New Jersey Auto Theft Defense Attorney

A conviction for auto theft in New Jersey can result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been charged with auto theft, the smartest step you can take is to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. With the right legal strategy, it may be possible to reduce the charges or get your case dismissed.

Attorney Jason A. Volet offers more than 19 years of criminal law experience. He has handled over 4,000 cases as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, earning him a reputation as a lawyer you can rely on for skilled, strategic legal representation. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, don’t wait. Contact us now for a free consultation with a New Jersey auto theft defense attorney.

How Does New Jersey Law Define Auto Theft?

In New Jersey, auto theft is prosecuted under N.J.S. § 2C:20-10.1. You can be convicted of auto theft if you unlawfully take or exercise control over another person’s vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive them of the vehicle.

Car theft is a crime of the second degree (a felony) if the stolen vehicle is worth $75,000 or more or if the theft involved more than one vehicle. Otherwise, auto theft is a crime of the third degree.

Even temporarily using someone’s vehicle without consent can result in serious legal consequences. While car theft may seem straightforward, many cases involve complex issues, such as shared ownership, a misunderstanding of permission, or a lack of intent to steal.

Whether you’ve been accused of stealing a car off the street, from a dealership, or for a joyride, the specific facts of your case will dramatically affect your legal options.

What Are Some Variations of Car Theft Under New Jersey Law?

Auto theft charges in New Jersey depend on the circumstances. While most cases involve the unlawful taking of a vehicle with the intent to keep it, several related offenses may apply.

Here are some common variations on auto theft:

• Receiving a stolen motor vehicle (N.J.S. § 2C:20-10.2) — If you have possession of a stolen car, even if you didn’t steal it yourself, you could be charged with receiving stolen property. However, prosecutors must prove you knew or should have known the car was stolen.
• Carjacking (N.J.S. § 2C:15-2) — This is a crime of the first degree. Carjacking involves taking a vehicle by force or threat of force.
• Joyriding (N.J.S. § 2C:20-10) — Temporarily taking a vehicle without permission, even if you don’t intend to keep it, is still a crime. Joyriding is often charged separately from auto theft charges. Convictions frequently result in lesser penalties, particularly for juvenile offenders.
• Altering or removing VINs (N.J.S. § 2C:17-6) — Any attempt to obscure a car’s identity, such as removing vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for resale purposes, is a criminal offense. This charge commonly accompanies other auto theft-related charges.

Each of these variations on auto theft has its own definition and sentencing guidelines. Knowing exactly what you’ve been charged with is the first step in building a strong defense strategy. The Law Office of Jason A. Volet can help you understand your charges and what’s at stake.

What Is the Difference Between Joyriding and Auto Theft?

While auto theft and joyriding may seem similar, New Jersey law treats them as two separate offenses. The key differences are intent and duration.

Auto theft involves taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This crime can include driving it away, selling it, dismantling it for parts, or abandoning it in a remote location.

Joyriding is the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle without the intent of keeping it. It often involves:

• Temporarily taking a car for a short ride without permission
• Returning or abandoning the vehicle nearby
• Minors “borrowing” a car from relatives or friends

Because there is no intent to permanently deprive the vehicle owner, joyriding is generally treated as a disorderly persons offense or a fourth-degree crime. However, aggravating factors — such as causing property damage or injuries — can result in more serious charges.

What Are the Penalties for Stealing a Car in New Jersey?

Stealing a car in New Jersey can lead to severe criminal penalties. In most cases, auto theft is classified as a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison, fines of up to $15,000, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 10 years. If you’re convicted of second-degree auto theft, you may serve up to 10 years in prison and pay $150,000 in fines.

Beyond prison time and fines, those convicted may be required to pay restitution and could face a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and other areas of your life. An experienced defense attorney from the Law Office of Jason A. Volet can work to minimize penalties or, ideally, get your case dismissed.

Can You Go to Jail for Stealing a Car in New Jersey?

Yes. Incarceration is a real possibility if you’re convicted of auto theft. The exact sentence will depend on how the offense is charged. You may also lose your driver’s license for up to 10 years, making everyday life significantly harder.

While jail is not mandatory for all first-time auto theft convictions, there’s still a significant risk. Our firm may be able to negotiate reduced charges, explore diversionary programs, or help you avoid incarceration altogether.

What Are Some Possible Defenses for a New Jersey Auto Theft Charge?

When facing auto theft charges in New Jersey, your defense will depend on your unique circumstances. Your attorney may use one or more of these common defenses:

• Lack of intent
• Consent from the vehicle owner
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations or fabricated evidence
• Illegal search and seizure
• Procedural violations

A savvy criminal defense lawyer can examine every detail of your case, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome based on the facts.

Contact a New Jersey Auto Theft Defense Attorney

If you’ve been accused of auto theft, you shouldn’t face the New Jersey criminal justice system alone. A skilled criminal defense lawyer from the Law Office of Jason A. Volet can review the allegations against you and build a robust defense that safeguards your rights.

With nearly two decades of experience litigating felony and disorderly persons offenses across New Jersey, firm founder Jason Volet understands what you’re up against and what it takes to beat auto theft charges. Explore our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations, and then contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Visit Our New Jersey Auto Theft Defense Law Offices