For several decades, people have left New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port at the eastern end of Bayonne with plans for exciting adventures on domestic and international cruise ships. However, it’s not always smooth sailing.
When you are at sea, just as when you are on land, you can be arrested, charged with a crime, and face prosecution. This article takes a closer look at how such cruise ship crimes are handled.
Types of Crimes Commonly Reported on Cruise Ships
You may wonder, “Can you get arrested on a cruise ship?” The short answer is “Yes.”
Typically, an alleged crime is first reported to the cruise ship’s security personnel. The security team will handle the initial stages of the case, which may include securing the crime scene, preserving evidence, identifying witnesses, and, if necessary, temporarily detaining the suspect.
If the alleged crime occurred while the ship was at sea, the ship’s captain must decide whether to stop at the nearest port to turn the case over to local authorities or continue to the ship’s next planned destination.
Some of the most commonly reported crimes on cruise ships include:
- Sex crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment
- Property crimes, typically involving theft of cash, credit cards, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables from rooms
- Violent crimes, including physical assaults
- Drug crimes, from simple possession to trafficking charges
- Public drunkenness and other alcohol-related charges
Criminal Jurisdiction at Sea
Which country has jurisdiction to make an arrest, detain a suspect, and prosecute them for alleged crimes committed on cruise ships depends mainly on where the vessel was located at the time the alleged crime occurred:
- In port — When a ship is in port, the port country (and possibly state and local authorities as well) will have jurisdiction.
- Within 12 nautical miles offshore — Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a country’s jurisdiction continues 12 nautical miles from its shores.
- Beyond 12 nautical miles offshore — If a crime allegedly occurs in international waters beyond 12 nautical miles offshore, the country where the cruise ship is registered will have jurisdiction.
Even though a cruise ship crime may allegedly occur at sea or in port in another country, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may investigate the case if it involves a U.S. citizen or U.S.-registered vessel.
Legal Options for People Facing Criminal Charges on Cruises
Getting arrested while you are on a cruise can be an unnerving experience. To protect your legal rights and ensure that you explore and pursue all your options for fighting the charges, it will be crucial for you to seek help as soon as possible from an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.
For example, your options could include building a defense based on:
- Lack of jurisdiction
- Unlawfully obtained statements and physical evidence
- Unreliable eyewitness statements and forensic evidence
- Lack of evidence that is sufficient to support the charge
When you work with William Proetta Criminal Law, we will thoroughly investigate your alleged cruise ship crime, carefully advise you of all your options, and fight aggressively for you at every stage in your case.
Talk to a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At William Proetta Criminal Law, we have handled thousands of cases throughout New Jersey, including those involving alleged cruise ship crimes. We know how to build a strategic defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
To discuss how we can help you, contact us today and receive a free, confidential consultation.
