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.

Theft By Deception

(N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4)

Theft By Deception:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4, a person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains property of another by deception.  A person deceives if he or she purposely:

• Creating a False Impression:  Creates or reinforces a false impression, including false impressions as to law, value, intention, or other state of mind, and including, but not limited to, a false impression that the person is soliciting or collecting funds for a charitable purpose; but deception as to a person’s intention to perform a promise shall not be inferred from the fact alone that he did not subsequently perform the promise.

• Prevents Another From Acquiring Information:  Prevents another from acquiring information which would affect his judgment of a transaction.

• Fails to Correct a False Impression:  Fails to correct a false impression which the deceiver previously created or reinforced, or which the deceiver knows to be influencing another to whom he stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship.

*NOTE – “Deceive”:  The term “deceive” does not include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or puffing, or exaggeration by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.

*NOTE – “Affirmative Misrepresentation”:  It must be shown that both the actor purposely obtained property of another, AND that he purposely engaged in the deception prohibited by this statute. See N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4, Comment 2.

Grading of Theft By Deception: 

• 2nd Degree:  Theft by deception is a 2nd degree offense where the full value of the property involved is $75,000 or more.  2nd degree offenses are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

• 3rd Degree:  Theft by deception is a 3rd degree offense when property involved is between $500 to $75,000.  3rd degree offenses are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

• 4th Degree:  Theft by deception is a 4th degree offense if the property at issue is between $200 to $500.  4th degree offenses are punishable by up to 18 months in prison.

• Disorderly Persons Offense:  Theft by deception is a disorderly persons offense if the property at issue is less than $200.  Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to 6 months in jail.

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.