New Jersey criminal charge
Criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey
Criminalization, degree of crime is a criminal offense under New Jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a. 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:35-10.3a.
What is the penalty for criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 3 years to 5 years (Possession/obtaining - one ounce or more — Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is one ounce or more.; 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 (Possession/obtaining - one ounce or more — Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is one ounce or more.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3); offense-specific ceilings may exceed) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Jail / prison | up to 18 months (Possession/obtaining - less than one ounce — Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is less than one ounce.; first-offender presumption of non-incarceration may apply (2C:44-1(e), carve-outs)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Possession/obtaining - less than one ounce — Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is less than one ounce.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
Applies to current.
How is criminalization, degree of crime classified in New Jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession/obtaining - one ounce or more | Crime of the Third Degree | Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is one ounce or more. | N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3aundefined |
| Possession/obtaining - less than one ounce | Crime of the Fourth Degree | Applies when the quantity of the specified substance obtained or possessed is less than one ounce. | N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3aundefined |
Common questions about criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey
What degree of offense is criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: criminalization, degree of crime ranges from a Crime of the Fourth Degree to a Crime of the Third Degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a.
Possession/obtaining - one ounce or more: Crime of the Third Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a) · Possession/obtaining - less than one ounce: Crime of the Fourth Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a)
What are the penalties for criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey?
Penalties for criminalization, degree of crime in New Jersey depend on how it is classified — from a Crime of the Fourth Degree up to a Crime of the Third 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 criminalization, degree of crime?
Criminalization, degree of crime is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a (Criminalization, degree of crime).
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.