2A:156A-13. Verbal approval for emergency interception

13. Whenever, upon informal application by an authorized applicant, a judge determines there are grounds upon which an order could be issued pursuant to this act, and that an emergency situation exists that involves: a. the investigation of conspiratorial activities of organized crime, related to an offense designated in section 8 of P.L.1968, c.409 (C.2A:156A-8); or b. immediate danger of death or serious bodily injury to any person, dictating authorization for immediate interception of wire, electronic or oral communication before an application for an order could with due diligence be submitted to him and acted upon, the judge may grant verbal approval for such interception without an order, conditioned upon the filing with him, within 48 hours thereafter, of an application for an order which, if granted, shall recite the verbal approval and be retroactive to the time of such verbal approval. Such interception shall immediately terminate when the communication sought is obtained or when the application for an order is denied. In the event no application for an order is made, the content of any wire, electronic or oral communication intercepted shall be treated as having been obtained in violation of this act.

In the event no application is made or an application made pursuant to this section is denied, the court shall require the wire, tape or other recording of the intercepted communication to be delivered to, and sealed by, the court and such evidence shall be retained by the court in accordance with section 14 of P.L.1968, c.409 (C.2A:156A-14) and the same shall not be used or disclosed in any legal proceeding except in a civil action brought by an aggrieved person pursuant to section 24 of P.L.1968, c.409 (C.2A:156A-24) or as otherwise authorized by court order. Failure to effect delivery of any such wire, tape or other recording shall be punishable as contempt by the court directing such delivery. Evidence of verbal authorization to intercept an oral, electronic or wire communication shall be a defense to any charge against the investigating or law enforcement officer for engaging in unlawful interception.

L.1968,c.409,s.13; amended 1993,c.29,s.12.