Bill > S3675

Introduced Session

This bill amends the provisions found in several of the theft statutes concerning the aggregation of the value of stolen property. Current law allows the value of stolen property to be aggregated so that a higher degree of crime can be charged if the property being aggregated was stolen pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct. The bill clarifies that "one scheme or course of conduct" can be carried out across multiple criminal episodes or transactions, against the same or several victims, or across a single county or multiple counties. Under the bill, evidence that multiple episodes or transactions constitute one scheme or course of conduct may include, but is not limited to, evidence that the acts involve the same defendant or defendants, are substantially similar in nature, and occur within a two-year period. Under the consolidated theft statute, N.J.S.A.2C:20-2, theft is a crime of the second degree if the amount involved is $75,000 or more. Theft is a crime of the third degree if the amount is more than $500 but less than $75,000. Theft is a crime of the fourth degree if the amount is between $200 and $500. Theft is a disorderly persons offense if the amount is less than $200. These same monetary amounts also apply when grading the level of offense for receiving stolen property, fencing stolen property, and shoplifting. Concerning motor vehicle theft and receiving stolen motor vehicles, these are crimes of the second degree if the value of the vehicle is $75,000 or more; otherwise they are crimes of the third degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to ten years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Committee Categories

Jon Bramnick (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 09/30/2024)

Official Document