reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-14 - Detention on probable cause

2C:20-14. Detention on probable cause
a. A law enforcement officer, a special officer, or an employee of a library facility who has probable cause for believing that a person has willfully concealed library material and that he can recover the material by taking the person into custody, may, for the purpose of attempting to recover the material, take the person into custody and detain him in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time. Taking the person into custody shall not render the law enforcement officer, the special officer, or the employee of a library facility civilly or criminally liable.
b. Any law enforcement officer who has probable cause for believing that a person has committed the offense of theft of library material may arrest the person without warrant.
c. An employee of a library facility who causes the arrest of a person for theft of library material, as provided for in this act, shall not be civilly or criminally liable where the employee has probable cause for believing that the person arrested committed the offense of theft of library material.
L. 1985, c. 373, s. 3, eff. Nov. 26, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-15 - Sign required

2C:20-15. Sign required
All library facilities shall post at their primary entrances and exits a conspicuous sign to read as follows: IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE THEFT OF BOOKS AND LIBRARY MATERIAL, STATE LAW AUTHORIZES THE DETENTION FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD OF ANY PERSON USING THESE FACILITIES WHO IS SUSPECTED OF COMMITTING A THEFT OF LIBRARY MATERIAL.
L. 1985, c. 373, s. 4, eff. Nov. 26, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-16 - Operation of facility for sale of stolen automobile parts; penalties

2C:20-16. Operation of facility for sale of stolen automobile parts; penalties
a. A person who knowingly maintains or operates any premises, place or facility used for the remodeling, repainting, or separating of automobile parts for resale of any stolen automobile is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
b. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any person convicted of a violation of this section shall forthwith forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle in this State for a period to be fixed by the court at not less than three nor more than five years. The court shall cause a report of the conviction to be filed with the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
L.1991,c.80,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-17 - Use of juvenile in theft of automobiles, penalty

2C:20-17. Use of juvenile in theft of automobiles, penalty
a. A person who is at least 18 years of age who knowingly uses, solicits, directs, hires or employs a person who is in fact 17 years of age or younger to commit theft of an automobile is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, a conviction under this section shall not merge with a conviction for theft of an automobile. Nothing contained in this act shall prohibit the court from imposing an extended term pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-7; nor shall this act be construed in any way to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction of any person for conspiracy under N.J.S.2C:5-2, or any prosecution or conviction for any other offense.
b. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under this section that the actor mistakenly believed that the person which the actor used, solicited, directed, hired or employed was older than 17 years of age, even if such mistaken belief was reasonable.
L.1991,c.81,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-18 - Leader, auto theft trafficking network, penalty

2C:20-18. Leader, auto theft trafficking network, penalty
1. a. A person is a leader of an auto theft trafficking network if the person conspires with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier, manager, or recruiter to engage for profit or to commit other criminal activity in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute, bring into, or transport in this State automobiles or automobile parts as stolen property. Leader of auto theft trafficking network is a crime of the second degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, the court may impose a fine not to exceed $250,000 or five times the retail value of the automobiles or automobile parts seized at the time of the arrest, whichever is greater.
b. A person is a participant in an auto theft trafficking network if the person conspires with others as a participant to engage for profit or to commit other criminal activity in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute, bring into, or transport in this State automobiles or automobile parts as stolen property. Participant in auto theft trafficking network is a crime of the third degree.
c. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, a conviction of leader of auto theft trafficking network or participant in auto theft trafficking network shall not merge with the conviction for any offense which is the object of the conspiracy. Nothing contained in this act shall prohibit the court from imposing an extended term pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-7; nor shall this act be construed in any way to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction of any person for conspiracy under N.J.S.2C:5-2, or any prosecution or conviction for any other offense.
d. It shall not be necessary in any prosecution under this act for the State to prove that any intended profit was actually realized. The trier of fact may infer that a particular scheme or course of conduct was undertaken for profit from all of the attending circumstances, including but not limited to the number of persons involved in the scheme or course of conduct, the actor's net worth and expenditures in relation to the actor's legitimate sources of income, the number of automobiles or automobile parts involved, or the amount of cash or currency involved.
e. It shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this act that the automobile or automobile part was brought into or transported in this State solely for ultimate distribution in another jurisdiction; nor shall it be a defense that any profit was intended to be made in another jurisdiction.
L.1991,c.82,s.1; amended 2023, c.102.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-20 - Civil actions

2C:20-20. Civil actions
8. Civil Actions. a. Any person damaged in his business or property by reason of a violation of section 7 of this amendatory and supplementary act may sue therefor in any appropriate court and shall recover threefold any damages he sustains and the cost of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee, costs of investigation and litigation.
b. (1) All persons who have possessed or obtained control of stolen property are liable as principals and may be sued jointly or severally, whether or not possession or control was joint.
(2) Any person held liable for possession or control of stolen property under chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes shall have standing to bring a civil action for contribution from any person who possessed or exercised control over the stolen property and who knew, had reason to know, or was reckless with regard to the risk that it was stolen.
c. Any action for damages under chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes shall be maintained in the Superior Court sitting without a jury.
L.1981,c.167,s.8; amended 1991,c.91,s.143.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-21 - Injunctive relief by state; other persons

2C:20-21. Injunctive relief by state; other persons
a. In addition to any other action or proceeding authorized by law, the Attorney General or a person alleging injury or loss, may bring an action in the Superior Court to enjoin violations of chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, or to enjoin any acts in furtherance thereof. The Superior Court, in any action brought pursuant to this section, shall, after making due provision for the rights of innocent persons such as prior lienholders or other valid lienholders whose rights are prior to those of the State, grant relief as may be appropriate in the circumstances, including but not limited to:
(1) Ordering any defendant to divest himself of any interest in any enterprise, including real estate;
(2) Imposing reasonable restrictions upon the future activities or investments of any defendant, including but not limited to, prohibiting any defendant from engaging in the same type of endeavor as the enterprise in which he was engaged in violation of chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or
(3) Ordering the dissolution or reorganization of any enterprise; or
(4) Ordering the suspension or revocation of any license, permit, or prior approval granted to any enterprise by any department or agency of the State; or
(5) Ordering the forfeiture of the charter of a corporation organized under the laws of this State or the revocation of a certificate authorizing a foreign corporation to conduct business within this State, upon finding that the board of directors or a managerial agent acting on behalf of the corporation, in conducting the affairs of the corporation, has authorized or engaged in conduct in violation of chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes and that, for the prevention of future criminal activity, the public interest requires the charter of the corporation forfeited and the corporation dissolved or the certificate revoked.
b. In any action the Attorney General or injured person shall move as soon as practicable for a hearing and determination. Pending final determination, the Superior Court may enter temporary orders, including restraints and prohibitions, or take other actions as are in the interest of justice.
L.1981, c. 167, s. 9, eff. June 15, 1981.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-22 - Estoppel

2C:20-22. Estoppel
A final judgment rendered in favor of the Attorney General or other person in any criminal action, or proceeding under chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, shall estop the defendant in the action or proceeding in any subsequent civil action or proceeding under chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes as to all matters as to which the judgment in the action or proceeding would be an estoppel as between the parties to it.
L.1981, c. 167, s. 10, eff. June 15, 1981.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-24 - Value of property or services; additional measures.

2C:20-24 Value of property or services; additional measures.
3. For the purposes of this act, the value of any property or services, including the use of computer time, shall be their fair market value, if it is determined that a willing buyer and willing seller exist. Value shall include the cost of repair or remediation of any damage caused by an unlawful act and the gross revenue from any lost business opportunity caused by the unlawful act. The value of any lost business opportunity may be determined by comparison to gross revenue generated before the unlawful act that resulted in the lost business opportunity. Value shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of generating or obtaining data and storing it within a computer or computer system.
L.1984,c.184,s.3; amended 2003, c.39, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-31 - Wrongful access, disclosure of information; degree of crime; sentencing.

2C:20-31 Wrongful access, disclosure of information; degree of crime; sentencing.
10. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if the person purposely or knowingly and without authorization, or in excess of authorization, accesses any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer software, computer equipment, computer system and knowingly or recklessly discloses or causes to be disclosed any data, data base, computer software, computer programs or personal identifying information.
b. A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the person purposely or knowingly and without authorization, or in excess of authorization, accesses any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network and purposely or knowingly discloses or causes to be disclosed any data, data base, computer software, computer program or other information that is protected from disclosure by any law, court order or rule of court. Every sentence imposed upon a conviction pursuant to this subsection shall include a period of imprisonment. The period of imprisonment shall include a minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, during which term the defendant shall not be eligible for parole.
L.1984,c.184,s.10; amended 2003, c.39, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-33 - Obtaining, copying, accessing program, software valued at $1,000 or less.

2C:20-33 Obtaining, copying, accessing program, software valued at $1,000 or less.
12. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution pursuant to subsection e. of section 4 of P.L.1984, c.184 (C.2C:20-25), which shall be proved by clear and convincing evidence, that the actor obtained, copied or accessed a computer program or computer software that had a retail value of less than $1,000 and the actor did not disseminate or disclose the program or software to any other person.
L.1984,c.184,s.12; amended 2003, c.39, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-34 - Situs of offense, determination.

2C:20-34 Situs of offense, determination.
13. For the purpose of prosecution under this act, and in addition to determining the situs of the offense pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-3, the situs of an offense of computer criminal activity shall also be the location of the computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network which is accessed, or where the computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system, computer network or other device used in the offense is situated, or where the actual damage occurs.
L.1984,c.184,s.13; amended 2003, c.39, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-35 - Definitions.

2C:20-35 Definitions.
1. As used in this act:
"ATP card" means a document issued by a State or federal agency, to a certified household, to show the food stamp allotment a household is authorized to receive on presentation.
"Benefit card" means a card used or intended for use to access Work First New Jersey, food stamp or other benefits as determined by the Commissioner of Human Services under the electronic benefit distribution system established pursuant to the "Public Assistance Electronic Benefit Distribution System Act," P.L.1985, c.501 (C.44:10-5.1 et seq.) and continued pursuant to P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-71 et al.).
"Department" means the Department of Human Services.
"Food stamp coupon" means any coupon or stamp used or intended for use in the purchase of food pursuant to the federal food stamp program authorized by Title XIII of the "Food and Agriculture Act of 1977," Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.), or the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program established pursuant to P.L.1998, c.32 (C.44:10-79 et al.).
L.1993,c.13,s.1; amended 1995, c.215, s.1; 1997, c.37, s.8; 1998, c.32, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-36 - Misuse of food stamp coupons, ATP card, benefit card, value equal or greater than $150.

2C:20-36 Misuse of food stamp coupons, ATP card, benefit card, value equal or greater than $150.
2. If the face value of food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card is equal to or greater than $150, an individual shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he purposely or knowingly and without authorization:
a. Receives or uses the proceeds of food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card for which he has not applied or has not been approved by the department to use;
b. Engages in any transaction to convert food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card to other property contrary to federal and State government rules and regulations governing the Work First New Jersey program, the federal food stamp program, the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program, or any other program included in the electronic benefit distribution system; or
c. Transfers food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card to another person who is not lawfully entitled or approved by the department to use the coupons or ATP card or benefit card.
L.1993,c.13,s.2; amended 1995, c.215, s.2; 1997, c.37, s.9; 1998, c.32, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-37 - Misuse of food stamp coupons, ATP card, benefit card, value less than $150.

2C:20-37 Misuse of food stamp coupons, ATP card, benefit card, value less than $150.
3. If the face value of food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card is less than $150, an individual shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he purposely or knowingly and without authorization:
a. Receives or uses the proceeds of food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card for which he has not applied or has not been approved, by the department, to use;
b. Engages in any transaction to convert food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card to other property contrary to federal and State government rules and regulations governing the Work First New Jersey program, the federal food stamp program, the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program, or any other program included in the electronic benefit distribution system; or
c. Transfers food stamp coupons or an ATP card or benefit card to another person who is not lawfully entitled or approved, by the department, to use the coupons or ATP card or benefit card.
L.1993,c.13,s.3; amended 1995, c.215, s.3; 1997, c.37, s.10; 1998, c.32, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:20-38 - Penalty for theft of electronic vehicle identification system transponder.

2C:20-38 Penalty for theft of electronic vehicle identification system transponder.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, a person convicted of theft of an electronic vehicle identification system transponder under subparagraph (b) of paragraph (4) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:20-2 shall, in lieu of the fine prescribed for that offense, be subject to a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 upon conviction.
L.2011, c.1, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-1 - Forgery and Related Offenses

2C:21-1. Forgery and Related Offenses
2C:21-1. Forgery and Related Offenses.
a. Forgery. A person is guilty of forgery if, with purpose to defraud or injure anyone, or with knowledge that he is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone, the actor:
(1) Alters or changes any writing of another without his authorization;
(2) Makes, completes, executes, authenticates, issues or transfers any writing so that it purports to be the act of another who did not authorize that act or of a fictitious person, or to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case, or to be a copy of an original when no such original existed; or
(3) Utters any writing which he knows to be forged in a manner specified in paragraph (1) or (2).
"Writing" includes printing or any other method of recording information, money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, trademarks, access devices, and other symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification, including retail sales receipts, universal product code (UPC) labels and checks. This section shall apply without limitation to forged, copied or imitated checks.
As used in this section, "information" includes, but is not limited to, personal identifying information as defined in subsection v. of N.J.S.2C:20-1.
b. Grading of forgery. Forgery is a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps, or other instruments, certificates or licenses issued by the government, New Jersey Prescription Blanks as referred to in R.S.45:14-14, or part of an issue of stock, bonds or other instruments representing interest in or claims against any property or enterprise, personal identifying information or an access device. Forgery is a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be a check. Forgery is a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be 15 or more forged or altered retail sales receipts or universal product code labels.
Otherwise forgery is a crime of the fourth degree.
c. Possession of forgery devices. A person is guilty of possession of forgery devices, a crime of the third degree, when with purpose to use, or to aid or permit another to use the same for purposes of forging written instruments, including access devices and personal identifying information, he makes or possesses any device, apparatus, equipment, computer, computer equipment, computer software or article specially designed or adapted to such use.
L.1978, c.95; amended 1981, c.290, s.20; 1996, c.154, s.10; 1997, c.6, s.5; 2001, c.110, s.1; 2002, c.85, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-2 - Criminal simulation

2C:21-2. Criminal simulation
A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, with purpose to defraud anyone or with knowledge that he is facilitating a fraud to be perpetrated by anyone, he makes, alters or utters any object so that it appears to have value because of antiquity, rarity, source, or authorship which it does not possess.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-2, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-2.2 - Ban on police badge transfers

2C:21-2.2. Ban on police badge transfers
It shall be a disorderly persons offense to:
a. Sell a law enforcement agency badge, the prescribed form of which is presently in use or has been in use in New Jersey during any of the five years preceding the sale, to a person other than a member of a law enforcement agency who presents a letter authorizing the purchase, signed by the commanding officer of that law enforcement agency;
b. Purchase a law enforcement agency badge, described in subsection a. of this section, unless the purchaser is a member of a law enforcement agency who presents a letter authorizing the purchase, signed by the commanding officer of that law enforcement agency; or
c. Give or lend a law enforcement agency badge described in subsection a. of this section, unless the person to whom a badge was given or loaned is a member of a law enforcement agency who presents a letter authorizing the transfer, signed by the commanding officer of that law enforcement agency.
L. 1987, c. 29, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-2.3 - Producing, selling, offering, displaying, possessing, fraudulent motor vehicle insurance ID cards; penalties

2C:21-2.3. Producing, selling, offering, displaying, possessing, fraudulent motor vehicle insurance ID cards; penalties
2. a. A person who knowingly produces, sells, offers or exposes for sale a document, printed form or other writing which simulates a motor vehicle insurance identification card is guilty of a crime of the third degree. In addition to any other penalty imposed, a person convicted under this section shall be ordered by the court to perform community service for a period of 30 days.
b. A person who exhibits or displays to a law enforcement officer or a person conducting a motor vehicle inspection pursuant to chapter 8 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes a falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited or simulated motor vehicle insurance identification card, knowing that the insurance identification card was falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited or simulated, commits a crime of the fourth degree.
c. A person who possesses a falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited or simulated motor vehicle insurance identification card, knowing that the insurance identification card was falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited or simulated, commits a disorderly persons offense.
L.1997,c.385,s.2;(recodified April 1999); amended 2001, c.124.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-2.4 - Possession of certain fraudulent receipts, universal product code (UPC) labels and checks

2C:21-2.4. Possession of certain fraudulent receipts, universal product code (UPC) labels and checks
2. Possession of certain fraudulent receipts, universal product code (UPC) labels and checks.
a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, any person who knowingly possesses a forged or altered retail sales receipt, universal product code (UPC) label or check for the purpose of defrauding a retail merchant shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
b. Any person who knowingly possesses 15 or more forged or altered retail sales receipts, universal product code labels or checks for the purpose of defrauding a retail merchant shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
L.2001,c.110,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-3 - Frauds relating to public records and recordable instruments

2C:21-3. Frauds relating to public records and recordable instruments
a. Fraudulent destruction, removal or concealment of recordable instruments. A person commits a crime of the third degree if, with purpose to deceive or injure anyone, he destroys, removes or conceals any will, deed, mortgage, security instrument or other writing for which the law provides public recording.
b. Offering a false instrument for filing. A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense when, knowing that a written instrument contains a false statement or false information, he offers or presents it to a public office or public servant with knowledge or belief that it will be filed with, registered or recorded in or otherwise become a part of the records of such public office or public servant.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4 - Falsifying or tampering with records

2C:21-4. Falsifying or tampering with records
a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, a person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he falsifies, destroys, removes, conceals any writing or record, or utters any writing or record knowing that it contains a false statement or information, with purpose to deceive or injure anyone or to conceal any wrongdoing.
b. Issuing a false financial statement. A person is guilty of issuing a false financial statement, a crime of the third degree, when, with purpose to deceive or injure anyone or to conceal any wrongdoing; he by oath or affirmation:
(1) Knowingly makes or utters a written instrument which purports to describe the financial condition or ability to pay of some person and which is inaccurate in some substantial respect; or
(2) Represents in writing that a written instrument purporting to describe a person's financial condition or ability to pay as of a prior date is accurate with respect to such person's current financial condition or ability to pay, whereas, he knows it is substantially inaccurate in that respect.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-4, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 21, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.1 - Destruction, alteration, falsification of records, crime of fourth degree

2C:21-4.1. Destruction, alteration, falsification of records, crime of fourth degree
A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he purposefully destroys, alters or falsifies any record relating to the care of a medical or surgical or podiatric patient in order to deceive or mislead any person as to information, including, but not limited to, a diagnosis, test, medication, treatment or medical or psychological history, concerning the patient.
L.1989, c.300, s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.2 - Definitions relative to health care claims fraud.

2C:21-4.2 Definitions relative to health care claims fraud.
2. As used in this act:
"Health care claims fraud" means making, or causing to be made, a false, fictitious, fraudulent, or misleading statement of material fact in, or omitting a material fact from, or causing a material fact to be omitted from, any record, bill, claim or other document, in writing, electronically or in any other form, that a person attempts to submit, submits, causes to be submitted, or attempts to cause to be submitted for payment or reimbursement for health care services.
"Practitioner" means a person licensed in this State to practice medicine and surgery, chiropractic, podiatric medicine, dentistry, optometry, psychology, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, or law; any other person licensed, registered or certified by any State agency to practice a profession or occupation in the State of New Jersey or any person similarly licensed, registered, or certified in another jurisdiction.
L.1997,c.353,s.2; amended 2005, c.259, s.20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.4 - Findings, declarations relative to insurance fraud

2C:21-4.4. Findings, declarations relative to insurance fraud
71. With respect to sections 72 through 74 of P.L.2003, c.89 (C.2C:21-4.5 through C.2C:21-4.7), the Legislature finds and declares:
a. Insurance fraud is inimical to public safety, welfare and order within the State of New Jersey. Insurance fraud is pervasive and expensive, costing consumers and businesses millions of dollars in direct and indirect losses each year. Insurance fraud increases insurance premiums, to the detriment of individual policyholders, small businesses, large corporations and governmental entities. All New Jerseyans ultimately bear the societal burdens and costs caused by those who commit insurance fraud.
b. The problem of insurance fraud must be confronted aggressively by facilitating the detection, investigation and prosecution of such misconduct, as well as by reducing its occurrence and achieving deterrence through the implementation of measures that more precisely target specific conduct constituting insurance fraud.
c. To enable more efficient prosecution of criminally culpable persons who knowingly commit or assist or conspire with others in committing fraud against insurance companies, it is necessary to establish a crime of "insurance fraud" to directly and comprehensively criminalize this type of harmful conduct, with substantial criminal penalties to punish wrongdoers and to appropriately deter others from such illicit activity.
d. In addition to criminal penalties, in order to maintain the public trust and ensure the integrity of professional licensees and certificate-holders who by virtue of their professions are involved in insurance transactions, it is appropriate to provide civil remedial provisions governing license or certificate forfeiture and suspension tailored to this new crime of insurance fraud and other criminal insurance-related activities.
e. To enhance the State's ability to detect insurance fraud, which will lead to more productive investigations and, ultimately, more successful criminal prosecutions, it is appropriate to provide members of the public with significant incentives to come forward when they may have reasonable suspicions or knowledge of a person or persons committing insurance fraud. The establishment of an Insurance Fraud Detection Reward Program will enable the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor to obtain information which may lead to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of persons or entities who have committed insurance-related fraud.
L.2003,c.89,s.71.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.5 - Definitions relative to insurance fraud

2C:21-4.5. Definitions relative to insurance fraud
72. As used in sections 73 and 74 of P.L.2003, c.89 (C.2C:21-4.6 and C.2C:21-4.7), unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
"Insurance company" means any person, company, corporation, unincorporated association, partnership, professional corporation, agency of government and any other entity authorized or permitted to do business in New Jersey, subject to regulation by the State, or incorporated or organized under the laws of any other state of the United States or of any foreign nation or of any province or territory thereof, to indemnify another against loss, damage, risk or liability arising from a contingent or unknown event. "Insurance company" includes, but is not limited to, an insurance company as that term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1983, c.320 (C.17:33A-3), self-insurer, re-insurer, reciprocal exchange, inter-insurer, hospital, medical or health service corporation, health maintenance organization, surety, assigned risk plan, joint insurance fund, and any other entity legally engaged in the business of insurance as authorized or permitted by the State of New Jersey, including but not limited to any such entity incorporated or organized under the laws of any other state of the United States or of any foreign nation or of any province or territory thereof.
"Insurance policy" means the instrument, in writing, electronically or in any other form, in which are set forth the terms of any certificate of insurance, binder of coverage, contract of insurance or contract of re-insurance, issued by an insurance company, including, but not limited to, a State-assigned risk plan, plan of indemnity protection provided by or on behalf of a joint insurance fund or benefit plan, motor club service plan, or guaranty bond, surety bond, cash bond or any other alternative to insurance authorized or permitted by the State of New Jersey.
"Insurance transaction" means a transaction by, between, or among (1) an insurance company and (2) an insured, claimant, applicant for insurance, public adjuster, insurance professional, practitioner as defined by section 2 of P.L.1997, c.353 (C.2C:21-4.2), attorney, or any person who acts on behalf of any of the foregoing for the purpose of obtaining insurance or reinsurance, calculating insurance premiums, submitting a claim, negotiating or adjusting a claim, or otherwise obtaining insurance, self insurance, or reinsurance, or obtaining the benefits or annuities thereof or therefrom.
"Premium finance transaction" means a transaction involving or related to insurance premium financing which is subject to the "Insurance Premium Finance Company Act," P.L.1968, c.221 (C.17:16D-1 et seq.).
L.2003,c.89,s.72.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.7 - Insurance Fraud Detection Reward Program

2C:21-4.7. Insurance Fraud Detection Reward Program
74. a. There is established within the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor an Insurance Fraud Detection Reward Program, to be funded from surcharges imposed pursuant to section 53 of P.L.2002, c.34 (C.17:33A-5.1) and supplemented as necessary and appropriate by amounts budgeted for the operation of the office.
b. A member of the public who has knowledge of or who believes that an act of health care claims fraud, insurance fraud or any other criminal offense involving or related to an insurance transaction is being or has been committed may provide the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor with a report or information pertinent to that knowledge or belief and may provide additional information that the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor requests.
c. The Insurance Fraud Prosecutor shall maintain a 24-hour toll-free insurance fraud hotline to receive information from members of the public who have knowledge of or who believe that an act of health care claims fraud, insurance fraud or any other criminal offense involving or related to an insurance transaction is being or has been committed.
d. The Attorney General, through the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, is authorized to pay a reward of up to $25,000 to persons providing information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of persons or entities who have committed health care claims fraud, insurance fraud or any other criminal offense related to an insurance transaction. Only a single reward amount may be paid by the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor for claims arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, regardless of the number of persons arrested, prosecuted and convicted and regardless of the number of persons submitting claims for the reward. The reward may be divided and disbursed among more than one person in amounts determined by the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. The decision of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor as to the person or persons entitled to the reward shall be final unless the reward recipients shall disagree, in which event, the matter shall be referred to the Attorney General whose decision shall be final and shall not be subject to judicial review.
e. Any person acting in good faith who provides information in accordance with subsection b. of this section shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of such act.
f. The Attorney General shall promulgate and adopt rules and regulations which set forth the reward program application and approval process, including the criteria against which claims shall be evaluated, the basis for determining specific reward amounts, and the manner of reward disbursement. Applications for rewards authorized by this section must be submitted in accordance with rules established by the Attorney General.
L.2003,c.89,s.74.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-4.8 - Motor vehicle title offenses, grading.

2C:21-4.8 Motor vehicle title offenses, grading.
2. a. A person who purposely or knowingly violates a provision of chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, for which a specific penalty is not provided in that chapter or this section, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
b. A person who purposely or knowingly commits the following violations of chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree:
(1) Makes a misrepresentation or false statement in any title papers or other papers submitted to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in connection therewith;
(2) Purchases, receives or obtains a motor vehicle on a title paper in violation of chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes;
(3) Forges, changes or counterfeits a part of title papers;
(4) Misrepresents a number placed on a motor vehicle by the manufacturer, or in any other manner misrepresents the description of a motor vehicle; or
(5) Uses title papers on or for a wrong motor vehicle, with intent to evade or violate the requirements of chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.
L.2003,c.217,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-5 - Bad checks, money orders, electronic funds transfers.

2C:21-5 Bad checks, money orders, electronic funds transfers.
2C:21-5. A person who issues or passes a check or similar sight order for the payment of money, or authorizes an electronic funds transfer, knowing that it will not be honored by the drawee, commits an offense as provided for in subsection c. of this section. For the purposes of this section as well as in any prosecution for theft committed by means of a bad check, an issuer is presumed to know that the check, money order, or electronic funds transfer (other than a post-dated check, money order, or electronic funds transfer) would not be paid, if:
a. The issuer had no account with the drawee at the time the check or money order was issued or the electronic funds transfer was made; or
b. Payment was refused by the drawee for lack of funds, or due to a closed account, after a deposit by the payee into a bank for collection or after presentation to the drawee within 46 days after issue, and the issuer failed to make good within 10 days after receiving notice of that refusal or after notice has been sent to the issuer's last known address. Notice of refusal may be given to the issuer orally or in writing in any reasonable manner by any person.
c. An offense under this section is:
(1) a crime of the second degree if the amount of the check, money order, or electronic funds transfer is $75,000.00 or more;
(2) a crime of the third degree if the amount of the check, money order, or electronic funds transfer is $1,000.00 or more but is less than $75,000.00;
(3) a crime of the fourth degree if the amount of the check, money order, or electronic funds transfer is $200.00 or more but is less than $1,000.00;
(4) a disorderly persons offense if the amount of the check, money order, or electronic funds transfer is less than $200.00.
amended 1981, c.290, s.22; 2002, c.65, s.1; 2014, c.45.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-6.1 - Definitions relative to scanning devices, reencoders; criminal use, degree of crime.

2C:21-6.1 Definitions relative to scanning devices, reencoders; criminal use, degree of crime.
1. a. Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Merchant" means any owner or operator of any store or other retail mercantile establishment, or any agent, servant, employee, lessee, consignee, officer, director, franchisee or independent contractor of such owner or proprietor.
(2) "Payment card" means a credit card, charge card, debit card or any other card that is issued to an authorized card user and that allows the user to obtain, purchase, or receive goods, services, money or anything of value from a merchant.
(3) "Reencoder" means an electronic device that places encoded information from the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card onto the magnetic strip or stripe of a different payment card or any electronic medium that allows a transaction to occur.
(4) "Scanning device" means a scanner, skimmer, reader or any other electronic device that is used to access, read, scan, obtain, memorize or store, temporarily or permanently, information encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card.
b. It shall be a crime of the third degree for a person, with the intent to defraud an authorized user of a payment card, the issuer of the authorized user's payment card or a merchant, to use:
(1) a scanning device to access, read, obtain, memorize or store, temporarily or permanently, information encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card, without the permission of the authorized user of the payment card; or
(2) a reencoder to place information encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card onto the magnetic strip or stripe of a different card or any electronic medium that allows a transaction to occur without the permission of the authorized user of the card from which the information is being reencoded.
c. It shall be a crime of the fourth degree for a person to knowingly possess with intent to commit a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection b. of this section any device, apparatus, equipment, software, article, material, good, property or supply that is specifically designed or adapted for use as or in a scanning device or reencoder.
L.2005,c.225,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-7 - Deceptive business practices

2C:21-7. Deceptive business practices
Deceptive business practices. A person commits an offense if in the course of business he:
a. Uses or possesses for use a false weight or measure, or any other device for falsely determining or recording any quality or quantity;
b. Sells, offers or exposes for sale, or delivers less than the represented quantity of any commodity or service;
c. Takes or attempts to take more than the represented quantity of any commodity or service when as buyer he furnishes the weight or measure;
d. Sells, offers or exposes for sale adulterated or mislabeled commodities;
e. Makes a false or misleading statement in any advertisement addressed to the public or to a substantial segment thereof for the purpose of promoting the purchase or sale of property or services;
f. Deleted by amendment (P.L.1981, c. 290).
g. Deleted by amendment (P.L.1981, c. 290).
h. Makes a false or misleading written statement for the purpose of obtaining property or credit; or
i. Makes a false or misleading written statement for the purpose of promoting the sale of securities, or omits information required by law to be disclosed in written documents relating to securities.
The offense is a crime of the fourth degree if subsection h. or i. is violated. Otherwise it is a disorderly persons offense.
It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that his conduct was not knowingly or recklessly deceptive.
"Adulterated" means varying from the standard of composition or quality prescribed by or pursuant to any statute providing criminal penalties for such variance, or set by established commercial usage. "Mislabeled" means varying from the standard of truth or disclosure in labeling prescribed by or pursuant to any statute providing criminal penalties for such variance, or set by established commercial usage.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-7, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 36A, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 290, s. 23A, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 2C - The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice › Section 2C:21-7.2 - Definitions

2C:21-7.2. Definitions
As used in this act:
a. "Advertise" means engaging in promotional activities including, but not limited to, newspaper, radio and television advertising; the distribution of fliers and circulars; and the display of window and interior signs.
b. "Food," "food product," or "food commodity" means any food, food product or food preparation, whether raw or prepared for human consumption, and whether in a solid or liquid state, including, but not limited to, any meat, meat product or meat preparation; any milk, milk product or milk preparation; and any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
c. "Food commodity in package form" means a food commodity put up or packaged in any manner in advance of sale in units suitable for retail sale and which is not intended for consumption at the point of manufacture.
d. "Kosher" means prepared under and maintained in strict compliance with the laws and customs of the Orthodox Jewish religion and includes foods prepared for the festival of Passover and represented to be "kosher for Passover."
L. 1988, c. 154, s. 1.