Theft by Deception

Charged With Theft by Deception Anywhere in NJ?

The Moriartys have been defending those charged with theft by deception, robbery, burglary, credit card fraud, and insurance fraud throughout New Jersey for over 40 years. We can halp beat your charges, and if we can’t do that, we can help you minimize the penalties associated with your crime. Contact the Moriarty Law Firm for immediate assistance regarding your traffic and criminal matters at (732) 842-7773.

New Jersey Theft by Deception Charges: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4

The New Jersey statute governing charges for theft by deception is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4 which provides:

§ 2C:20-4. Theft by deception

A person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains property of another by deception. A person deceives if he purposely:

a. Creates or reinforces a false impression, including false impressions as to law, value, intention or other state of mind, and including, but not limited to, a false impression that the person is soliciting or collecting funds for a charitable purpose; but deception as to a person’s intention to perform a promise shall not be inferred from the fact alone that he did not subsequently perform the promise;

b. Prevents another from acquiring information which would affect his judgment of a transaction; or

c. Fails to correct a false impression which the deceiver previously created or reinforced, or which the deceiver knows to be influencing another to whom he stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship.

The term “deceive” does not, however, include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or puffing or exaggeration by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.

Penalties for Theft by Deception in New Jersey

The degree or grade of the theft by deception charge in New Jersey depends on the amount involved in the alleged theft. If the amount involved is $75,000 or more, this will be graded as a Second Degree Theft by Deception. If the amount involved is more than $500 but less than $75,000, this will be considered Third Degree Theft by Deception in NJ. Finally, if the amount involved is more than $200 but less than $500, this will be charged as Fourth Degree Theft by Deception in New Jersey.

We Handle All Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can be brought in either the Municipal or Superior court. The more severe the criminal charges the more likely they are to be handled in Superior Court, while minor charges are typically resolved in Municipal Court. We have a well deserved reputation for being the best in both arenas.

The severity of your charges is a determination made by the State and is usually based on a variety of factors. Penalties will vary based on the degree of the crime and whether or not there was a criminal conspiracy involved.

Call (732) 842-7773 to speak with one of the Moriartys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your charges or you can contact us by e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.