New Jersey criminal charge
Theft of a motor vehicle in New Jersey
Theft of a motor vehicle is a criminal offense under New Jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1. 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:20-10.1.
What is the penalty for theft of a motor vehicle in New Jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 5 years to 10 years (Theft of a motor vehicle — value $75,000 or more, or multiple vehicles — Applies when the value of the motor vehicle stolen is $75,000 or more, or when the theft involved more than one motor vehicle.; presumption of imprisonment (2C:44-1(d))) | presumptive | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Theft of a motor vehicle — value $75,000 or more, or multiple vehicles — Applies when the value of the motor vehicle stolen is $75,000 or more, or when the theft involved more than one motor vehicle.; 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 (Theft of a motor vehicle — otherwise — Applies when the theft does not meet the second-degree threshold, i.e., value under $75,000 and only one motor vehicle involved.; 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 (Theft of a motor vehicle — otherwise — Applies when the theft does not meet the second-degree threshold, i.e., value under $75,000 and only one motor vehicle involved.; 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 theft of a motor vehicle classified in New Jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of a motor vehicle — value $75,000 or more, or multiple vehicles | Crime of the Second Degree | Applies when the value of the motor vehicle stolen is $75,000 or more, or when the theft involved more than one motor vehicle. | N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1undefined |
| Theft of a motor vehicle — otherwise | Crime of the Third Degree | Applies when the theft does not meet the second-degree threshold, i.e., value under $75,000 and only one motor vehicle involved. | N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1undefined |
Common questions about theft of a motor vehicle in New Jersey
What degree of offense is theft of a motor vehicle in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: theft of a motor vehicle ranges from a Crime of the Third Degree to a Crime of the Second Degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1.
Theft of a motor vehicle — value $75,000 or more, or multiple vehicles: Crime of the Second Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1) · Theft of a motor vehicle — otherwise: Crime of the Third Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1)
What are the penalties for theft of a motor vehicle in New Jersey?
Penalties for theft of a motor vehicle 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 theft of a motor vehicle?
Theft of a motor vehicle is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1 (Theft of a motor vehicle).
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.