What are the identity theft penalties in New Jersey?

New Jersey identity theft laws define identity theft as impersonation of another or assumption of a false identity for the purpose of either obtaining a benefit for the impersonator or another or injuring or defrauding another. The definition also extends to the situations where a person:

• Pretends to be a representative of some person or organization and does an act in such pretended capacity for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another;
• Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement regarding the identity of any person, in an oral or written application for services, for the purpose of obtaining services;
• Obtains any personal identifying information pertaining to another person and uses that information, or assists another person in using the information, in order to assume the identity of or represent himself as another person, without that person's authorization and with the purpose to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain a benefit or services, or avoid the payment of debt or other legal obligation or avoid prosecution for a crime by using the name of the other person; or
• Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement, in the course of making an oral or written application for services, with the purpose of avoiding payment for prior services.

Penalties

     (1)     If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount less than $500 and the offense involves the identity of one victim, the actor is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that a second or subsequent conviction constitutes a crime of the third degree; or

     (2)     If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount of at least $500 but less than $75,000, or the offense involves the identity of at least two but less than five victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree; or

     (3)     If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more, or the offense involves the identity of five or more victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree.

If you face a charge of identity theft in New Jersey, you may face jail time and fines. Talk with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to defend against possible prosecution.