New Jersey legal term
Unlawfully in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Unlawfully” 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 “Unlawfully” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Unlawfully" means surreptitiously or contrary to law, regulation or order of the detaining authority. b. (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-6)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Certain actions relevant to evictions, disorderly persons offense
- Interference with transportation
- Resisting arrest, eluding officer
- Tampering with public records or information
- 2nd degree crimes
- Causing or risking widespread injury or damage
- Criminal coercion
- Criminal restraint
- Disturbing, desecrating human remains; offenses
- False imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Leader, auto theft trafficking network, penalty
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.