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New Jersey legal term

Criminal offense in New Jersey Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session

In New Jersey criminal law, “Criminal offense” 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 “Criminal offense” mean in New Jersey criminal law?

"Criminal offense" means: (1) any of the following: N.J.S.2C:35-3, N.J.S.2C:35-4, N.J.S.2C:35-5, N.J.S.2C:35-6, N.J.S.2C:35-8, N.J.S.2C:35-9, P.L.1997, c.185 (C.2C:35-4.1), sections 3 or 5 of P.L.1997, c.194 (C.2C:35-5.2 or C.2C:35-5.3), P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), or (2) the unlawful possession or use of an assault firearm as defined in subsection w. of N.J.S.2C:39-1. L.1999,c.334,s.3; amended 2001, c.365, s.1. (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.6)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.