New Jersey legal term
Benefit in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Benefit” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Benefit” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Benefit" means, but is not limited to, any property, any pecuniary amount, any services, any pecuniary amount sought to be avoided or any injury or harm perpetrated on another where there is no pecuniary value. b. (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition
- Rigging publicly exhibited contest
- Shoplifting
- Theft of services
- Unsworn falsification to authorities
- Acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant for official behavior
- Arson and related offenses
- Bribery in official and political matters
- Commercial bribery and breach of duty to act disinterestedly
- Compounding
- Credit cards
- Crime of gang criminality; "criminal street gang" defined; grading of offense
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.