Escape, N.J.S.A. 2c:29-5

Escape, N.J.S.A. 2c:29-5, New Jersey, Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Essex County, Gloucester County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Salem County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, Warren County, criminal defense, drunk driving, traffic ticket, juvenile, attorney, lawyer, Cumberland County Superior CourtRecently a teenager pleaded guilty for escaping with three other juvenile detainees from a facility in 2017. Indeed, the four adolescents overpowered an Atlantic County juvenile detention center corrections officer. Additionally, they injured the officer and stole his keys, per the news. Furthermore, they fled in his vehicle, sideswiped another vehicle, crashed into a residence, and fled on foot. Moreover, while on the run, they burglarized two homes. Consequently, this youth pleaded guilty to an unrelated charge of first-degree attempted murder, burglary and escape. Accordingly, he will serve a total of 16 years, 11 of which are subject to parole ineligibility, per the news.

Quoting Atlantic County Sheriff Michael Petuskey, news reports indicated around 100 officers as well as 26 K-9 teams participated in the search in 2017. Additionally, the State Police deployed a helicopter and stationed officers at bus and train stations. Furthermore, 16 public schools in five South Jersey districts closed for the day. Moreover, Stockton University alerted people to keep doors locked, park in populated areas and take other safety precautions. Subsequently, State Police arrested this young man with two co-defendants in Bridgeton in pajamas or boxer shorts, about 50 miles from the juvenile detention center. Consequently, their presence in Cumberland County caused three schools to lock down, per the media. Although the youths were not armed, the authorities had recommended caution.

Escape, N.J.S.A. 2c:29-5

a. Escape.

A person commits an offense if he without lawful authority removes himself from official detention or fails to return to official detention following temporary leave granted for a specific purpose or limited period. “Official detention” means arrest, detention in any facility for custody of persons under charge or conviction of a crime or offense, or committed pursuant to chapter 4 of this Title, or alleged or found to be delinquent, detention for extradition or deportation, or any other detention for law enforcement purposes; but “official detention” does not include supervision of probation or parole, or constraint incidental to release on bail.

b. Absconding from parole.

A person subject to parole commits a crime of the third degree if the person goes into hiding or leaves the State with a purpose of avoiding supervision. As used in this subsection, “parole” includes participation in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) established pursuant to the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey. Abandoning a place of residence without the prior permission of or notice to the appropriate supervising authority shall constitute prima facie evidence that the person intended to avoid such supervision.

c. Permitting or facilitating escape.

A public servant concerned in detention commits an offense if he knowingly or recklessly permits an escape. Any person who knowingly causes or facilitates an escape commits an offense.

d. Effect of legal irregularity in detention.

Irregularity in bringing about or maintaining detention, or lack of jurisdiction of the committing or detaining authority, shall not be a defense to prosecution under this section if the escape is from a prison or other custodial facility or from detention pursuant to commitment by official proceedings. In the case of other detentions, irregularity or lack of jurisdiction shall be a defense only if:

  1. The escape involved no substantial risk of harm to the person or property of anyone other than the detainee; or
  2. The detaining authority did not act in good faith under color of law.

e. Grading of offenses.

An offense under subsection a. or c. of this section is a crime of the second degree where the actor employs force, threat, deadly weapon or other dangerous instrumentality to effect the escape. Otherwise it is a crime of the third degree.

Did the cops charge you with Escape?

New Jersey Criminal Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, knows how to protect his clients. Mr. Smolensky can provide confidential consultations in all cases involving Escape under N.J.S.A. 2c:29-5.


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