science | March 24, 2026

What is the punishment for theft in New Jersey?

What is the punishment for theft in New Jersey?

Penalties and Fines

Value of GoodsSeverity of ChargeIncarceration
Less than $200Disorderly persons offenseUp to 6 months in jail
$200 to $500Fourth-degree felonyUp to 18 months in jail
$500 to $75,000Third-degree felony3 to 5 years in prison
More than $75,000Second-degree felony5 to 10 years in prison

What is considered theft by deception?

A person intentionally and purposely obtains property that belongs to someone else through deceptive tactics. Theft by deception is very similar to the general criminal act of theft in that it entails taking someone else’s property or services on purpose.

Is theft by deception a crime?

Theft by deception is punished as any crime of theft in California is. The charge can range from felony to misdemeanor depending on the value of the property stolen. All other convictions of grand theft are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year.

Can theft by deception be expunged?

As long as you comply with the terms of a pre-trial diversion program, your charges will be dismissed and expunged from your record.

What is theft by deception in NJ?

Theft by deception is a specific type of theft crime governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4. The part of this offense that distinguishes it from others is that a person acquires or obtains the money or property of another by creating or reinforcing a false impression.

What is 3rd degree theft in NJ?

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.

How do I press charges for theft by deception?

When proving theft by deception a prosecutor has to prove four elements of this crime:

  1. Property was obtained by the defendant.
  2. Property was obtained by deception.
  3. The defendant had the intent to purposely deceive the victim.
  4. There was a monetary gain or loss involved between the defendant and victim.

What is theft by deception false impression?

To put it another way, theft by deception involves persuading someone to allow you to take property based upon a false impression. The Element of Intent. Theft, including theft by deception, is categorized as a “specific intent” crime.

How many Expungements are you allowed in NJ?

Generally, you may only receive an expungement once. (N.J.S.A 2C:52-14). Therefore, you should try to expunge all eligible records at one time.

Is forgery a felony in NJ?

Forgery is a felony-level crime. New Jersey defines forgery as the crime of creating or altering a document or other instrument without authorization to do so and in order to defraud another person. A person can also be charged for using an item known to be forged even if he/she did not create it. Under N.J.S.A.

What is theft of services in NJ?

a. A person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains services which he knows are available only for compensation, by deception or threat, or by false token, slug, or other means, including but not limited to mechanical or electronic devices or through fraudulent statements, to avoid payment for the service.

Is third degree theft a felony in NJ?

Theft of at least $200 and not more than $500 constitutes a crime of the fourth degree (felony). Theft of property or services valued more than $500 but less than $75,000 is a crime of the third degree (felony).