Theft of Services

New Jersey Theft

Criminal Defense Attorney

A conviction for Theft can have serious consequences, including jail or prison time. It can also impact employment, housing, finances, education, reputation, and relationships. Because of this, it is crucial to have an experienced, skilled, and aggressive attorney by your side.

Ms. Denholtz is a fierce criminal defense trial attorney with over a decade of experience. Ms. Denholtz offers relentless advocacy, strategic defense, and exceptional service to clients accused of Theft Offenses throughout New Jersey. At Denholtz Criminal Defense, you can trust that your case will receive the meticulous attention and tireless advocacy it deserves. If you or a loved one are facing Theft charges, Ms. Denholtz is ready to fight for you. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your FREE consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

(N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8)

Theft of Services By Deception or Threat: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(a), a person is guilty of theft if he or she purposely obtains services which he or she 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.

“Services” Defined: Services includes labor or professional service; transportation, telephone, telecommunications, electric, water, gas, cable television, or other public service; accommodations in hotels, restaurants, or elsewhere; entertainment; admission to exhibitions; use of vehicles or other movable property.
Presumption of Deception/No Intention to Pay: Where compensation for service is ordinarily paid immediately upon the rendering of such service, as in the case of hotels or restaurants, absconding without payment or offer to pay gives rise to a presumption that the service was obtained by deception as to intention to pay.

Theft of Services By Diverting Services for Own Benefit: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(b), a person commits theft if, having control over the disposition of services of another, to which he or she is not entitled, he or she knowingly diverts such services to his or her own benefit or to the benefit of another not entitled thereto.

Theft of Electricity, Gas, or Water: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(c), any person who, without permission and for the purpose of obtaining electric current, gas, or water with intent to defraud any vendor of electricity, gas, or water or a person who is furnished by a vendor with electric current, gas, or water:

Connects or causes to be connected by wire or any other device with the wires, cables, or conductors of any such vendor or any other person; or
Connects or disconnects the meters, pipes, or conduits of such vendor or any other person or in any other manner tampers or interferes with such meters, pipes, or conduits, or connects with such meters, pipes, or conduits by pipes, conduits or other instruments—is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

Theft of Electricity: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(d), any person who, without permission or authority, connects or causes to be connected by wires or other devices, any meter erected or set up for the purpose of registering or recording the amount of electric current supplied to any customer by any vendor of electricity within this State, or changes or shunts the wiring leading to or from any such meter, or by any device, appliance, or means whatsoever tampers with any such meter so that the meter will not measure or record the full amount of electric current supplied to such customer, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

Theft of Cable Television: Under N.J.S.A. 2C;20-8(e), any person who, with intent to obtain cable television services without payment, in whole or in part, of the lawful charges therefor, or with intent to deprive another of the lawful receipt of such service, damages, cuts, tampers with, installs, taps, or makes any connection with, or who displaces, removes, injures, or destroys any wire, cable, conduit, apparatus, or equipment of a cable television company, intentionally prevents, obstructs or delays by any means or contrivance, the sending, transmission, conveyance, distribution, or receipt of programming material carried by equipment of the cable television company operating a CATV system, commits a disorderly persons offense.

Theft of Telephone Service: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(h), any person who, with the intent of depriving a telephone company of its lawful charges therefor, purposely or knowingly makes use of any telecommunications service by means of the unauthorized use of any electronic or mechanical device or connection, or by the unauthorized use of billing information, or by the use of a computer, computer equipment, or computer software, or by the use of misidentifying or misleading information given to a representative of the telephone company is guilty of a crime of the 3rd degree.

Duty to Pay Restitution: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8(k), every person who violates this statute shall be sentenced to make restitution to the vendor AND to pay a minimum fine of $500 for each offense. In determining the amount of restitution, the court shall consider the costs expended by the vendor, including but not limited to the repair and replacement of damages equipment, the cost of the services unlawfully obtained, investigation expenses, and attorney fees.

Contact a New Jersey Theft

Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation. No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.