[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/how-are-crimes-handled-on-cruise-ships\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/how-are-crimes-handled-on-cruise-ships\/","headline":"How Are Crimes Handled on Cruise Ships?","name":"How Are Crimes Handled on Cruise Ships?","description":"For several decades, people have left New Jersey\u2019s Cape Liberty Cruise Port at the eastern end of Bayonne with plans for exciting adventures on domestic and international cruise ships. However, it\u2019s not always smooth sailing. When you are at sea, just as when you are on land, you can be arrested, charged with a crime, […]","datePublished":"2025-01-09","dateModified":"2025-02-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/newjerseycriminallawfirm\/#Person","name":"William Proetta Criminal Law","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/newjerseycriminallawfirm\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bf046e483cfd218aa23b814afd7f502ea8e6bd244632161b6e42395a76e91a8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bf046e483cfd218aa23b814afd7f502ea8e6bd244632161b6e42395a76e91a8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"William Proetta Criminal Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/william-proetta-criminal-law-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/william-proetta-criminal-law-logo.png","width":250,"height":76}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Crime-on-Cruise-Ship.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Crime-on-Cruise-Ship.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/how-are-crimes-handled-on-cruise-ships\/","about":["Criminal Case Issues","Uncategorized"],"wordCount":588,"articleBody":"For several decades, people have left New Jersey\u2019s Cape Liberty Cruise Port at the eastern end of Bayonne with plans for exciting adventures on domestic and international cruise ships. However, it\u2019s 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 ShipsYou may wonder, \u201cCan you get arrested on a cruise ship?\u201d The short answer is \u201cYes.\u201dTypically, an alleged crime is first reported to the cruise ship\u2019s 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\u2019s captain must decide whether to stop at the nearest port to turn the case over to local authorities or continue to the ship\u2019s next planned destination.Some of the most commonly reported crimes on cruise ships include:Sex crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassmentProperty crimes, typically involving theft of cash, credit cards, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables from roomsViolent crimes, including physical assaultsDrug crimes, from simple possession to trafficking chargesPublic drunkenness and other alcohol-related chargesCriminal Jurisdiction at SeaWhich 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a country\u2019s jurisdiction continues 12 nautical miles from its shores.Beyond 12 nautical miles offshore \u2014 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 CruisesGetting 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 jurisdictionUnlawfully obtained statements and physical evidenceUnreliable eyewitness statements and forensic evidenceLack of evidence that is sufficient to support the chargeWhen 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 TodayAt 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."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Are Crimes Handled on Cruise Ships?","item":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/how-are-crimes-handled-on-cruise-ships\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]