Don't let a New Jersey Theft Charge Ruin Your Life!

Arrested in New Jersey for Theft?
Fight Back with a Strong Criminal Defense!

In New Jersey, Theft is a serious criminal charge and can have severe consequences and penalties without a strong legal defense. The charge of Theft can be anything from theft of property, theft by deception, theft of services, theft by fraud (unemployment fraud), bad checks, credit card theft, or other means of theft.

Can I Beat a New Jersey Theft Charge?

Yes, there are defenses, and options to get the case dismissed, or charges reduced to keep your record clean.

That is our goal, since any criminal record that will show up on a background check can seriously limit your future ability to get a job, rent an apartment, and many other opportunities.

That's why it is critical that you don't just plead guilty without taking advantage of my free consultation, to find out what I can do to help you. Call me now at (888) 628-8394 for advice on your best legal options.

New Jersey Theft Penalties and Laws

NJ Theft charges/offenses are categorized as follows:

Theft, Second Degree (2nd) Charge

A theft charge is a second degree crime if the value of the items are worth $75,000 or more.

The maximum penalty for a second degree crime (felony) is up to 10 years in prison.

Other factors that will make a theft charge a 2nd degree crime under New Jersey law are:

• The property is taken by extortion;
• The property stolen is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog and the quantity is in excess of one kilogram;
• The property stolen is a person's benefits under federal or State law, or from any other source, which the Department of Human Services or an agency acting on its behalf has budgeted for the person's health care and the amount involved is $75,000 or more; or
• The property stolen is human remains or any part thereof.

NJ Theft, Third degree (3rd) Charge

A theft charge is a third degree crime if the value of the items are worth more than $500, up to $75,000.

The maximum penalty for a third degree crime (felony) is up to 5 years in prison.

Other factors that will make a theft charge a 3rd degree crime under New Jersey law are:

• The property stolen is a firearm (gun, rifle, pistol), or a motor vehicle, vessel, boat, horse, domestic companion animal or airplane;
• The property stolen is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog and the amount involved is less than $75,000.00 or is undetermined and the quantity is one kilogram or less;
• It is from the person of the victim;
• It is in breach of an obligation by a person in his capacity as a fiduciary;
• It is by threat not amounting to extortion;
• It is of a public record, writing or instrument kept, filed or deposited according to law with or in the keeping of any public office or public servant;
• The property stolen is a person's benefits under federal or State law, or from any other source, which the Department of Human Services or an agency acting on its behalf has budgeted for the person's health care and the amount involved is less than $75,000;
• The property stolen is any real or personal property related to, necessary for, or derived from research, regardless of value, including, but not limited to, any sample, specimens and components thereof, research subject, including any warm-blooded or cold-blooded animals being used for research or intended for use in research, supplies, records, data or test results, prototypes or equipment, as well as any proprietary information or other type of information related to research;
• The property stolen is a New Jersey Prescription Blank as referred to in; or
• The property stolen consists of an access device or a defaced access device.

NJ Theft in the fourth degree (4th) Charge

A theft charge is a fourth degree crime if the value of the items are worth more than $200, up to $500.

The maximum penalty for a forth degree crime (felony) is up to 18 months in prison.

Also see my page on credit card theft, which is a 4th degree charge.

NJ Theft - Disorderly Persons Charge

A theft charge is classified as a disorderly persons charge (misdemeanor) under New Jersey law if the amount involved is under $200.

A disorderly persons offense has a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail.

A Free, Criminal Defense Legal Consultation on any NJ Theft Arrest

I can offer you a free legal consultation on your theft charge, either in person or over the phone. You have nothing to lose by calling -- and you will learn exactly what your rights and options are. Take advantage of a chance to talk directly to a New Jersey defense attorney who has represented people just like you countless times before. If you decide not to hire me to represent you, it's only cost you an hour of your time. 

Please call me to discuss any New Jersey theft charge or related charge, at my offices in Freehold, NJ. (888) 628-8394. Call now for a free, no-obligation criminal defense legal consultation.

Sincerely,

Matthew Reisig

New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer - Freehold, NJ