New Jersey Crimes: Laws & Penalties

New Jersey Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set forth the time period within which the state must commence a case for a crime. Below is a summary of the statute of limitation periods for criminal cases in New Jersey.

New Jersey Misdemeanor (Disorderly Person) Crimes by Class and Sentences

In New Jersey, crimes are not categorized as felonies and misdemeanors but as indictable crimes, disorderly person offenses, and petty disorderly person offenses. Disorderly person offenses and petty disorderly person offenses (DP offenses) are the equivalent of misdemeanors in other states, because they are less serious offenses and are punishable by less than one year in jail.

New Jersey Felony (Indictable Offense) Crimes by Class and Sentences

An indictable offense in New Jersey is the equivalent of a felony in other states, because the sentence for any indictable offense is at least one year in prison.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your criminal record may be expunged -- that is, erased or sealed -- under the circumstances described below. If your record is expunged, it is hidden from public view.

New Jersey Public Intoxication Laws

New Jersey does not criminalize public intoxication. Like many states, New Jersey's stated policy is to treat (rather than prosecute) people who have alcohol problems.

Driving on a Suspended License in New Jersey

The state of New Jersey may suspend or revoke your license for many reasons. The state takes suspensions and revocations seriously and may fine you, sentence you to jail and suspend or revoke your license for an additional period of time if you drive when you have lost your driving privileges.

New Jersey Minor in Possession of Alcohol Laws and Penalties

A minor in New Jersey may not purchase, knowingly possess, or knowingly consume alcohol with few exceptions (see below).

Possession of a Controlled Substance in New Jersey

All states regulate and control the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for possession. New Jersey classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

New Jersey Marijuana Laws

Learn about New Jersey’s laws and penalties for marijuana possession, cultivation, and sales.

New Jersey Theft Laws and Penalties

New Jersey criminal statutes define theft as the “unlawful taking” or “exercising of control” over someone else’s property. The offender must act with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:20-3.)

Forgery Laws in New Jersey

In general, forgery is the crime of creating or altering a document or other instrument without authorization to do so and in order to defraud another person. This article discusses New Jersey’s forgery laws.

Burglary and Home Invasions in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a person who goes into a building or onto another's property without permission can be charged with trespass. A person who goes into a building with the intent of committing a crime inside an be charged with burglary, a more serious offense.

Auto Theft Laws in New Jersey

Stealing a car or motor vehicle is a serious crime in New Jersey. New Jersey also criminalizes other actions involving the use of a motor vehicle. For more information about thefts involving motor vehicles, read Grand Theft Auto. Theft or Unlawful Taking of an Automobile Theft occurs when a person takes

Cyberbullying Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey’s laws concerning cyberbullying—bullying that occurs in an electronic format.

New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws

In New Jersey, the commission of a domestic violence crime can result in imprisonment and fines for the offender. Punishment for conviction of a domestic violence offense depends on the grade of the crime, as set by law.

New Jersey Simple Assault

In New Jersey, an assault occurs when a person injures or attempts to injure another person without legal justification. Assault can be charged as either a simple assault or an aggravated assault.

Aggravated Assault in New Jersey

In New Jersey, an assault occurs when a person injures or attempts to injure another person without legal justification. Assault can be charged as either a simple assault or an aggravated assault.

Stun Gun Laws in New Jersey

As a result of a court order declaring New Jersey’s complete ban on stun guns and Tasers to be unconstitutional, anyone who is 18 or older may buy and possess one of these weapons in the state.

New Jersey Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

New Jersey has specific legislation that deals with teen sexting. The state created a diversion program that may be used in lieu of criminal prosecution for teens who are charged with child pornography as a result of sexting.

Revenge Porn Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has a specific law prohibiting nonconsensual pornography, also known as revenge porn or cyber exploitation.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a person commits the crime of prostitution by engaging in (or offering or accepting an offer to engage in) any sexual activity in exchange for money or something else of value. It is illegal in New Jersey to buy or sell sex, or to promote the sale of sex.

Transmitting an STD in New Jersey

In New Jersey, it is a felony for anyone who knows that he or she is infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted disease (STD) to expose another person to the disease through sexual contact, biting, or spitting.

New Jersey Statutory Rape Laws

In New Jersey, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 16), even if the sex is consensual. Those who break the law have committed statutory rape.