County Prosecutors & Skilled Defense Lawyers for Auto Theft And Joyriding Charges In Camden County
There are enhanced penalties imposed in Camden County and elsewhere in New Jersey where a theft of property involves a car, truck or other form of automobile (a.k.a. motor vehicle). It is therefore particularly important that you take an auto theft charge very serious. Hiring the best attorney you can find is a huge step in the right direction since they can provide you maximum protection against the negative consequences of this offense.
Our Camden firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, is equipped with a team of accomplished lawyers to defend your car theft charge. We can offer you unique qualifications like:
- Over 200 years of combined experience handling Camden County theft cases such as those involving car theft
- Former county prosecutors that have served at the highest levels such as Director of Major Crimes, the Drug Task Force and even an entire Trial Division
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Ten (10) lawyers that dedicate their practice 100% to criminal defense only
The importance of this sort of expertise can be extremely valuable in your case. To speak to an attorney to learn more about how we can assist you, contact our Camden Office at (856) 288-3350 for a free initial consultation. A lawyer is available 24/7 to take your call.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, 121 Market Street, Suite 201, Camden, NJ 08102, defend auto theft charges throughout Camden County, including those arising in Gloucester Township, Pennsauken, Winslow, Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Stratford, Barrington and Audubon.
Unauthorized Use of an Automobile (“Joyriding”) In Camden County
The joyriding statute is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10 outlines circumstances under which unauthorized temporary use of an automobile can result in a fourth degree crime or third degree crime. The headings below discuss how each pedigree of joyriding is triggered.
Fourth Degree Crime. It is a misdemeanor criminal charge to use, operate or exercise temporarily control over a motor vehicle without the owners consent for the purpose of temporarily depriving them of the property. It is also a fourth degree crime to occupy a car or truck knowing that it has been taken without the authorization or consent of the owner.
Third Degree Crime. Circumstances that would otherwise constitute fourth degree joyriding escalate to a third degree crime where the unauthorized motorist operates the vehicle in a manner that creates a risk of injury to a person or their property.
Camden County Auto Theft
The elements necessary to prove an auto theft charge in Camden, Gloucester Township, Winslow, Pennsauken, Bellmawr or another the same as those for theft of movable property in Camden County. It is a second degree crime to steal a vehicle(s) with a value of $75,000 or more. Third degree auto theft arises where the value of the cars/trucks is at least $500 but less than $75,000. A fourth degree crime is triggered where the value of the automobile is less than $500.
Use of a Juvenile to Commit Auto Theft. It is a separate second degree crime to employ a juvenile to commit a theft of an automobile.
Leader of a Auto Theft Trafficking Network. An individual faces a first degree crime if they act or serve as the leader of a network that engages in theft, distribution or transport of stolen motor vehicles.
Penalties for Auto Theft. A fourth degree offense results in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison. A third degree auto theft carries 3-5 years in prison and a fine that can reach $15,000. The prison term is 5-10 years and the maximum fine is $150,000 for second degree auto theft. A first degree crime for being a leader of an automobile theft trafficking network carries 10-20 years in prison and a fine that can reach the greater of $250,000 or five times the retail value of the vehicles involved in the crime. An individual also faces a mandatory license suspension of one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense and ten years for a third or subsequent offense.
Contact a Camden Car Theft Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are always available to speak with you about your case and begin to formulate an aggressive strategy to defend you against your auto theft charge. Our criminal defense team understands the details of theft law in New Jersey and we will use this knowledge to help you best defend against these charges. Call us today at 855-450-8310 for a free initial consultation about your case.
