c.166 (C.45:9-42.26 et seq.), upon consent given by the person charged or in compliance with a warrant issued by a judge of the Superior Court. The court shall issue a warrant upon finding there is probable cause to believe that the person's blood or other bodily fluid came into contact with a victim of the assault and the victim is at risk of transmission of a communicable disease. Upon application, a warrant shall be issued in accordance with the Rules of Court. Any affirmative result for a communicable disease shall be disclosed to the victim. Upon the issuance of a warrant, the blood sample or biological sample taken from a person charged under this section may not be used by law enforcement for any purpose other than to test for communicable diseases. A separate warrant shall be obtained before law enforcement may use the blood sample or biological sample for any other investigatory purpose. After completion of the testing, the blood sample or biological sample shall be destroyed. Nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude, if the evidence so warrants, an indictment and conviction for a violation or attempted violation of chapter 11 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes or subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1 or any other provision of the criminal laws. L.1997, c.182, s.2; amended 1999, c.429; 2003, c.283; 2019, c.219, s.4; 2024, c.94, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-14 Temporary protection order.

3. a. At any time following the charge or conviction of a defendant for any crime directed at or committed against a judicial officer where there is a nexus between the alleged crime charged or the crime for which the defendant was convicted, as the case may be, and the performance of the judicial officer's public duties, a petitioner may petition the Superior Court for emergency, ex parte relief in the form of a temporary order of protection if the court finds that the respondent poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the judicial officer or a family or household member of the judicial officer . b. The court may issue a temporary protection order upon good cause shown in sworn testimony or petition by the petitioner. The temporary protection order shall remain in effect until a judge issues a further order. c. Emergency relief granted in the temporary protection order may include forbidding the respondent from returning to the scene of the alleged crime, prohibiting the respondent from having any contact with the judicial officer, family or household members of the judicial officer, or the judicial officer's friends, co-workers, or relatives in any way, forbidding the respondent from possessing any firearm or other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, ordering the search for and seizure of any firearm or other weapon at any location where the court has reasonable cause to believe the weapon is located and the seizure of any firearms purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun issued to the respondent. The court shall state with specificity the reasons for and the scope of any search and seizure authorized by the order. d. An order granting emergency relief, together with the petition, shall be immediately served upon the respondent and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for the municipalities in which the victim and the respondent reside. e. For purposes of this section and section 4 of P.L.2021, c.327 (C.2C:12-15): (1) "Judicial officer" means any active, formerly active, or retired federal, state, county, or municipal judge, including a judge of the Tax Court and any other court of limited jurisdiction established, altered, or abolished by law, a judge of the Office of Administrative Law, a judge of the Division of Workers' Compensation, and any other judge established by law who serves in the executive branch; (2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person whose public duties include the power to act as an officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest, and conviction of offenders against the laws of this State; (3) "Petitioner" means a law enforcement officer, a formerly active or retired judicial officer or a family or household member of such judicial officer, or an active judicial officer on behalf of whom a law enforcement officer has declined to petition the Superior Court pursuant to this section or a family or household member of such judicial officer; and (4) "Family or household member" means a spouse, domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), partner in a civil union couple as defined in section 2 of P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-29), or former spouse, former domestic partner, or former partner in a civil union couple, or any other person who is a present household member or was at any time a household member; a person with whom the respondent has a child in common, or with whom the respondent anticipates having a child in common if one of the parties is pregnant; or a current or former dating partner. L. 2021, c.327, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-15 Superior Court hearing on temporary protection order.

4. a. A hearing shall be held in the Superior Court within 10 days of the filing of the petition in the county where the ex parte temporary protection order was issued, unless good cause is shown for the hearing to be held elsewhere. At the hearing the standard for proving the allegations in the petition shall be a preponderance of the evidence which petition shall be granted if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that there is a nexus between the alleged crime charged or the crime for which the respondent was convicted, as the case may be, and the performance of the judicial officer's public duties and that the respondent poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the judicial officer or a family or household member of the judicial officer. In determining whether a final order of protection should be granted the court shall consider but not be limited to the previous history between the judicial officer and the respondent, including threats, harassment, and physical intimidation; and the existence of immediate danger to person or property. b. The court shall grant any relief necessary to protect the victim from further harm, including but not limited to forbidding the respondent from returning to the scene of the alleged crime, prohibiting the respondent from having any contact with the judicial officer, family or household members of the judicial officer or the judicial officer's friends, co-workers, or relatives in any way, forbidding the respondent from possessing any firearm or other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, ordering the search for and seizure of any firearm or other weapon at any location where the court has reasonable cause to believe the weapon is located, the seizure of any firearms purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun issued to the respondent, and requiring the respondent to undergo mental health evaluation and appropriate treatment. L. 2021, c.327, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-16 Violation of order.

5. A violation by the defendant of an order issued pursuant to this act shall constitute an offense under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-9 and each order shall so state. L. 2021, c.327, s.5.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026