New Jersey criminal charge
Compounding in New Jersey
Compounding is a criminal offense under New Jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4. Its classification is not fixed: New Jersey assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4.
What is the penalty for compounding in New Jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 5 years to 10 years (Compounding — benefit over $200 — Applies when the pecuniary benefit accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred, or agreed to be conferred exceeds $200.00.; presumption of imprisonment (2C:44-1(d))) | presumptive | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Compounding — benefit over $200 — Applies when the pecuniary benefit accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred, or agreed to be conferred exceeds $200.00.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3); offense-specific ceilings may exceed) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Jail / prison | 3 years to 5 years (Compounding — benefit of $200 or less — Applies when the thing of value accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred or agreed to be conferred is a benefit of $200.00 or less.; first-offender presumption of non-incarceration may apply (2C:44-1(e), carve-outs)) | presumptive | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $15,000 (Compounding — benefit of $200 or less — Applies when the thing of value accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred or agreed to be conferred is a benefit of $200.00 or less.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3); offense-specific ceilings may exceed) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
Applies to current.
How is compounding classified in New Jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compounding — benefit over $200 | Crime of the Second Degree | Applies when the pecuniary benefit accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred, or agreed to be conferred exceeds $200.00. | N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4undefined |
| Compounding — benefit of $200 or less | Crime of the Third Degree | Applies when the thing of value accepted, agreed to be accepted, conferred or agreed to be conferred is a benefit of $200.00 or less. | N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4undefined |
Common questions about compounding in New Jersey
What degree of offense is compounding in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: compounding ranges from a Crime of the Third Degree to a Crime of the Second Degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4.
Compounding — benefit over $200: Crime of the Second Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4) · Compounding — benefit of $200 or less: Crime of the Third Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4)
What are the penalties for compounding in New Jersey?
Penalties for compounding in New Jersey depend on how it is classified — from a Crime of the Third Degree up to a Crime of the Second Degree — with the ranges set by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which New Jersey statute covers compounding?
Compounding is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:29-4 (Compounding).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.