New Jersey criminal charge
Unsworn falsification to authorities in New Jersey
Unsworn falsification to authorities is a criminal offense under New Jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3. 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:28-3.
What is the penalty for unsworn falsification to authorities in New Jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 18 months (Statements Under Penalty — Applies when a person makes a written false statement he does not believe true, on a form bearing notice that false statements are punishable.; 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 (Statements Under Penalty — Applies when a person makes a written false statement he does not believe true, on a form bearing notice that false statements are punishable.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (General unsworn falsification to mislead a public servant — Applies when, with purpose to mislead a public servant performing a function, a person makes a false written statement, creates a false impression by omission, submits inauthentic writings, or submits false objects.; not a crime under the NJ Constitution (2C:1-4); municipal court) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (General unsworn falsification to mislead a public servant — Applies when, with purpose to mislead a public servant performing a function, a person makes a false written statement, creates a false impression by omission, submits inauthentic writings, or submits false objects.) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8 |
Applies to current.
How is unsworn falsification to authorities classified in New Jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statements Under Penalty | Crime of the Fourth Degree | Applies when a person makes a written false statement he does not believe true, on a form bearing notice that false statements are punishable. | N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3undefined |
| General unsworn falsification to mislead a public servant | Disorderly Persons Offense | Applies when, with purpose to mislead a public servant performing a function, a person makes a false written statement, creates a false impression by omission, submits inauthentic writings, or submits false objects. | N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3undefined |
Common questions about unsworn falsification to authorities in New Jersey
What degree of offense is unsworn falsification to authorities in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: unsworn falsification to authorities ranges from a Disorderly Persons Offense to a Crime of the Fourth Degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3.
Statements Under Penalty: Crime of the Fourth Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3) · General unsworn falsification to mislead a public servant: Disorderly Persons Offense (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3)
What are the penalties for unsworn falsification to authorities in New Jersey?
Which New Jersey statute covers unsworn falsification to authorities?
Unsworn falsification to authorities is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3 (Unsworn falsification to authorities).
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.