Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer In New Jersey, a payment-app, wire or unemployment fraud case is usually charged as theft by deception under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4, graded by the total obtained: more than $500 is third degree (3 to 5 years), and $75,000 or more is second degree (5 […]
Category: Theft & Fraud Charges
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 What is a shoplifting civil demand letter, and do I have to pay it? Short answer: It is a written demand from a store, or from a recovery company working for the store, for money under N.J.S.A. 2A:61C-1. You do not have to pay it, […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer In New Jersey, a judge must order restitution when a theft or fraud victim suffered a loss and you are able, or will be given a fair opportunity, to pay (N.J.S.A. 2C:44-2(b)). The amount is set to give the victim the fullest compensation […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer: Taking a package that a carrier delivered to a residential property is a third-degree crime in New Jersey, three to five years and up to $15,000, as long as the package is worth less than $75,000 or its value is unknown. The charge […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer: New Jersey has no separate “online marketplace fraud” crime. A seller who takes money and sends nothing, a buyer who pays with a bad check or a payment the buyer later reverses, and a person who posts a fake listing are charged with […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer Yes, most theft and fraud convictions in New Jersey can be expunged. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2, the usual wait for an indictable conviction is five years, or four with a showing of “compelling circumstances.” Theft, shoplifting, forgery, credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated October 2026 Short answer New Jersey has no criminal offense called “catalytic converter theft.” The taking is charged as theft of movable property under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 and graded by value under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2(b): less than $200 is a disorderly persons offense, $200 to $500 is fourth degree, […]
Edison Theft Lawyers “Porch pirate” is a common term for a person who steals packages from doorways or porches before the homeowner can pick them up. Incidents of alleged stealing of packages while people aren’t home are not rare occurrences in New Jersey. In fact, as more New Jersey residents do their shopping through online […]
In New Jersey, entering a stranger’s car without permission by breaking in or opening a locked door to take something in the vehicle is burglary. Likewise, staying in the car to drink, smoke, or sleep is burglary. And the burglar does not have to make off with the stolen car items to be guilty of […]
Charged with Shoplifting in Point Pleasant, New Jersey Though known for a beach vacation getaway spot, Point Pleasant offers visitors many entertainment possibilities all year round. For example, Downtown is an explosion of custom antique shops and boutiques, among the array of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. Residents and visitors celebrate the sea and […]