Lawrence Township NJ Theft By Deception

The offense of theft by deception crops up in many contexts throughout Mercer County including Trenton, Hamilton, Lawrence, Princeton and Ewing. The charge arises whenever someone engages in any scheme to acquire money or property of another using deception. In most instances, the case is heard at the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton because this is where every crime of the fourth degree, third degree and second degree that is filed in the county is heard. If you have been charged with theft by deception as the result of credit card fraud at Quakerbridge Mall in Lawrence Township or any other scenario in the region, you need a skilled lawyer to help you avoid the severe penalties that apply under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4.

The eight attorney defense team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is highly qualified to represent you against a theft by deception offense. The lawyers on our staff are former prosecutors and accomplished litigators with over 100 years of combined experience. To speak to one of the attorneys in a free consultation, contact us any time of day or night. We will undertake a comprehensive review of the facts surrounding your case and prepare an effective plan to avert a negative outcome. Call our Princeton Office, Lawrence Office or Hamilton Office now to speak to a highly knowledgeable lawyer.

An individual commits theft by deception in Mercer County and anywhere else in New Jersey if he/she purposely obtains property of another by deception under the circumstances set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4. The actor must possess an intention to deceive the victim in order to induce them to provide their property. This can result in a conviction if the conduct:

1. 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;
2. Prevents another from acquiring information which would affect his judgment of a transaction; or
3. 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.

Material Elements That The Prosecutor Must Prove. The state must prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused: (1) obtained the property of another; (2) by deception involving creating or reinforcing a false impression, preventing the victim from acquiring information which would allow an informed judgment or failing to correct a false impression where a duty to do so exist; and (3) had purpose to deceive.

Representations Akin to Puffing Do Not Result In A Violation. N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4 excludes representations that have nothing to do with acquiring money or property, as well as puffing and exaggeration that are unlikely to deceive the ordinary person.

Penalties for Violating 2C:20-4. If the value of the property stolen is $75,000, theft by deception is a second degree crime. Second degree theft by deception triggers fines of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in state prison. It is a third degree crime to commit a theft by deception resulting in a loss of at least $500 but less than $75,000. The penalties for third degree theft by deception include a fine of up to $15,000 and 3-5 years in prison. A fourth degree crime results where the theft is at least $200 but less than $500. There is the potential for a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison for fourth degree theft by deception. Theft by deception of property valued under $200 results in a disorderly person offense, fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in the Mercer County Jail which is located in Hopewell Township New Jersey.

There is plenty of commerce in Princeton and this brings considerable opportunity for theft by deception charges. For those arrested for this offense, selecting the right attorney is pivotal. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our lawyers are accomplished advocates who have been defending clients accused of theft and fraud offenses throughout Mercer County, including Robbinsville, East Windsor, Hightstown, West Windsor and Pennington. We have handled many violations just like the one filed against you over the last several decades and are prepared to do what is necessary to thoroughly protect your interests. The attorneys at the firm are available for free consultation around the clock. Call 609–683–8102 to speak to a highly skilled lawyer immediately.