Middlesex County NJ Receipt of Stolen Property Lawyer
The Law Offices of John F. Marshall represent individuals charged with receipt of stolen property, shoplifting (Shoplifting), robbery (Robbery), and burglary (Burglary), throughout Middlesex, NJ. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of John F. Marshall always provide a free initial consultation and are available immediately to assist you. Please call our office at 732-246-7126.
New Jersey Receipt of Stolen Property Law: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7
Charges for receipt of stolen property in New Jersey are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7, which reads:
§ 2C:20-7. Receiving stolen property
a. Receiving. A person is guilty of theft if he knowingly receives or brings into this State movable property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it is probably stolen. It is an affirmative defense that the property was received with purpose to restore it to the owner. “Receiving” means acquiring possession, control or title, or lending on the security of the property.
b. Presumption of knowledge. The requisite knowledge or belief is presumed in the case of a person who:
- Is found in possession or control of two or more items of property stolen on two or more separate occasions; or
- Has received stolen property in another transaction within the year preceding the transaction charged; or
- Being a person in the business of buying or selling property of the sort received, acquires the property without having ascertained by reasonable inquiry that the person from whom he obtained it had a legal right to possess and dispose of it; or
- Is found in possession of two or more defaced access devices.
Penalties for Receipt of Stolen Property in New Jersey
The penalties for receipt of stolen property depend on the value of the merchandise involved. These grading penalties are the same as the New Jersey Shoplifting Statute. If the merchandise is valued over $75,000, this is a second-degree crime. If the merchandise is worth over $500 but less than $75,000, this is a third degree crime. If the merchandise is worth at least $200 but less than $500, this is a fourth degree offense. Finally, if the merchandise is worth less than $200, this is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. For additional information, please contact our office for your free consultation.
