NJ A1404

Declares void any contract or agreement (written or oral, express or implied) where a person or private entity receives compensation to conceal, alter, or destroy physical evidence to help an alleged offender avoid apprehension by law enforcement.

Defines "rendering criminal assistance" as committing acts of evidence concealment, alteration, or destruction with intent to prevent or delay discovery of someone known or believed to have committed a crime, in exchange for money or other compensation.

Creates a civil right of action allowing crime victims to sue any individual or private entity that entered into such criminal assistance agreements.

Sets a five-year statute of limitations for victims to bring civil action, beginning from the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered the concealment.

Modeled after "Cassie's Law" legislation pending in the New York Legislature.