Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in New Jersey

The dollar amount that makes theft a felony in New Jersey, and the felony and misdemeanor classes and penalties that apply.

Short answer: Theft becomes an indictable crime at $200. Less than $200 — disorderly persons offense. At least $200 but does not exceed $500 — crime of the fourth degree. Exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000 — crime of the third degree. N.J.S. 2C:20-2(b)

How much theft is a felony	Theft becomes an indictable crime at $200. Less than $200 — disorderly persons offense. At least $200 but does not exceed $500 — crime of the fourth degree. Exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000 — crime of the third degree. $75,000 or more — crime of the second degree (also certain other property, such as property taken by extortion). Other listed circumstances can raise the grade regardless of amount. Source: N.J.S. 2C:20-2(b)
Felony classes and maximum sentences	New Jersey grades indictable offenses as 'crimes' of the first through fourth degree (it does not use the term felony). Ordinary prison terms are fixed by the court: first degree — between 10 years and 20 years; second degree — between five years and 10 years; third degree — between three years and five years; fourth degree — shall not exceed 18 months (§ 2C:43-6(a)). Maximum fines: $200,000 for a crime of the first degree; $150,000 for the second degree; $15,000 for the third degree; $10,000 for the fourth degree (§ 2C:43-3). Murder and extended terms are sentenced under separate sections. Fines: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?xhitlist_vq=2C%3A43-3&f=xhitlist&xhitlist_q=%5BRank+100%5D%5BDomain%3A+2C%3A43-3%5D2C%3A43-3&xhitlist_x=advanced&xhitlist_s=relevance-weight&xhitlist_mh=99999&xhitlist_hc=%5BXML%5D%5BKwic%2C400%5D&xhitlist_xsl=xhitlist.xsl&xhitlist_vpc=first&xhitlist_vps=20&xhitlist_sel=title%3Bpath%3Brelevance-weight%3Bcontent-type%3Bhome-title%3Bitem-bookmark%3Btitle-path%3Bhit-context&vid=Publish%3A10.1048%2FEnu Source: N.J.S. 2C:43-3; N.J.S. 2C:43-6(a)
Misdemeanor classes and maximum penalties	New Jersey's lower-level offenses are disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses, which 'are petty offenses' and 'are not crimes within the meaning of the Constitution of this State' (§ 2C:1-4). Disorderly persons offense — imprisonment not to exceed 6 months and a fine up to $1,000. Petty disorderly persons offense — imprisonment not to exceed 30 days and a fine up to $500. Fines: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?xhitlist_vq=2C%3A43-3&f=xhitlist&xhitlist_q=%5BRank+100%5D%5BDomain%3A+2C%3A43-3%5D2C%3A43-3&xhitlist_x=advanced&xhitlist_s=relevance-weight&xhitlist_mh=99999&xhitlist_hc=%5BXML%5D%5BKwic%2C400%5D&xhitlist_xsl=xhitlist.xsl&xhitlist_vpc=first&xhitlist_vps=20&xhitlist_sel=title%3Bpath%3Brelevance-weight%3Bcontent-type%3Bhome-title%3Bitem-bookmark%3Btitle-path%3Bhit-context&vid=Publish%3A10.1048%2FEnu Source: N.J.S. 2C:1-4; N.J.S. 2C:43-3; N.J.S. 2C:43-8

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FAQ

How much do you have to steal for it to be a felony in New Jersey?

Theft becomes an indictable crime at $200. Less than $200 — disorderly persons offense. At least $200 but does not exceed $500 — crime of the fourth degree. Exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000 — crime of the third degree. $75,000 or more — crime of the second degree (also certain other property, such as property taken by extortion). Other listed circumstances can raise the grade regardless of amount.

What are the felony classes and maximum sentences in New Jersey?

New Jersey grades indictable offenses as 'crimes' of the first through fourth degree (it does not use the term felony). Ordinary prison terms are fixed by the court: first degree — between 10 years and 20 years; second degree — between five years and 10 years; third degree — between three years and five years; fourth degree — shall not exceed 18 months (§ 2C:43-6(a)). Maximum fines: $200,000 for a crime of the first degree; $150,000 for the second degree; $15,000 for the third degree; $10,000 for the fourth degree (§ 2C:43-3). Murder and extended terms are sentenced under separate sections.

What are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in New Jersey?

New Jersey's lower-level offenses are disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses, which 'are petty offenses' and 'are not crimes within the meaning of the Constitution of this State' (§ 2C:1-4). Disorderly persons offense — imprisonment not to exceed 6 months and a fine up to $1,000. Petty disorderly persons offense — imprisonment not to exceed 30 days and a fine up to $500.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.