New Jersey Automobile Theft Law

We represent clients charged with N.J.S.A. 2C:20-16, 17 & 18; New Jersey automobile theft related complaints and indictments filed in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, Somerset County, Essex County, Union County, and Hudson County.

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-16; Maintaining a facility for sale of stolen Autos

This is a second degree crime which applies to any premises, place or facility - which can include a boat - used for the remodeling, repainting, or separating of automobile parts for resale of any stolen automobile.

It must be proved that the defendant acted knowingly - defendant knew the vehicle or the parts being sold were from stolen automobiles.

There is a mandatory suspension of driving privileges between three and five years.

The state must prove three material elements.

First, place or facility - which can include a boat - used for the remodeling, repainting, or separating of automobile parts for resale of any stolen automobile.

Second, defendant maintained or operated it.

Third, defendant acted knowingly.

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-17; Employing Juveniles for Automobile Theft

This is a second degree crime.

Defendant must be at least eighteen years old at the time of the offense and the person whom the defendant uses must be 17 or younger.

The state must prove three elements.

First, defendant used, solicited, directed, hired or employed another to commit a theft of an auto.

Second, the person employed was seventeen or younger.

It is not a defense that the defendant mistakenly believed that the person he used was older than seventeen years of age.

Third, defendant knowingly used or solicited the juvenile.

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-18; Leader of Trafficking Network

This is a second degree offense directed at the leaders - organizers, supervisors, financiers and managers - of conspiracies to engage for profit in a course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute, bring into or transport in New Jersey automobiles as stolen property.

The state must prove six elements.

First, scheme or course of conduct to take, dispose of, distribute, bring into, or transport into New Jersey automobiles as stolen property.

Second, it must be proved that this was done unlawfully.

Third, for profit.

Fourth, defendant acted purposely to promote or facilitate this course of conduct.

Fifth, there was an agreement between the defendant and at least one other person that they or one of them would commit, attempt or solicit the crime.

Finally, defendant was an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager of the operation.

If you have any questions for a NJ criminal defense lawyer about a New Jersey automobile theft charge, please do not hesitate to contact us.