Auto Theft

The Auto Theft Lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, 10 Allen St #2Dreet, Toms River, NJ 08753, represent clients charged in Toms River, Little Egg Harbor, Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Manchester, Berkeley, Eaglewood, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights and Other Locations in Ocean County

Automobile theft and joyriding charges are encountered in Ocean County at a higher rate than you might imagine. An individual is subject to enhanced theft penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2.1 when the item stolen is a car, truck or another form of motor vehicle. If you were arrested in Toms River, Point Pleasant, Little Egg Harbor, Eagleswood, Lakewood or another municipality in Ocean County, it would definitely be wise to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. You face a minimum of five (5) years in prison and an assortment of other consequences upon conviction for stealing a car. Hiring a skilled attorney like the former prosecutors at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can prove invaluable in averting a negative outcome. Attorneys on our staff are available around the clock to provide free consultations. Contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500 to speak to one of our lawyers immediately.

Motor Vehicle Theft in Ocean County

There are three separate theft offenses that can come into play when someone is charged with theft of a motor vehicle. The primary offense is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, theft of movable property. Receiving stolen property under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7 is also another charge that frequently arises in the context of theft of a truck, car or motorcycle. The third offense is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10 and is commonly referred to as joyriding.

There are essentially three (3) elements that must be proven by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to convict you of auto theft. The prosecutor must establish, beyond reasonable doubt, that you: (1) unlawfully took; (2) the motor vehicle of another; and (3) did so with the purpose of depriving the true owner of the vehicle. When the actor’s intention is to deprive the owner of the car, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle temporarily, the offense is joyriding. The actor is temporarily taking and/or using the automobile as opposed to committing a theft when this occurs.

Penalties for Automobile Theft. Although a motor vehicle theft is typically a third degree crime, it can escalate to a second degree crime where the value of the car is $75,000 or more. As a crime of the third degree, automobile theft, or car theft, exposes an individual to term of imprisonment in the range of three (3) years to five (5) years. Second degree car theft is more serious with a five (5) to ten (10) year prison term. Beyond incarceration, a conviction also carries a maximum fine of $15,000 for third degree auto theft and $150,000 for second degree car theft. Restitution for the value of the vehicle and its contents is also required. are also a required penalty.

Enhanced Penalties for Automobile Theft Under 2C:20-2.1

Type of OffenseAdditional FineLicense Suspension
First Offense$500One Year
Second Offense$750Two Years
Third Offense$1,00010 Years

Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyers in Toms River NJ

As you can see, an automobile theft conviction carries serious consequences beyond a felony record. There is a real chance of going to state prison if your lawyer cannot get the charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense like joyriding. This is why it is crucial to retain an attorney who is skilled in defending motor vehicle theft charges at the Superior Court in Toms River. Our attorneys can serve you effectively in this capacity whether you were arrested and/or charged in Jackson, Brick, Manchester, Berkeley, Seaside Heights or another Ocean County municipality. To speak to one of the attorneys in our Toms River NJ Office, call (732) 286-6500. Lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you and initial consultations are free of charge.

Additional Theft Resources to Assist You

Ocean County Shoplifting LawyersTheft by Deception Offense
Unlawful Taking Defense AttorneysCharged With Theft by Extortion
Robbery ChargesToms River NJ Burglary Attorney
Computer Crime Defense LawyerBrick NJ Theft of Services Lawyers