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Criminal charges

theft

A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.

In New Jersey, theft is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 as the unlawful taking or exercise of unlawful control over movable property of another with the intent to deprive the person of that property. This can include taking property by deception, extortion, or without the owner's consent. The severity of the charge and the penalties upon conviction vary based on the value of the property stolen and can range from a disorderly persons offense for property valued at less than $200, to a second-degree crime for property valued at $75,000 or more. Additionally, specific types of theft, such as theft by deception or extortion, are also addressed in the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice and carry their own set of penalties. An attorney can provide more detailed information on the potential consequences of a theft charge in New Jersey.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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New-Jersey State Code

Criminal charges

theft

New-Jersey State Code

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