Theft by Deception Attorney in Ocean County

Theft Defense Attorneys in Ocean County, New Jersey

New Jersey’s statute governing theft by deception law is quite broad. As such, this crime is one of the most prevalent theft crimes defended against by our attorneys. The open-ended implementation and interpretation of the law often creates complicated legal issues for individuals who face this charge. Due to the complicated administration of the law and the severity of the penalties, it is extremely important that you retain an experienced theft defense attorney to combat these charges. The Law Offices of William Proetta Criminal Law is dedicated entirely to the practice to defending individuals against criminal and municipal charges in courts across New Jersey. Our lawyers represent clients who have been charged with theft by deception throughout Ocean County, including Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Barnegat, Manahawkin, Waretown, Forked River, Lakehurst, Bay Head, and Beachwood. To speak with an experienced Ocean County theft defense lawyer and build a case strategy customized to meet your needs, please contact our Toms River office today at (848) 238-2100 for a free initial consultation.

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

The New Jersey statute for theft by deception is provided below, in pertinent part, for your reading convenience.

§ 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.

Elements of an NJ Theft by Deception Offense

1) The property was obtained by the accused;

2) The property was obtained by deception;

3) The accused intended to deceive the victim; and

4) The victim believed the defendant and there was some economic gain or loss which resulted.

Grading and Penalties for Theft Crimes in New Jersey

• Under $200.00 – disorderly persons offense; maximum 6 months in county jail

• $200.00 – $500.00 – 4th degree felony; maximum 18 months in state prison

• $500 – $75,000 – 3rd degree felony; maximum 3 – 5 years in state prison

• More than $75,000 – 2nd degree felony; maximum 5 – 10 years in state prison with presumption of incarceration.

Speak with a Lakewood NJ Theft by Deception Defense Lawyer Today

As you can from the above statute, the language associated with theft by deception offenses in New Jersey is very broad. As such, the crime of theft by deception can result from a number of different activities. It is for this reason that we constantly represent clients against theft by deception who have also been charged with credit card fraud under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6, bad checks under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, and even forgery. The attorneys at William Proetta Criminal Law represent clients facing theft by deception charges throughout Ocean County, New Jersey including Bayville, Tuckerton, Mantaloking, South Toms River, Island Heights, and Surf City. If you have been charged with theft by deception it is important that you understand your options and protect your rights. To speak with an experienced Ocean County theft by deception lawyer about representation, contact us at (848) 238-2100 for a free initial consultation over the phone or to schedule an appointment at our Toms River office.