Morris County Theft Lawyer

Theft Crimes in New Jersey

In New Jersey, theft crimes cover a wide range of offenses that involve taking someone else’s property or services without permission and with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. These offenses are defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 through 2C:20-11 and can vary significantly in type and severity.

Some of the most common theft-related offenses in New Jersey include:

• Theft by Unlawful Taking: This occurs when a person unlawfully takes or exercises control over someone else’s movable or immovable property. This is the broadest form of theft and can apply to a wide range of conduct.
• Shoplifting: Defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, shoplifting includes not only stealing merchandise but also actions like altering price tags or hiding items to avoid payment.
• Theft by Deception: This involves intentionally misleading or deceiving someone to obtain their property, such as using false statements or omitting key facts.
• Theft by Extortion: This is when someone obtains property from another through threats or coercion.
• Receiving Stolen Property: A person may be charged if they knowingly receive or possess property that they know, or should have known, was stolen.
• Identity Theft: This crime involves using someone else’s personal information—like Social Security numbers or financial data—for fraudulent purposes.
• Auto Theft: Unlawfully taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent is a separate and serious form of theft in New Jersey.

Each of these crimes carries its own elements that the prosecution must prove, and they can be charged as either disorderly persons offenses or indictable crimes (felonies), depending on the circumstances of the case.

The Penalties for Theft Crimes in NJ

The penalties for theft crimes in New Jersey depend largely on the value of the stolen property or services and whether there were any aggravating factors involved, such as the use of force or prior criminal history. In general, the more valuable the stolen item, the more serious the consequences. Here’s how theft offenses are typically graded under New Jersey law:

• Disorderly Persons Offense: If the value of the property is less than $200, the charge is a disorderly persons offense. Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.
• Fourth-Degree Crime: For property valued between $200 and $500, the theft is considered a fourth-degree indictable offense. Conviction can result in up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Crime: If the stolen property is worth between $500 and $75,000—or if the theft involves a firearm, motor vehicle, or controlled substances—the offense is a third-degree crime. This carries a potential sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• Second-Degree Crime: Theft of property valued over $75,000, or involving extortion or a breach of fiduciary duty, is classified as a second-degree crime. Conviction may lead to 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.

In addition to incarceration and fines, individuals convicted of theft may face restitution to the victim, probation, community service, and collateral consequences, such as difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or professional licenses.

Because theft charges can carry long-lasting consequences, it is vital to work with an experienced attorney who can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and pursue alternative resolutions such as pretrial intervention (PTI) or conditional dismissal programs when appropriate.

Contact a New Jersey Theft Defense Lawyer

The legal team at Macri Law Firm understands how overwhelming theft charges can be for a person. It is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side whom you can trust. Our experienced legal team can provide you with a strong defense to avoid a criminal record. Contact a skilled theft crime lawyer from Macri Law Firm today to discuss your case.