Bill
Bill > A5737
NJ A5737
NJ A5737Allows aggregation of value of stolen property across multiple criminal episodes or transactions within a two-year period.
summary
Introduced
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
In Committee
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill amends several New Jersey theft-related statutes to clarify and expand how the value of stolen property can be aggregated across multiple criminal episodes. The key provisions allow prosecutors to combine the value of stolen property from different transactions within a two-year period when determining the severity of a theft-related crime, even if the thefts occurred against different victims or in different counties. Specifically, the bill enables aggregation of stolen property values if the episodes involve the same defendant(s), are substantially similar in nature, and occurred within a two-year timeframe. The bill applies this aggregation approach to various theft-related offenses including general theft, receiving stolen property, fencing, motor vehicle theft, and shoplifting. The grading of these offenses depends on the total value of stolen property, with higher total values resulting in more serious criminal charges. For example, theft becomes a second-degree crime if the aggregated value is $75,000 or more, a third-degree crime if the value is between $500 and $75,000, a fourth-degree crime if the value is between $200 and $500, and a disorderly persons offense if the value is less than $200. The bill also allows prior offense values to be used in calculating the aggregated amount for the current prosecution, providing prosecutors with additional tools to address repeated criminal behavior.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 06/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5737 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5737_I1.HTM |
Loading...