Mercer County Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyer

Stealing a vehicle is a criminal offense and can warrant years of incarceration, among other penalties, which is why if you are currently accused of doing so, you need an aggressive Mercer County motor vehicle theft defense lawyer on your side. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring today to learn more about the consequences of these charges and how we can help you combat them.

Mercer County Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyer | Here to Help

If you have been charged with a theft crime, consult a seasoned Mercer County criminal defense lawyer who has experience with motor vehicle theft cases. While statutory law governs the penalties and consequences of motor vehicle theft charges, only an experienced criminal defense attorney can tell you how strong the prosecution’s case against you is and how you can fight it.

Motor Vehicle Theft Defined

In New Jersey, the charge for stealing a car is Theft of a Motor Vehicle, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1. The statute says a person is guilty of theft if the person unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, a motor vehicle of another with the purpose to deprive him of the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, a person could be charged with additional forms of theft, including Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2 and Burglary – N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2.

Special Consequences of Motor Vehicle Theft in NJ

The law defines motor vehicle theft as a third-degree crime if the vehicle’s value is under $75,000 and a second-degree crime if the value is $75,000 or more, or if multiple vehicles are involved. A third-degree offense carries up to five years in state prison, while a second-degree offense carries five to ten years.

Also, New Jersey Statute 2C:20-2.1 imposes an additional fine and permits the court, in its discretion, to suspend, revoke, or postpone your driver’s license. For a first offense, the fine is $500 and up to a one-year loss of your license. For a second offense, the fine is $750 and up to a two-year loss of your license. A third or subsequent offense requires a fine of $1,000 and up to a ten-year loss of your license.

Usually, New Jersey law carries a presumption that the first offense of a third-degree crime like Motor Vehicle Theft will not result in state prison; however, this presumption does not apply to theft of a motor vehicle.

In addition, repeat or persistent offenders may face an extended prison term if the prosecutor applies under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.3.

Contact Us Today!

At the Law Office of Douglas Herring, we understand the stress that is involved with being accused of motor vehicle theft. If you or a loved one has been arrested, you can rest assured that our team will conduct a thorough investigation and leave no stone unturned to plan your defense. Contact an experienced Mercer County motor vehicle theft defense lawyer here at our firm today.