New Jersey Joy Riding Law

We represent clients charged with N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10; New Jersey criminal joy riding complaints in central New Jersey municipalities including East Brunswick, New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Edison, Old Bridge, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, South River, Monroe and Sayreville and indictments filed in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, Somerset County, Essex County, Union County, and Hudson County.

To this disorderly persons charge the state must prove purposeful conduct on the part of defendant - he had a purpose to withhold it temporarily from the owner.

In addition, he must do so without the consent of the owner or a person authorized to give consent.

It is an affirmative defense that defendant believed that the owner would have consented to the operation if she knew about it.

The state must prove three elements to obtain a conviction for joy riding.

First, defendant took, operated or exercised control over a means of conveyance - car.

Second, defendant did not have the consent of the owner.

Third, defendant acted with a purpose of temporarily withholding the means of conveyance from the owner.

Passengers who knowingly ride in the vehicle without taking, operating or exercising control are guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense.

It must be proved that defendant knew or was informed that the vehicle had been temporarily taken at the time the defendant entered the vehicle.

If a defendant is convicted of this offense in addition to any other fine, penalty or restitution which may be imposed, the defendant is liable to the owner of the motor vehicle for any reasonable and necessary expense incurred by the owner in recovering the motor vehicle and for any damage to the motor vehicle prior to its recovery by the owner.

If you have any questions for a New Jersey criminal defense attorney about a New Jersey Criminal joy riding charge, please do not hesitate to contact us.