N.J. Stat. tit. 2C, ch. 21

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-2.1 Offenses involving false government documents.

1. a. A person who knowingly sells, offers or exposes for sale, or otherwise transfers, or possesses with the intent to sell, offer or expose for sale, or otherwise transfer, a document, printed form or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency and which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity or age or any other personal identifying information is guilty of a crime of the second degree. b. A person who knowingly makes, or possesses devices or materials to make, a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency and which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity or age or any other personal identifying information is guilty of a crime of the second degree. c. A person who knowingly exhibits, displays or utters a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency and which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity or age or any other personal identifying information is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A violation of N.J.S.2C:28-7, constituting a disorderly persons offense, section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), section 64 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.2C:35-10d), R.S.33:1-81 or section 6 of P.L.1968, c.313 (C.33:1-81.7) in a case where the person uses the personal identifying information of another to illegally purchase an alcoholic beverage or for using the personal identifying information of another to misrepresent the person's age for the purpose of obtaining tobacco, cannabis item, or other consumer product denied to persons under 21 years of age shall not constitute an offense under this subsection if the actor received only that benefit or service and did not perpetrate or attempt to perpetrate any additional injury or fraud on another. d. A person who knowingly possesses a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency and which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity or age or any other personal identifying information is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A violation of N.J.S.2C:28-7, constituting a disorderly persons offense, section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), section 64 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.2C:35-10d), R.S.33:1-81 or section 6 of P.L.1968, c.313 (C.33:1-81.7) in a case where the person uses the personal identifying information of another to illegally purchase an alcoholic beverage or for using the personal identifying information of another to misrepresent his age for the purpose of obtaining tobacco, any cannabis item, or other consumer product denied to persons under 21 years of age shall not constitute an offense under this subsection if the actor received only that benefit or service and did not perpetrate or attempt to perpetrate any additional injury or fraud on another. e. In addition to any other disposition authorized by this Title, the provisions of section 24 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-43), or any other statute indicating the dispositions that may be ordered for an adjudication of delinquency, and, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:43-2, every person convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent or penalized for a violation of any offense defined in this section shall forthwith forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period to be fixed by the court at not less than six months or more than two years which shall commence on the day the sentence is imposed. In the case of any person who at the time of the imposition of the sentence is less than 17 years of age, the period of the suspension of driving privileges authorized herein, including a suspension of the privilege of operating a motorized bicycle, shall commence on the day the sentence is imposed and shall run for a period as fixed by the court of not less than six months or more than two years after the day the person reaches the age of 17 years. If the driving privilege of any person is under revocation, suspension, or postponement for a violation of any provision of this Title or Title 39 of the Revised Statutes at the time of any conviction or adjudication of delinquency for a violation of any offense defined in this chapter or chapter 36 of this Title, the revocation, suspension, or postponement period imposed herein shall commence as of the date of termination of the existing revocation, suspension or postponement. The court before whom any person is convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent or penalized for a violation of any offense defined in this section shall collect forthwith the New Jersey driver's license or licenses of that person and forward the license or licenses to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission along with a report indicating the first and last day of the suspension or postponement period imposed by the court pursuant to this section. If the court is for any reason unable to collect the license or licenses of the person, the court shall cause a report of the conviction or adjudication of delinquency to be filed with the director. The report shall include the complete name, address, date of birth, eye color and sex of the person and shall indicate the first and last day of the suspension or postponement period imposed by the court pursuant to this section. The court shall inform the person orally and in writing that if the person is convicted of personally operating a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension or postponement imposed pursuant to this section, the person shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties set forth in R.S.39:3-40. A person shall be required to acknowledge receipt of the written notice in writing. Failure to receive a written notice or failure to acknowledge in writing the receipt of a written notice shall not be a defense to a subsequent charge of a violation of R.S.39:3-40. If the person is the holder of a driver's license from another jurisdiction, the court shall not collect the license, but shall notify forthwith the director who shall notify the appropriate officials in that licensing jurisdiction. The court shall, however, in accordance with the provisions of this section, revoke the person's non-resident driving privileges in this State. In addition to any other condition imposed, a court, in its discretion, may suspend, revoke or postpone the driving privileges of a person admitted to supervisory treatment under N.J.S.2C:36A-1 or N.J.S.2C:43-12 without a plea of guilty or finding of guilt. L.1983, c.565, s.1; amended 1999, c.28, s.14; 2002, c.85, s.3; 2003, c.184, s.2; 2005, c.224, s.1; 2019, c.276, s.4; 2021, c.16, s.65; 2021, c.25, s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-2.5 “New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act” violations, penalties.

1. a. It shall be a crime of the fourth degree for an employer to: (1) knowingly falsify a certified payroll record or other record required pursuant to the provisions of the “New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act,” P.L.1963, c.150 (C.34:11-56.25 et seq.); or (2) knowingly make, or cause to be made, a false, deceptive, or fraudulent statement on a public works contractor registration form in connection with the requirements pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1999, c.238 (C.34:11-56.52). b. A county prosecutor or the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, as appropriate, shall notify the Attorney General that a violation of this section has occurred so that the Attorney General may make a determination regarding whether to exercise the authority granted to the Attorney General pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1970, c.74 (C.52:17B-106) to supersede a county prosecutor for the purpose of prosecuting or investigating the violation or, if appropriate, to refer the case to the county prosecutor for investigation and prosecution or other appropriate legal action. c. A penalty imposed pursuant to this section shall be in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed in connection with the offense. L.2025, c.356.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-4.3 Health care claims fraud, degree of crime; prosecution guidelines.

3. a. A practitioner is guilty of a crime of the second degree if that person knowingly commits health care claims fraud in the course of providing professional services. In addition to all other criminal penalties allowed by law, a person convicted under this subsection may be subject to a fine of up to five times the pecuniary benefit obtained or sought to be obtained. b. A practitioner is guilty of a crime of the third degree if that person recklessly commits health care claims fraud in the course of providing professional services. In addition to all other criminal penalties allowed by law, a person convicted under this subsection may be subject to a fine of up to five times the pecuniary benefit obtained or sought to be obtained. c. A person, who is not a practitioner subject to the provisions of subsection a. or b. of this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree if that person knowingly commits health care claims fraud. A person, who is not a practitioner subject to the provisions of subsection a. or b. of this section, is guilty of a crime of the second degree if that person knowingly commits five or more acts of health care claims fraud and the aggregate pecuniary benefit obtained or sought to be obtained is at least $1,000. In addition to all other criminal penalties allowed by law, a person convicted under this subsection may be subject to a fine of up to five times the pecuniary benefit obtained or sought to be obtained. d. A person, who is not a practitioner subject to the provisions of subsection a. or b. of this section, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if that person recklessly commits health care claims fraud. In addition to all other criminal penalties allowed by law, a person convicted under this subsection may be subject to a fine of up to five times the pecuniary benefit obtained or sought to be obtained. e. Each act of health care claims fraud shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense, except that five or more separate acts may be aggregated for the purpose of establishing liability pursuant to subsection c. of this section. Multiple acts of health care claims fraud which are contained in a single record, bill, claim, application, payment, affidavit, certification or other document shall each constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense for purposes of this section. f. (1) The falsity, fictitiousness, fraudulence or misleading nature of a statement may be inferred by the trier of fact in the case of a practitioner who attempts to submit, submits, causes to be submitted, or attempts to cause to be submitted, any record, bill, claim or other document for treatment or procedure without the practitioner, or an associate of the practitioner, having performed an assessment of the physical or mental condition of the patient or client necessary to determine the appropriate course of treatment. (2) The falsity, fictitiousness, fraudulence or misleading nature of a statement may be inferred by the trier of fact in the case of a person who attempts to submit, submits, causes to be submitted, or attempts to cause to be submitted any record, bill, claim or other document for more treatments or procedures than can be performed during the time in which the treatments or procedures were represented to have been performed. (3) Proof that a practitioner has signed or initialed a record, bill, claim or other document gives rise to an inference that the practitioner has read and reviewed that record, bill, claim or other document. g. In order to promote the uniform enforcement of this act, the Attorney General shall develop health care claims fraud prosecution guidelines and disseminate them to the county prosecutors within 120 days of the effective date of this act. h. For the purposes of this section, a person acts recklessly with respect to a material element of an offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor's situation. i. (1) Nothing in this act shall preclude an indictment and conviction for any other offense defined by the laws of this State. (2) Nothing in this act shall preclude an assignment judge from dismissing a prosecution of health care claims fraud if the assignment judge determines, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:2-11, the conduct charged to be a de minimis infraction. L.1997, c.353, s.3; amended 2003,c.89,s.75.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-4.6 Crime of insurance fraud.

73. a. A person is guilty of the crime of insurance fraud if that person knowingly makes, or causes to be made, a false, fictitious, fraudulent, or misleading statement of material fact in, or omits a material fact from, or causes a material fact to be omitted from, any record, bill, claim or other document, in writing, electronically, orally or in any other form, that a person attempts to submit, submits, causes to be submitted, or attempts to cause to be submitted as part of, in support of or opposition to or in connection with: (1) a claim for payment, reimbursement or other benefit pursuant to an insurance policy, or from an insurance company or the "Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund Law," P.L.1952, c.174 (C.39:6-61 et seq.); (2) an application to obtain or renew an insurance policy; (3) any payment made or to be made in accordance with the terms of an insurance policy or premium finance transaction; or (4) an affidavit, certification, record or other document used in any insurance or premium finance transaction. b. A person who operates a motor vehicle on the public highways of this State, which motor vehicle is insured by a policy issued under the laws of another state, is guilty of the crime of insurance fraud if that person maintains a principal residence in this State or has his motor vehicle principally garaged in this State and he has knowingly prepared or made any written, electronic or oral statement, presented to any insurance company or producer licensed to transact the business of insurance under the laws of that other state, and which resulted in obtaining a motor vehicle insurance policy for his motor vehicle in that other state, that the person to be insured: (1) maintains a principal residence in the other state when, in fact, that person's principal residence is in this State; or (2) has his motor vehicle principally garaged in the other state, when, in fact, that person has his motor vehicle principally garaged in this State. This subsection shall not apply to a person who insures a vehicle in another state, as permitted by and in accordance with the laws of that state, based on a second residence, or attendance at an educational institution, in that other state, if in obtaining the policy the person truthfully discloses to the insurance company or producer the state of the person's principal residence and the state where the vehicle is principally garaged. c. Insurance fraud constitutes a crime of the second degree if the person knowingly commits five or more acts of insurance fraud, including acts of health care claims fraud pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1997, c.353 (C.2C:21-4.2) and if the aggregate value of property, services or other benefit wrongfully obtained or sought to be obtained is at least $1,000. Otherwise, insurance fraud in violation of subsection a. of this section is a crime of the third degree and insurance fraud in violation of subsection b. of this section is a crime of the fourth degree. Each act of insurance fraud shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense, except that five or more separate acts may be aggregated for the purpose of establishing liability pursuant to this subsection. Multiple acts of insurance fraud which are contained in a single record, bill, claim, application, payment, affidavit, certification or other document shall each constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense for purposes of this section. d. Proof that a person has signed or initialed an application, bill, claim, affidavit, certification, record or other document may give rise to an inference that the person has read and reviewed the application, bill, claim, affidavit, certification, record or other document. e. In order to promote the uniform enforcement of this act, the Attorney General shall develop insurance fraud prosecution guidelines and disseminate them to county prosecutors within 180 days of the effective date of this act. f. Nothing in this act shall preclude an indictment and conviction for any other offense defined by the laws of this State. g. Nothing in this act shall preclude an assignment judge from dismissing a prosecution of insurance fraud if the assignment judge determines, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:2-11, the conduct charged to be a de minimis infraction. L.2003, c.89, s.73; amended 2015, c.48, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-4.9 Violations, penalties; temporary registration certificate, temporary license plate.

3. a. Any person who knowingly produces, sells, offers, or exposes for sale a temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate obtained by providing false information to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. b. Any person who exhibits or displays on a motor vehicle a temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate, knowing that the temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate was obtained by providing false information to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. c. Any person who possesses a temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate, knowing that the temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate was obtained by providing false information to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense. d. Any person who knowingly produces, sells, offers, or exposes for sale a forged, altered, counterfeited, or simulated temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate that simulates a temporary registration certificate or license plate is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. e. Any person who exhibits or displays on a motor vehicle a falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited, or simulated temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate, knowing that the temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate was falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited or simulated, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. f. Any person who possesses a falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited, or simulated temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate, knowing that the temporary registration certificate or temporary license plate was falsely made, forged, altered, counterfeited, or simulated, is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense. g. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction of any person for any other crime or offense. h. The clerk of the court in which a conviction is rendered or any other person designated by the court shall, immediately upon entry, forward a certified copy of the conviction or a transcript to the chief administrator. L.2023, c.285, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-6 Credit cards

2C:21-6. Credit Cards. a. Definitions. As used in this section: (1) "Cardholder" means the person or organization named on the face of a credit card to whom or for whose benefit the credit card is issued by an issuer. (2) "Credit card" means any tangible or intangible instrument or device issued with or without fee by an issuer that can be used, alone or in connection with another means of account access, in obtaining money, goods, services or anything else of value on credit, including credit cards, credit plates, account numbers, or any other means of account access. (3) "Expired credit card" means a credit card which is no longer valid because the term shown either on it or on documentation provided to the cardholder by the issuer has elapsed. (4) "Issuer" means the business organization or financial institution which issues a credit card or its duly authorized agent. (5) "Receives" or "receiving" means acquiring possession or control or accepting a credit card as security for a loan. (6) "Revoked credit card" means a credit card which is no longer valid because permission to use it has been suspended or terminated by the issuer. b. False statements made in procuring issuance of credit card. A person who makes or causes to be made, either directly or indirectly, any false statement in writing, knowing it to be false and with intent that it be relied on, respecting his identity or that of any other person, firm or corporation, or his financial condition or that of any other person, firm or corporation, for the purpose of procuring the issuance of a credit card is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. c. Credit card theft. (1) A person who takes or obtains a credit card from the person, possession, custody or control of another without the cardholder's consent or who, with knowledge that it has been so taken, receives the credit card with intent to use it or to sell it, or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Taking a credit card without consent includes obtaining it by any conduct defined and prescribed in Chapter 20 of this title, Theft and Related Offenses. A person who has in his possession or under his control (a) credit cards issued in the names of two or more other persons or, (b) two or more stolen credit cards is presumed to have violated this paragraph. (2) A person who receives a credit card that he knows to have been lost, mislaid, or delivered under a mistake as to the identity or address of the cardholder, and who retains possession with intent to use it or to sell it or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (3) A person other than the issuer who sells a credit card or a person who buys a credit card from a person other than the issuer is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (4) A person who, with intent to defraud the issuer, a person or organization providing money, goods, services or anything else of value, or any other person, obtains control over a credit card as security for debt is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (5) A person who, with intent to defraud a purported issuer, a person or organization providing money, goods, services or anything else of value, or any other person, falsely makes or falsely embosses a purported credit card or utters such a credit card is guilty of a third degree offense. A person other than the purported issuer who possesses two or more credit cards which are falsely made or falsely embossed is presumed to have violated this paragraph. A person "falsely makes" a credit card when he makes or draws, in whole or in part, a device or instrument which purports to be the credit card of a named issuer but which is not such a credit card because the issuer did not authorize the making or drawing, or alters a credit card which was validly issued. A person "falsely embosses" a credit card when, without the authorization of the named issuer, he completes a credit card by adding any of the matter, other than the signature of the cardholder, which an issuer requires to appear on the credit card before it can be used by a cardholder. (6) A person other than the cardholder or a person authorized by him who, with intent to defraud the issuer, or a person or organization providing money, goods, services or anything else of value, or any other person, signs a credit card, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A person who possesses two or more credit cards which are so signed is presumed to have violated this paragraph. d. Intent of cardholder to defraud; penalties; knowledge of revocation. A person, who, with intent to defraud the issuer, a person or organization providing money, goods, services or anything else of value, or any other person, (1) uses for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services or anything else of value a credit card obtained or retained in violation of subsection c. of this section or a credit card which he knows is forged, expired or revoked, or (2) obtains money, goods, services or anything else of value by representing without the consent of the cardholder that he is the holder of a specified card or by representing that he is the holder of a card and such card has not in fact been issued, is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Knowledge of revocation shall be presumed to have been received by a cardholder four days after it has been mailed to him at the address set forth on the credit card or at his last known address by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and, if the address is more than 500 miles from the place of mailing, by air mail. If the address is located outside the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone and Canada, notice shall be presumed to have been received 10 days after mailing by registered or certified mail. e. Intent to defraud by person authorized to furnish money, goods, or services; penalties. (1) A person who is authorized by an issuer to furnish money, goods, services or anything else of value upon presentation of a credit card by the cardholder, or any agent or employees of such person, who, with intent to defraud the issuer or the cardholder, furnishes money, goods, services or anything else of value upon presentation of a credit card obtained or retained in violation of subsection c. of this section or a credit card which he knows is forged, expired or revoked violates this paragraph and is guilty of a crime of the third degree. (2) A person who is authorized by an issuer to furnish money, goods, services or anything else of value upon presentation of a credit card by the cardholder, fails to furnish money, goods, services or anything else of value which he represents in writing to the issuer that he has furnished is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. f. Incomplete credit cards; intent to complete without consent. A person other than the cardholder possessing two or more incomplete credit cards, with intent to complete them without the consent of the issuer or a person possessing, with knowledge of its character, machinery, plates or any other contrivance designed to reproduce instruments purporting to be the credit cards of an issuer who has not consented to the preparation of such credit cards, is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A credit card is "incomplete" if part of the matter other than the signature of the cardholder, which an issuer requires to appear on the credit card, before it can be used by a cardholder, has not yet been stamped, embossed, imprinted or written on it. g. Receiving anything of value knowing or believing that it was obtained in violation of subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:21-6. A person who receives money, goods, services or anything else of value obtained in violation of subsection d. of this section, knowing or believing that it was so obtained is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A person who obtains, at a discount price a ticket issued by an airline, railroad, steamship or other transportation company which was acquired in violation of subsection d. of this section without reasonable inquiry to ascertain that the person from whom it was obtained had a legal right to possess it shall be presumed to know that such ticket was acquired under circumstances constituting a violation of subsection d. of this section. h. Fraudulent use of credit cards. A person who knowingly uses any counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost, stolen or fraudulently obtained credit card to obtain money, goods or services, or anything else of value; or who, with unlawful or fraudulent intent, furnishes, acquires, or uses any actual or fictitious credit card, whether alone or together with names of credit cardholders, or other information pertaining to a credit card account in any form, is guilty of a crime of the third degree. L.1978, c.95; amended 1979,c.178,s.36; 1984,c.119; 1991,c.122,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 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.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-7.3 False representation

a. A false representation prohibited by this act shall include any oral or written statement that directly or indirectly tends to deceive or otherwise lead a reasonable individual to believe that a non-kosher food or food product is kosher. b. The presence of any non-kosher food or food product in any place of business that advertises or represents itself in any manner as selling, offering for sale, preparing or serving kosher food or food products only, is presumptive evidence that the person in possession offers the same for sale in violation of this act. c. It shall be a complete defense to a prosecution under this act that the defendant relied in good faith upon the representations of a slaughterhouse, manufacturer, processor, packer or distributor, or any person or organization which certifies or represents any food or food product at issue to be kosher, kosher for Passover, or as having been prepared under or sanctioned by Orthodox Jewish religious requirements. L. 1988, c. 154, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-7.4 Disorderly persons offense

A person commits a disorderly persons offense if in the course of business he: a. (1) Falsely represents any food sold, prepared, served or offered for sale to be kosher or kosher for Passover; (2) Removes or destroys, or causes to be removed or destroyed, the original means of identification affixed to food commodities to indicate that same are kosher or kosher for Passover, except that this paragraph shall not be construed to prevent the removal of the identification if the commodity is offered for sale as non-kosher; or (3) Sells, disposes of or has in his possession for the purpose of resale as kosher any food commodity to which a slaughterhouse plumba, mark, stamp, tag, brand, label or other means of identification has been fraudulently attached. b. (1) Labels or identifies a food commodity in package form to be kosher or kosher for Passover or possesses such labels or means of identification, unless he is the manufacturer or packer of the food commodity in package form; (2) Labels or identifies an article of food not in package form to be kosher or kosher for Passover or possesses such labels or other means of identification, unless he is the manufacturer of the article of food; (3) Falsely labels any food commodity in package form as kosher or kosher for Passover by having or permitting to be inscribed on it, in any language, the words "kosher" or "kosher for Passover," "parve," "glatt," or any other words or symbols which would tend to deceive or otherwise lead a reasonable individual to believe that the commodity is kosher or kosher for Passover; or (4) Labels any food commodity in package form by having or permitting to be inscribed on it the words "kosher-style," "kosher-type," "Jewish," or "Jewish-style," unless the product label also displays the word "non-kosher" in letters at least as large and in close proximity. c. (1) Sells, offers for sale, prepares, or serves in or from the same place of business both unpackaged non-kosher food and unpackaged food he represents to be kosher unless he posts a window sign at the entrance of his establishment which states in block letters at least four inches in height: "Kosher and Non-Kosher Foods Sold Here," or "Kosher and Non-Kosher Foods Served Here," or a statement of similar import; or (2) Employs any Hebrew word or symbol in any advertising of any food offered for sale or place of business in which food is prepared, whether for on-premises or off-premises consumption, unless the advertisement also sets forth in conjunction therewith and in English, the words "We Sell Kosher Food Only," "We Sell Both Kosher and Non-Kosher Foods," or words of similar import, in letters of at least the same size as the characters used in Hebrew. For the purpose of this paragraph, "Hebrew symbol" means any Hebrew word, or letter, or any symbol, emblem, sign, insignia, or other mark that simulates a Hebrew word or letter. d. (1) Displays for sale in the same show window or other location on or in his place of business, both unpackaged food represented to be kosher and unpackaged non-kosher food, unless he: (a) displays over the kosher and non-kosher food signs that read, in clearly visible block letters, "kosher food" and "non-kosher food," respectively, or, as to the display of meat alone, "kosher meat" and "non-kosher meat," respectively; (b) separates the kosher food products from the non-kosher food products by keeping the products in separate display cabinets, or by segregating kosher items from non-kosher items by use of clearly visible dividers; and (c) slices or otherwise prepares the kosher food products for sale with utensils used solely for kosher food items; (2) Prepares or serves any food as kosher whether for consumption in his place of business or elsewhere if in the same place of business he also prepares or serves non-kosher food, unless he: (a) uses and maintains separate and distinctly labeled or marked dishes and utensils for each type of food; and (b) includes in clearly visible block letters the statement "Kosher and Non-Kosher Foods Prepared and Sold Here" in each menu or sign used or posted on the premises or distributed or advertised off the premises; (3) Sells or has in his possession for the purpose of resale as kosher any food commodity not having affixed thereto the original slaughterhouse plumba, mark, stamp, tag, brand, label or other means of identification employed to indicate that the food commodity is kosher or kosher for Passover; or (4) Sells or offers for sale, as kosher, any fresh meat or poultry that is identified as "soaked and salted," unless (a) the product has in fact been soaked and salted in a manner which makes it kosher; and (b) the product is marked "soaked and salted" on the package label or, if the product is not packaged, on a sign prominently displayed in conjunction with the product. For the purpose of this paragraph, "fresh meat or poultry" shall mean meat and poultry that has not been processed except for salting and soaking. L. 1988, c. 154, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-7.5 Definitions relative to air bags.

1. a. As used in this section: "Air bag" means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system, or any component part, such as the cover, sensors, controllers, inflators, and wiring, that operates in the event of a crash and is designed in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for the specific make, model, and year of the motor vehicle in which it is or will be installed. "Counterfeit air bag" means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system, or any component part of the system, such as the cover, sensors, controllers, inflators, and wiring, displaying a mark identical or similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer without authorization from the manufacturer. "Nonfunctional air bag" means a replacement motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system, or any component part of the system, such as the cover, sensors, controllers, inflators, and wiring that: (1) was previously deployed or damaged; (2) has an electric fault that is detected by the motor vehicle air bag diagnostic system after the installation procedure is completed; or (3) includes any part or object including, but not limited to, a counterfeit or repaired air bag cover installed in a motor vehicle under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a functional air bag has been installed. b. (1) A person who manufactures, imports, installs, reinstalls, sells, or offers for sale any device that the person knows or reasonably should know is a counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (2) A person who manufactures, imports, installs, reinstalls, sells, or offers for sale any device that is used or intended to be used to replace an air bag in any motor vehicle that the person knows or reasonably should know does not meet federal safety requirements as provided in 49 C.F.R. s.571.208 is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. c. A person who sells, installs, or reinstalls in any motor vehicle any device that the person knows or reasonably should know causes the motor vehicle's diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate that the motor vehicle is equipped with a functional air bag is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.2015, c.121, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-8 Misrepresentation of mileage of motor vehicle

A person commits a disorderly persons offense when he sells, exchanges, offers for sale or exchange or exposes for sale or exchange a used motor vehicle on which he has changed or disconnected the mileage registering instrument on the vehicle to show a lesser mileage reading than that actually recorded on the vehicle or on the instrument with purpose to misrepresent the mileage of the vehicle. This provision shall not prevent the servicing, repair or replacement of a mileage registering instrument which by reason of normal wear or through damage requires service, repair or replacement if the instrument is then set at zero or at the actual previously recorded mileage. In addition to the penalty authorized for violation of this section, the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles may, after notice and hearing, revoke the license of any motor vehicle dealer as defined in R.S. 39:1-1 so convicted. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-8, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-8.1 Definition; determination of degree of offense

a. As used in chapter 21, unless a different meaning plainly is required: "Benefit derived" means the loss resulting from the offense or any gain or advantage to the actor, or coconspirators, or any person in whom the actor is interested, whichever is greater, whether loss, gain or advantage takes the form of money, property, commercial interests or anything else the primary significance of which is economic gain. b. The benefit derived or resulting harm in violation of chapter 21 shall be determined by the trier of fact. The benefit derived or resulting harm pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether in relation to the same person or several persons, may be aggregated in determining the degree of the offense. L.1981, c. 290, s. 23, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-9 Misconduct by corporate official

A person is guilty of a crime when: a. Being a director of a corporation, he knowingly with purpose to defraud, concurs in any vote or act of the directors of such corporation, or any of them, which has the purpose of: (1) Making a dividend except in the manner provided by law; (2) Dividing, withdrawing or in any manner paying to any stockholder any part of the capital stock of the corporation except in the manner provided by law; (3) Discounting or receiving any note or other evidence of debt in payment of an installment of capital stock actually called in and required to be paid, or with purpose of providing the means of making such payment; (4) Receiving or discounting any note or other evidence of debt with purpose of enabling any stockholder to withdraw any part of the money paid in by him on his stock; or (5) Applying any portion of the funds of such corporation, directly or indirectly, to the purchase of shares of its own stock, except in the manner provided by law; or b. Being a director or officer of a corporation, he, with purpose to defraud: (1) Issues, participates in issuing, or concurs in a vote to issue any increase of its capital stock beyond the amount of the capital stock thereof, duly authorized by or in pursuance of law; or (2) Sells, or agrees to sell, or is directly interested in the sale of any share of stock of such corporation, or in any agreement to sell the same, unless at the time of such sale or agreement he is an actual owner of such share, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to a sale by or on behalf of an underwriter or dealer in connection with a bona fide public offering of shares of stock of such corporation. c. He purposely or knowingly uses, controls or operates a corporation for the furtherance or promotion of any criminal object. If the benefit derived from a violation of this section is $75,000.00, or more, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the benefit derived exceeds $1,000.00, but is less than $75,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the benefit derived is $1,000.00, or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-9, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 37, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 290, s. 24, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-10 Commercial bribery and breach of duty to act disinterestedly

Commercial Bribery and Breach of Duty to Act Disinterestedly. a. A person commits a crime if he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit as consideration for knowingly violating or agreeing to violate a duty of fidelity to which he is subject as: (1) An agent, partner or employee of another; (2) A trustee, guardian, or other fiduciary; (3) A lawyer, physician, accountant, appraiser, or other professional adviser or informant; (4) An officer, director, manager or other participant in the direction of the affairs of an incorporated or unincorporated association; (5) A labor official, including any duly appointed representative of a labor organization or any duly appointed trustee or representative of an employee welfare trust fund; or (6) An arbitrator or other purportedly disinterested adjudicator or referee. b. A person who holds himself out to the public as being engaged in the business of making disinterested selection, appraisal, or criticism of commodities, real properties or services commits a crime if he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit to influence his selection, appraisal or criticism. c. A person commits a crime if he confers, or offers or agrees to confer, any benefit the acceptance of which would be criminal under this section. d. If the benefit offered, conferred, agreed to be conferred, solicited, accepted or agreed to be accepted in violation of this section is $75,000.00 or more, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the benefit exceeds $1,000.00, but is less than $75,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the benefit is $1,000.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L. 1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-10, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L. 1979, c. 178, s. 38, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L. 1986, c. 129, s. 1, eff. Oct. 20, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-11 Rigging publicly exhibited contest

2C:21-11. Rigging or Improperly Influencing Publicly Exhibited Contest or Sports Event. a. A person commits a crime if, with purpose to prevent a publicly exhibited contest or sports event from being conducted in accordance with the rules and usages which govern it, the person: (1) Confers, offers, agrees to confer any benefit upon or threatens any injury to a participant, official, or other person associated with the contest or sports event; (2) Tampers with any person, animal, or thing; (3) Gives, offers, or promises, or attempts to give to or offer, or asks, receives, or offers to receive directly or indirectly, from any other person any compensation, gratuity, or thing of value, or any promise thereof, with the intention, understanding, or agreement that the person or any player, participant, manager, coach, or other official on, or associated with, a competitor or team in the contest or sports event, regardless of by whom such person is employed: (a) will not use best efforts to win the contest or sports event or will cause themselves or their team to lose the contest or sports event; or (b) will engage in conduct so as to limit their, or their team’s, margin of victory or defeat; or (4) Gives, offers, or promises, or attempts to give to or offer, or asks, receives, or offers to receive, directly or indirectly, from any other person any compensation, gratuity, or thing of value, or any promise thereof, with the intention, understanding, or agreement that the person or any judge, referee, or other person officiating in the contest or sports event will fraudulently or corruptly judge, referee, or officiate the contest or sports event. b. Soliciting or accepting benefit for rigging. A person commits a crime if the person knowingly solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit the giving of which would be criminal under subsection a. of this section. c. If the benefit offered, conferred, agreed to be conferred, solicited, accepted, or agreed to be accepted in violation of subsections a. and b. of this section is $75,000.00 or more, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the benefit exceeds $500, but is less than $75,000, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the benefit is $500 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. d. Failure to report solicitation for rigging. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if the person fails to report, with reasonable promptness, a solicitation to accept any benefit or to do any tampering, the giving or doing of which would be criminal under subsection a. of this section. e. Participation in rigged contest or sports event. A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if the person knowingly engages in, sponsors, produces, judges, or otherwise participates in a publicly exhibited contest or sports event knowing that the contest or sports event is being conducted in violation of subsection a. of this section. L. 1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-11, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L. 1979, c. 178, s. 39, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L. 1986, c. 129, s. 2, eff. Oct. 20, 1986; 2025, c.128, s.25.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-12 Defrauding secured creditors

A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree when he destroys, removes, conceals, encumbers, transfers or otherwise deals with property subject to a security interest with purpose to hinder enforcement of that interest. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-12, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-13 Fraud in insolvency

A person commits a crime if, knowing that proceedings have been or are about to be instituted for the appointment of a receiver or other person entitled to administer property for the benefit of creditors, or that any other composition or liquidation for the benefit of creditors has been or is about to be made, he: a. Destroys, removes, conceals, encumbers, transfers, or otherwise deals with any property or obtains any substantial part of or interest in the debtor's estate with purpose to defeat or obstruct the claim of any creditor, or otherwise to obstruct the operation of any law relating to administration of property for the benefit of creditors; b. Knowingly falsifies any writing or record relating to the property; or c. Knowingly misrepresents or refuses to disclose to a receiver or other person entitled to administer property for the benefit of creditors, the existence, amount or location of the property, or any other information which the actor could be legally required to furnish in relation to such administration. If the benefit derived from a violation of this section is $75,000.00, or more, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the benefit derived exceeds $1,000.00, but is less than $75,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the benefit derived is $1,000.00, or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-13, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-14 Receiving deposits in a failing financial institution

An officer, manager or other person directing or participating in the direction of a financial institution commits a crime of the fourth degree if he receives or permits the receipt of a deposit, premium payment or other investment in the institution knowing that: a. Due to financial difficulties the institution is about to suspend operations or go into receivership or reorganization; and b. The person making the deposit or other payment is unaware of the precarious situation of the institution. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-14, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-15 Misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institution

Misapplication of Entrusted Property and Property of Government or Financial Institution. A person commits a crime if he applies or disposes of property that has been entrusted to him as a fiduciary, or property belonging to or required to be withheld for the benefit of the government or of a financial institution in a manner which he knows is unlawful and involves substantial risk of loss or detriment to the owner of the property or to a person for whose benefit the property was entrusted whether or not the actor has derived a pecuniary benefit. "Fiduciary" includes trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, receiver and any person carrying on fiduciary functions on behalf of a corporation or other organization which is a fiduciary. If the benefit derived from a violation of this section is $75,000.00, or more, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the benefit derived exceeds $1,000.00, but is less than $75,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the benefit derived is $1,000.00, or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For the purposes of this section, the term "benefit derived" shall include but shall not be limited to the amount of any tax avoided, evaded or otherwise unpaid or improperly retained or disposed of. L.1978, c.95; amended by L. 1979, c. 178, s. 41; 1987, c. 76, s. 33.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-16 Securing execution of documents by deception

A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if by deception as to the contents of the instrument, he causes or induces another to execute any instrument affecting, purporting to affect, or likely to affect the pecuniary interest of any person. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:21-16, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17 Impersonation; theft of identity; crime.

2C:21-17. Impersonation; Theft of identity; crime. a. A person is guilty of a crime if the person engages in one or more of the following actions by any means including, but not limited to, the use of electronic communications or an Internet website: (1) Impersonates another or assumes a false identity and does an act in such assumed character or false identity for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another; (2) Pretends to be a representative of some person or organization and does an act in such pretended capacity for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another; (3) Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement regarding the identity of any person, in an oral or written application for services, for the purpose of obtaining services; (4) Obtains any personal identifying information pertaining to another person and uses that information, or assists another person in using the information, in order to assume the identity of or represent himself as another person, without that person's authorization and with the purpose to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain a benefit or services, or avoid the payment of debt or other legal obligation or avoid prosecution for a crime by using the name of the other person; or (5) Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement, in the course of making an oral or written application for services, with the purpose of avoiding payment for prior services. Purpose to avoid payment for prior services may be presumed upon proof that the person has not made full payment for prior services and has impersonated another, assumed a false identity or made a false or misleading statement regarding the identity of any person in the course of making oral or written application for services. As used in this section: "Benefit" means, but is not limited to, any property, any pecuniary amount, any services, any pecuniary amount sought to be avoided or any injury or harm perpetrated on another where there is no pecuniary value. b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2005, c.224). c. A person who violates subsection a. of this section is guilty of a crime as follows: (1) If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount less than $500 and the offense involves the identity of one victim, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that a second or subsequent conviction for such an offense constitutes a crime of the third degree; or (2) If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount of at least $500 but less than $75,000, or the offense involves the identity of at least two but less than five victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree; or (3) If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more, or the offense involves the identity of five or more victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree. d. A violation of N.J.S.2C:28-7, constituting a disorderly persons offense, section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), section 64 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.2C:35-10d), R.S.33:1-81 or section 6 of P.L.1968, c.313 (C.33:1-81.7) in a case where the person uses the personal identifying information of another to illegally purchase an alcoholic beverage or for using the personal identifying information of another to misrepresent the person's age for the purpose of obtaining tobacco, any cannabis item, or other consumer product denied to persons under 21 years of age shall not constitute an offense under this section if the actor received only that benefit or service and did not perpetrate or attempt to perpetrate any additional injury or fraud on another. e. The sentencing court shall issue such orders as are necessary to correct any public record or government document that contains false information as a result of a theft of identity. The sentencing court may provide restitution to the victim in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of P.L.2002, c.85 (C.2C:21-17.1). amended 1995, c.417, s.1; 1999, c.117; 2002, c.85, s.5; 2003, c.184, s.3; 2005, c.224, s.2; 2013, c.241; 2021, c.16, s.66; 2021, c.25, s.14.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.1 Restitution to victim of unlawful use of personal identifying information.

4. Restitution to a victim of an offense under N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (C.2C:21-2.1), N.J.S.2C:21-17, section 5 of P.L.2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.2) or section 6 of P.L. 2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.3) when the offense concerns personal identifying information may include costs incurred by the victim: a. in clearing the credit history or credit rating of the victim; or b. in connection with any civil or administrative proceeding to satisfy any debt, lien, or other obligation of the victim arising as a result of the actions of the defendant. L.2002,c.85,s.4; amended 2005, c.224, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.2 Use of personal identifying information of another; certain; degree of crime.

5. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if, in obtaining or attempting to obtain a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity, age or any other personal identifying information, that person knowingly exhibits, displays or utters a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency or which belongs or pertains to a person other than the person who possesses the document. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other law, a conviction under this section shall not merge with a conviction of any other criminal offense, nor shall such other conviction merge with a conviction under this section, and the court shall impose separate sentences upon each violation of this section and any other criminal offense. c. A violation of N.J.S.2C:28-7, constituting a disorderly persons offense, section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), section 64 of P.L.2021, c.15 (C.2C:35-10d), R.S.33:1-81 or section 6 of P.L.1968, c.313 (C.33:1-81.7) in a case where the person uses the personal identifying information of another to illegally purchase an alcoholic beverage or for using the personal identifying information of another to misrepresent his age for the purpose of obtaining tobacco, any cannabis item, or other consumer product denied to persons under 21 years of age shall not constitute an offense under this section if the actor received only that benefit or service and did not perpetrate or attempt to perpetrate any additional injury or fraud on another. L.2003, c.184, s.5; amended 2005, c.224, s.4; 2021, c.16, s.67; 2021, c.25, s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.3 Trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, certain; crime degrees; terms defined

6. a. A person who knowingly distributes, manufactures or possesses any item containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, without that person's authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. b. (1) If the person distributes, manufactures or possesses 20 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, or five or more items containing personal information pertaining to five or more separate persons, without authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone the person is guilty of a crime of the third degree. (2) If the person distributes, manufactures or possesses 50 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, or ten or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to five or more separate persons, without authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone the person is guilty of a crime of the second degree. c. Distribution, manufacture or possession of 20 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person or of items containing personal identifying information pertaining to five or more separate persons without authorization shall create an inference that the items were distributed, manufactured or possessed with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone. d. As used in this section: "Distribute" means, but is not limited to, any sale, purchase, transfer, gift, delivery, or provision to another, regardless of whether the distribution was for compensation. "Item" means a writing or document, whether issued by a governmental agency or made by any business or person, recorded by any method that contains personal identifying information. Item includes, but is not limited to, an access device, book, check, paper, card, instrument, or information stored in electronic form by way of e-mail or otherwise, on any computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network or any part thereof, or by other mechanical or electronic device such as cellular telephone, pager or other electronic device capable of storing information. L.2003,c.184,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.4 Action by person defrauded by unauthorized use of personal identifying information.

7. a. Any person who suffers any ascertainable loss of moneys or property, real or personal, as a result of the use of that person's personal identifying information, in violation of N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (2C:21-2.1), N.J.S.2C:21-17, section 5 of P.L.2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.2) or section 6 of P.L.2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.3), may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction. In any action under this section the court shall, in addition to any other appropriate legal or equitable relief, award damages in an amount three times the value of all costs incurred by the victim as a result of the person's criminal activity. These costs may include, but are not limited to, those incurred by the victim in clearing his credit history or credit rating, or those incurred in connection with any civil or administrative proceeding to satisfy any debt, lien, or other obligation of the victim arising as a result of the actions of the defendant. The victim may also recover those costs incurred for attorneys' fees, court costs and any out-of -pocket losses. A financial institution, insurance company, bonding association or business that suffers direct financial loss as a result of the offense shall also be entitled to damages, but damages to natural persons shall be fully satisfied prior to any payment to a financial institution, insurance company, bonding association or business. b. The standard of proof in actions brought under this section is a preponderance of the evidence, and the fact that a prosecution for a violation of N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (2C:21-2.1) or N.J.S.2C:21-17 is not instituted or, where instituted, terminates without a conviction shall not preclude an action pursuant to this section. A final judgment rendered in favor of the State in any criminal proceeding shall estop the defendant from denying the same conduct in any civil action brought pursuant to this section. c. The cause of action authorized by this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any forfeiture or any other action, injunctive relief or any other remedy available at law, except that where the defendant is convicted of a violation of this act, the court in the criminal action, upon the application of the Attorney General or the prosecutor, shall in addition to any other disposition authorized by this Title sentence the defendant to pay restitution in an amount equal to the costs incurred by the victim as a result of the defendant's criminal activity, regardless of whether a civil action has been instituted. These costs may include, but are not limited to those incurred by the victim in clearing his credit history or credit rating; those incurred in connection with any civil or administrative proceeding to satisfy any debt, lien, or other obligation of the victim arising as a result of the actions of the defendant; or those incurred for attorneys' fees, court costs and any out-of-pocket losses. A financial institution, insurance company, bonding association or business that suffers direct financial loss as a result of the offense shall also be entitled to restitution, but restitution to natural persons shall be fully satisfied prior to any payment to a financial institution, insurance company, bonding association or business. L.2003,c.184,s.7; amended 2005, c.224, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.5 Deletion of certain items from victim's consumer reporting files.

8. a. On motion of a person who has been the victim of a violation of N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (C.2C:21-2.1), N.J.S.2C:21-17, section 5 of P.L.2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.2) or section 6 of P.L.2003, c.184 (C.2C:21-17.3), or on its own motion, the court may, without a hearing, grant an order directing all consumer reporting agencies doing business within the State of New Jersey to delete those items of information from the victim's file that were the result of the unlawful use of the victim's personal identifying information. The consumer reporting agency shall thereafter, provide the victim with a copy of the corrected credit history report at no charge. b. Following any deletion of information pursuant to this section, the consumer reporting agency shall, at the request of the victim, furnish notification that the item has been deleted, to any person specifically designated by the victim who has within two years prior thereto received a consumer report for employment purposes, or within one year prior thereto received a consumer report for any other purpose, which contained the deleted or disputed information. L.2003,c.184,s.8; amended 2005, c.224, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.6 Report of identity theft to local law enforcement agency.

3. a. A person who reasonably believes or reasonably suspects that he has been the victim of identity theft in violation of N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (C.2C:21-2.1) or N.J.S.2C:21-17 may contact the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where he resides, which shall take a police report of the matter and provide the complainant with a copy of that report. Notwithstanding the fact that jurisdiction may lie elsewhere for investigation and prosecution of a crime of identity theft, the local law enforcement agency shall take the complaint and provide the complainant with a copy of the complaint and may refer the complaint to a law enforcement agency in that different jurisdiction. b. Nothing in this section shall interfere with the discretion of a local law enforcement agency to allocate resources for investigations of crimes. A complaint filed under this section is not required to be counted as an open case for purposes such as compiling open case statistics. L.2005,c.226,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.7 Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Technological advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in widespread accessibility to sophisticated "deepfake" technology, which can be used to manipulate audio and visual content to create deceptive audio and visual media depictions that often cannot be distinguished from reality. b. Digitally altered media generated with this technology can produce false and deceptive, but completely realistic and convincing, media depicting events that never happened, interactions that never took place, conduct that never occurred, and statements that were never made. c. While there are numerous valid and appropriate uses for this sophisticated technology, such as criticism, comment, satire, parody, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, it may also be used inappropriately to deceive, humiliate, or violate the privacy of individuals who are portrayed in deceptive audio and visual media without their consent. d. It is manifest that lawbreakers will use all available tools to subvert the law, and "deepfake" technology, which may be readily accessed through the Internet or computer software programs, can be a powerful tool to accomplish illicit ends. Utilizing "deepfake" technology, bad actors may engage in a broad range of criminal or unlawful conduct such as creating audio and visual media depictions of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation involving children or non-consenting adults, creating false, misleading, and misattributed political advertising and campaign materials, and targeting individuals and corporate entities for harassment, damaging reputations and ruining lives. Punishment for committing a crime using "deepfake" technology should be cumulative, as the impact of the underlying criminal conduct is amplified through the insidious use of "deepfake" technology as the means to break the law. e. With the readily available amplifiers of the Internet and social media, digital media can be both ubiquitous and enduring, and the harm to a person falsely depicted in a "deepfake" image or visual or audio recording can result in widespread and pervasive emotional distress, reputational damage, and indelible harm to that person's personal and professional relationships. f. There is a compelling State interest in fostering the appropriate use of "deepfake" technology and deterring the inappropriate application of this technology to commit illicit conduct in a way that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the public without unduly infringing on the First Amendment rights of content creators. Similarly, the State has a compelling interest in protecting the privacy and reputational interests of residents who might otherwise be falsely depicted through "deepfake" technology and in providing them a meaningful mechanism through which to obtain appropriate redress. g. While civil liability and enforcement may to some extent prevent the misuse of this technology in furtherance of criminal activity, the relative ease with which this technology may be accessed and deployed, measured against the magnitude of the indelible and long-lasting harms its use can inflict upon victims and their families, warrants more severe consequences to more effectively punish and deter the inappropriate use of "deepfake" technology. h. Accordingly, the Legislature finds that it is necessary and proper to establish robust specific criminal penalties to punish and deter the use of "deepfake" technology to generate or create works of deceptive audio or visual media for the purpose of attempting or furthering the commission of a crime or offense, or to solicit, disclose, or use a work of deceptive audio or visual media for that purpose, and by providing the aggrieved victims of such conduct a civil recourse by which they may seek appropriate recompense. L.2025, c.40, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.8 Definitions, "deepfake", deceptive audio, visual media, crimes, penalties.

2. a. As used in P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.): "Deceptive audio or visual media" means any video recording, motion picture film, sound recording, electronic image, photograph, any technological representation of speech or conduct substantially derivative thereof, or any forgery or facsimile of a document or writing that appears to a reasonable person to realistically depict any speech, conduct, or writing of a person who did not in fact engage in the speech, conduct, or writing, and the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, rather than the ability of another person to physically or verbally impersonate the person. "Disclose" means to sell, give, provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, transfer, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, advertise, offer, share, or make externally available via the Internet or by any other means, whether or not for pecuniary gain. "Interactive computer service provider" shall have the same meaning as set forth in 47 U.S.C. s.230. "Solicit" means to offer to create or generate, or to advertise the ability to create or generate, a work of deceptive audio or visual media, whether or not for hire, commission, monetary remuneration, or pecuniary gain. "Solicit" shall also mean to request the creation or generation of a work of deceptive audio or visual media, whether or not for monetary remuneration or compensation. "Victim" means a person who suffers personal, physical, or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of the conduct of another that would constitute a violation of subsections b. or c. of this section. "Victim" also includes the spouse, parent, legal guardian, grandparent, child, sibling, domestic partner, or civil union partner of the decedent in the case of a person's death. "Video streaming service" means a service that transmits video content over the Internet that is played continuously without download. b. A natural person commits a crime of the third degree if, without license or privilege to do so, the person generates or creates, or causes to be generated or created, a work of deceptive audio or visual media for the purpose of attempting or furthering the commission of any crime or offense, or with the knowledge that the work is to be used by another for such purpose, including, but not limited to: (1) a crime or offense under chapters 14, 16, 20, 21, 28, or 29 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; (2) advertising commercial sex abuse of a minor, pursuant to subsection b. of section 12 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.2C:13-10); (3) endangering the welfare of children, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4; (4) threats or improper influence in official and political matters, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:27-3; (5) false public alarms, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:33-3; (6) harassment, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:33-4; (7) cyber-harassment, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2013, c.272 (C.2C:33-4.1); or (8) hazing, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1980, c.169 (C.2C:40-3). c. (1) A natural person commits a crime of the third degree if, without license or privilege to do so, the person solicits, discloses, or uses a work of deceptive audio or visual media for the purpose of attempting or furthering the commission of any crime or offense, or with the knowledge that the work is to be used by another for such purpose, including, but not limited to, any crime or offense listed in subsection b. of this section. (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection g. of this section, a natural person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, without license or privilege to do so, the person knowingly or recklessly discloses a work of deceptive audio or visual media created in violation of subsection b. of this section. d. In addition to any term of imprisonment imposed pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-6 and notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $30,000 may be imposed for a violation of this section. e. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provisions of law: (1) a conviction arising under subsection b. of this section shall not merge with a conviction under subsection c. of this section, nor shall a conviction under subsection c. of this section merge with a conviction under subsection b. of this section; and (2) a conviction arising under subsection b. or paragraph (1) of subsection c. of this section shall not merge with a conviction of any underlying offense, nor shall any conviction for such underlying offense merge with a conviction under subsection b. of this section. The court shall impose consecutive sentences upon a conviction under subsection b. or paragraph (1) of subsection c. of this section and a conviction of any underlying offense. f. A natural person who violates the provisions of P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.) shall also be liable to the victim of the violation, and the victim may bring a civil action in the Superior Court. The court may award: (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $1,000 for each knowing or reckless violation of P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.); (2) punitive damages upon proof of willful disregard of the law; (3) reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred; and (4) other such preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines appropriate. A conviction for a violation of P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.) shall not be a prerequisite for a civil action brought pursuant to this subsection. The civil action authorized by this subsection shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other civil action, injunctive relief, or other remedy available at law, including, but not limited to, a civil action for common law defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, false light, misappropriation of identity, intrusion of privacy, or public disclosure of private facts. g. (1) P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.) shall not apply to content that a reasonable viewer or listener would understand to constitute criticism, comment, satire, parody, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, research, or to any content that a reasonable viewer or listener would not believe to authentically depict speech or conduct. (2) P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.) shall not apply to an interactive computer service provider, cloud services provider, or commercial developer or provider of artificial intelligence technology, where such developer or provider is not deemed to be a publisher, speaker, or information content provider pursuant to 47 U.S.C. s.230, and shall not be construed to alter or negate any rights, obligations, or immunities of an interactive computer service provider or cloud services provider pursuant to 47 U.S.C. s.230. (3) P.L.2025, c.40 (C.2C:21-17.7 et seq.) shall not apply to any broadcasting station, cable service, radio station, or telecommunications carrier, as those terms are defined pursuant to 47 U.S.C. s.153, or to any television station, billboard, Internet website, mobile application, video streaming service, newspaper, magazine, publication, printed matter, or other advertising channel or medium through which an advertisement containing deceptive audio or visual media appears, where the advertising channel or medium's role in disclosing the advertisement is limited to the selling of advertising time or space, or where an advertising channel or medium is prohibited by federal law from censoring the advertisement regardless of its content. (4) This section shall not apply to any broadcasting station, including a cable or satellite television company, programmer, or producer, an Internet website, video streaming service, or a regularly published newspaper, magazine, or other periodical of general circulation, including an Internet or electronic publication, that routinely carries news and commentary of general interest and that broadcasts or publishes any deceptive audio or visual media prohibited by this section solely for the purpose of disseminating newsworthy facts, provided that if the deceptive nature of the work is known or verified, the broadcast or publication shall clearly contain a disclaimer which is either shown or read aloud that identifies the work as a work of deceptive audio or visual media. (5) It shall not be a violation of this section to disclose any deceptive audio or visual media to law enforcement officers in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution of a violation of this section; pursuant to a subpoena or court order requiring the disclosure of a work of deceptive audio or visual media; to a school administrator, attorney, family member, or other advocate for purposes of reporting conduct that may constitute a violation of this section; or in furtherance of an investigation concerning fraud, cybersecurity, identity theft, harassment, or a violation of a commercial computer network's contractual terms of service. L.2025, c.40, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-18 Slugs

A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense when, other than under such circumstances as would constitute a violation of any of the provisions of the "Casino Control Act" (P.L. 1977, c. 110): (1) He inserts or deposits a slug, key, tool, instrument, explosive or device in a coin, currency or credit card activated machine with purpose to defraud; or (2) He makes, possesses or disposes of a slug, key, tool, instrument, explosive or device or a drawing, print or mold of a key, tool, instrument, explosive or device with purpose to enable a person to insert or deposit it in a coin, currency or credit card activated machine. "Slug" means an object or article which, by virtue of its size, shape or any other quality is capable of being inserted or deposited in a coin, currency or credit card activated machine as an improper substitute for money. L.1978, c.95; amended 1979, c.176, s.1; 1989,c.33,s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-19 Wrongful credit practices and related offenses.

2C:21-19. Wrongful Credit Practices and Related Offenses. a. Criminal usury. A person is guilty of criminal usury when not being authorized or permitted by law to do so, he: (1) Loans or agrees to loan, directly or indirectly, any money or other property at a rate exceeding the maximum rate permitted by law; or (2) Takes, agrees to take, or receives any money or other property as interest on the loan or on the forbearance of any money or other interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law. For the purposes of this section and notwithstanding any law of this State which permits as a maximum interest rate a rate or rates agreed to by the parties of the transaction, any loan or forbearance with an interest rate which exceeds 30% per annum shall not be a rate authorized or permitted by law, except if the loan or forbearance is made to a corporation, limited liability company or limited liability partnership any rate not in excess of 50% per annum shall be a rate authorized or permitted by law. Criminal usury is a crime of the second degree if the rate of interest on any loan made to any person exceeds 50% per annum or the equivalent rate for a longer or shorter period. It is a crime of the third degree if the interest rate on any loan made to any person except a corporation, limited liability company or limited liability partnership does not exceed 50% per annum but the amount of the loan or forbearance exceeds $1,000.00. Otherwise, making a loan to any person in violation of subsections a.(1) and a.(2) of this section is a disorderly persons offense. b. Business of criminal usury. Any person who knowingly engages in the business of making loans or forbearances in violation of subsection a. of this section is guilty of a crime of the second degree and, notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S. 2C:43-3, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250,000.00 and any other appropriate disposition authorized by N.J.S. 2C:43-2b. c. Possession of usurious loan records. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree when, with knowledge of the nature thereof, he possesses any writing, paper instrument or article used to record criminally usurious transactions prohibited by subsection a. of this section. d. Unlawful collection practices. A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense when, with purpose to enforce a claim or judgment for money or property, he sends, mails or delivers to another person a notice, document or other instrument which has no judicial or official sanction and which in its format or appearance simulates a summons, complaint, court order or process or an insignia, seal or printed form of a federal, State or local government or an instrumentality thereof, or is otherwise calculated to induce a belief that such notice, document or instrument has a judicial or official sanction. e. Making a false statement of credit terms. A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense when he understates or fails to state the interest rate, or makes a false or inaccurate or incomplete statement of any other credit terms. f. Debt adjusters. Any person who shall act or offer to act as a debt adjuster without a license as required by P.L.1979, c.16 (C.17:16G-1 et seq.), unless exempt from licensure pursuant to that act, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Amended 1979, c.178, s.42; 1981, c.104, s.1; 1981, c.290, s.25; 1986, c.184, s.6; 1997, c.426, s.2; 2009, c.173, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20 Unlicensed practice of medicine, surgery, podiatric medicine, crime of third degree.

14. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he knowingly does not possess a license or permit to practice medicine and surgery or podiatric medicine, or knowingly has had the license or permit suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the State Board of Medical Examiners, and he: a. engages in that practice; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by the board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being eligible to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which such license or permit is a necessary prerequisite, including, but not limited to, the ordering of controlled dangerous substances or prescription legend drugs from a distributor or manufacturer; or e. practices medicine or surgery or podiatric medicine under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed by the board. L.1989,c.300,s.14; amended 2005, c.259, s.21.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20.1 Unlicensed practice of acupuncture, third degree crime.

16. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he does not possess a license to practice acupuncture, or his license is suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the Acupuncture Examining Board, and, so knowing, he: a. engages in that practice; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by the board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being licensed to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which a license is a necessary prerequisite; or e. practices acupuncture under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed by the board. L.2009, c.56, s.16.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20.2 Unauthorized practice of psychology; third degree crime.

1. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he is required to be licensed to practice psychology pursuant to the "Practicing Psychology Licensing Act," P.L.1966, c.282 (C.45:14B-1 et seq.), and he knowingly does not possess a license to practice psychology, or knowingly has had such license suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the State Board of Psychological Examiners, and he: a. engages in the practice of psychology; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by the board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being eligible to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which such license is a necessary prerequisite; or e. practices psychology under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed by the board. This section shall not apply to any person who is authorized to practice psychology without a license pursuant to the "Practicing Psychology Licensing Act," P.L.1966, c.282 (C.45:14B-1 et seq.) or any other applicable law. L.2013, c.168, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20.3 Unauthorized practice of chiropractic; third degree crime.

2. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he is required to be licensed to practice chiropractic pursuant to the "Chiropractic Board Act," P.L.1989, c.153 (C.45:9-41.17 et al.), or R.S.45:9-14.5, R.S.45:9-14.6, or R.S.45:9-14.10, or P.L.1953, c.233 (C.45:9-41.4 et al.), and he knowingly does not possess a license to practice chiropractic, or knowingly has had such license suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and he: a. engages in the practice of chiropractic; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by the board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being eligible to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which such license is a necessary prerequisite; or e. practices chiropractic under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed by the board. This section shall not apply to any person who is authorized to practice chiropractic without a license pursuant to the "Chiropractic Board Act," P.L.1989, c.153 (C.45:9-41.17 et al.), or R.S.45:9-14.5, R.S.45:9-14.6, or R.S.45:9-14.10, or P.L.1953, c.233 (C.45:9-41.4 et al.), or any other applicable law. L.2013, c.168, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20.4 Unauthorized practice of social work; third degree crime.

3. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he is required to be licensed or certified to practice social work pursuant to the "Social Workers' Licensing Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.134 (C.45:15BB-1 et seq.), and he knowingly does not possess a license or certification, or knowingly has had such license or certification suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered into by the State Board of Social Work Examiners, and he: a. engages in the practice of social work; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by the board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being eligible to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which such license or certification is a necessary prerequisite; or e. practices social work under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed or certified by the board. This section shall not apply to any person who is authorized to practice social work without a license or certification pursuant to the "Social Workers' Licensing Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.134 (C.45:15BB-1 et seq.) or any other applicable law. L.2013, c.168, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-20.5 Unauthorized practice of psychoanalysis; third degree crime.

4. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he knowingly does not possess a certification to practice psychoanalysis pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2000, c.57 (C.45:14BB-1 et seq.) or knowingly has had such certification suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety or his designee and the person: a. holds himself out to the public or any person as being a State certified psychoanalyst; or b. practices as a State certified psychoanalyst under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person who is a State certified psychoanalyst. L.2013, c.168, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-21 Short title; definitions; offenses; penalties.

1. a. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Anti-Piracy Act." b. As used in this act: (1) "Sound recording" means any phonograph record, disc, tape, film, wire, cartridge, cassette, player piano roll or similar material object from which sounds can be reproduced either directly or with the aid of a machine. (2) "Owner" means (a) the person who owns the sounds fixed in any master sound recording on which the original sounds were fixed and from which transferred recorded sounds are directly or indirectly derived; or (b) the person who owns the rights to record or authorize the recording of a live performance. (3) "Audiovisual work" means any work that consists of a series of related images which are intrinsically intended to be shown by the use of machines or devices such as projectors, viewers, or electronic equipment, together with accompanying sounds, if any, regardless of the nature of the material object, such as film or tape, in which the work is embodied. "Audiovisual work" includes but is not limited to a motion picture. (4) "Audiovisual recording function" means the capability of a device to record or transmit a motion picture or any part thereof by means of any technology. (5) "Facility" means any theater, screening room, indoor or outdoor screening venue, auditorium, ballroom or other premises where motion pictures are publicly exhibited but does not include a library or retail establishment. c. A person commits an offense who: (1) Knowingly transfers, without the consent of the owner, any sounds recorded on a sound recording with intent to sell the sound recording onto which the sounds are transferred or to use the sound recording to promote the sale of any product, provided, however, that this paragraph shall only apply to sound recordings initially fixed prior to February 15, 1972. (2) Knowingly transports, advertises, sells, resells, rents, or offers for rental, sale or resale, any sound recording or audiovisual work that the person knows has been produced in violation of this act. (3) Knowingly manufactures or transfers, directly or indirectly by any means, or records or fixes a sound recording or audiovisual work, with the intent to sell or distribute for commercial advantage or private financial gain, a live performance with the knowledge that the live performance has been recorded or fixed without the consent of the owner of the live performance. (4) For commercial advantage or private financial gain, knowingly advertises or offers for sale, resale or rental, or sells, resells, rents or transports, a sound recording or audiovisual work or possesses with intent to advertise, sell, resell, rent or transport any sound recording or audiovisual work, the label, cover, box or jacket of which does not clearly and conspicuously disclose the true name and address of the manufacturer, and, in the case of a sound recording, the name of the actual performer or group. (5) Knowingly operates an audiovisual recording function of a device in a facility while a motion picture is being exhibited, for the purpose of recording the motion picture, without the consent of both the licensor of the motion picture and the owner or lessee of the facility. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3: (1) Any offense set forth in this act which involves at least 1,000 unlawful sound recordings or at least 65 audiovisual works within any 180-day period shall be punishable as a crime of the third degree and a fine of up to $250,000 may be imposed. (2) Any offense which involves more than 100 but less than 1,000 unlawful sound recordings or more than 7 but less than 65 unlawful audiovisual works within any 180-day period shall be punishable as a crime of the third degree and a fine of up to $150,000 may be imposed. (3) Any offense punishable under the provisions of this act not described in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection shall be punishable for the first offense as a crime of the fourth degree and a fine of up to $25,000 may be imposed. For a second and subsequent offense pursuant to this paragraph, a person shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. A fine of up to $50,000 may be imposed for a second offense pursuant to this paragraph and a fine of up to $100,000 for a third and subsequent offense may be imposed. e. All unlawful sound recordings and audiovisual works and any equipment or components used in violation of the provisions of this act shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter 64 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. f. The provisions of this act shall not apply to: (1) Any broadcaster who, in connection with or as part of a radio or television broadcast transmission, or for the purposes of archival preservation, transfers any sounds or images recorded on a sound recording or audiovisual work. (2) Any person who, in his own home, for his own personal use, and without deriving any profit, transfers any sounds or images recorded on a sound recording or audiovisual work. (3) Any law enforcement officer who, while engaged in the official performance of his duties, transfers any sounds or images recorded on a sound recording or audiovisual work. g. A law enforcement officer, an owner or lessee of a facility where a motion picture or a live performance is being exhibited, the authorized agent or employee of the owner or lessee, the licensor of the motion picture or the live performance or the authorized agent or employee of the licensor, who has probable cause for believing that a person has operated an audiovisual recording function of a device in violation of this section and that he can recover the recording by taking the person into custody, may, for the purpose of attempting to effect recovery thereof, take the person into custody and detain him in a reasonable manner for not more than a reasonable time, and the taking into custody by a law enforcement officer, owner, lessee, licensor, authorized agent or employee shall not render such person criminally or civilly liable in any manner or to any extent whatsoever. Any law enforcement officer may arrest without warrant any person he has probable cause for believing has operated an audiovisual recording function of a device in violation of this section. An owner or lessee of a facility, the authorized agent or employee of the owner or lessee, the licensor of the motion picture or the live performance or the authorized agent or employee of the licensor who causes the arrest of a person for operating an audiovisual recording function of a device in violation of this section, shall not be criminally or civilly liable in any manner or to any extent whatsoever where the owner, lessee, licensor, authorized agent or employee has probable cause for believing that the person arrested committed the offense. L.1991,c.125,s.1; amended 2004, c.144.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-22 Unauthorized practice of law, penalties.

1. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person knowingly engages in the unauthorized practice of law. b. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if the person knowingly engages in the unauthorized practice of law and: (1) Creates or reinforces, by any means, a false impression that the person is licensed to engage in the practice of law. As used in this paragraph, "by any means" includes but is not limited to using or advertising the title of lawyer or attorney-at-law, or equivalent terms, in the English language or any other language, which mean or imply that the person is licensed as an attorney-at-law in the State of New Jersey or in any other jurisdiction of the United States; or (2) Derives a benefit; or (3) In fact causes injury to another. c. For the purposes of this section, the phrase "in fact" indicates strict liability. L.1994, c.47, s.1; amended 2011, c.209, s.1; 2014, c.48, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-22a Civil actions resulting from the unauthorized practice of law.

2. a. Any person who suffers any ascertainable loss of moneys or property, real or personal, as a result of any action or inaction by a person who knowingly engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in violation of section 1 of P.L.1994, c.47 (C.2C:21-22) may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction. b. In any civil action under this section the court shall, in addition to any other appropriate legal or equitable relief, award damages in an amount that constitutes the greater of: (1) $1,000, or (2) Three times the value of all costs incurred by the victim as a result of the defendant's criminal activity, including any fees paid to the defendant for services, costs incurred for attorneys' fees, court costs and any out-of-pocket losses. c. The standard of proof in civil actions brought under this section is a preponderance of the evidence, and the fact that a prosecution for a violation of section 1 of P.L.1994, c.47 (C.2C:21-22) is not instituted or, where instituted, terminates without a conviction shall not preclude a civil action pursuant to this section. A final judgment rendered in favor of the State in any criminal proceeding shall estop the defendant from denying the same conduct in any civil action brought pursuant to this section. d. A civil action under this section shall not preclude the application of any other civil, administrative, or criminal remedy under any other provision of law. L.2011, c.209, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-22.1 Definitions relative to use of runners; crime; sentencing.

1. a. As used in this section: "Provider" means an attorney, a health care professional, an owner or operator of a health care practice or facility, any person who creates the impression that he or his practice or facility can provide legal or health care services, or any person employed or acting on behalf of any of the aforementioned persons. "Public media" means telephone directories, professional directories, newspapers and other periodicals, radio and television, billboards and mailed or electronically transmitted written communications that do not involve in-person contact with a specific prospective client, patient or customer. "Runner" means a person who, for a pecuniary benefit, procures or attempts to procure a client, patient or customer at the direction of, request of or in cooperation with a provider whose purpose is to seek to obtain benefits under a contract of insurance or assert a claim against an insured or an insurance carrier for providing services to the client, patient or customer, or to obtain benefits under or assert a claim against a State or federal health care benefits program or prescription drug assistance program. "Runner" shall not include a person who procures or attempts to procure clients, patients or customers for a provider through public media or a person who refers clients, patients or customers to a provider as otherwise authorized by law. b. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if that person knowingly acts as a runner or uses, solicits, directs, hires or employs another to act as a runner. c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1, the court shall deal with a person who has been convicted of a violation of this section by imposing a sentence of imprisonment unless, having regard to the character and condition of the person, the court is of the opinion that imprisonment would be a serious injustice which overrides the need to deter such conduct by others. If the court imposes a noncustodial or probationary sentence, such sentence shall not become final for 10 days in order to permit the appeal of such sentence by the prosecution. Nothing in this section shall preclude an indictment and conviction for any other offense defined by the laws of this State. L. 1999, c. 162; amended 2007, c.58, s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-23 Findings, declarations

1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares to be the public policy of this State, the following: a. By enactment of the "Criminal Justice Act of 1970," P.L.1970, c.74 (C.52:17B-97 et seq.), the legislature recognized that the existence of organized crime and organized crime type activities present a serious threat to the political, social and economic institutions of this State. b. By enactment of P.L.1981, c.167 (C.2C:41-1 et al.), the Legislature recognized the need to impose strict civil and criminal sanctions upon those whose activity is inimical to the general health, welfare and prosperity of this State, including, but not limited to, those who drain money from the economy by illegal conduct and then undertake the operation of otherwise legitimate businesses with the proceeds of illegal conduct. c. By enactment of the "Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987," P.L.1987, c.106 (C.2C:35-1 et seq.), the Legislature recognized the need to punish the more culpable drug offenders with strict, consistently imposed criminal sanctions. The Legislature intended a greater culpability for those who profit from the illegal trafficking of drugs and expressed an intent that such individuals be dealt with swiftly and sternly. d. Despite the impressive efforts and gains of our law enforcement agencies, individuals still profit financially from illegal organized criminal activities and illegal trafficking of drugs, and they continue to pose a serious and pervasive threat to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State while, at the same time, converting their illegally obtained profits into "legitimate" funds with the assistance of other individuals. e. The increased trafficking in drugs and other organized criminal activities have strengthened the money laundering industry which takes illegally acquired income and makes that money appear to be legitimate. In order to safeguard the public interest and stop the conversion of ill-gotten criminal profits, effective criminal and civil sanctions are needed to deter and punish those who are converting the illegal profits, those who are providing a method of hiding the true source of the funds, and those who facilitate such activities. It is in the public interest to make such conduct subject to strict criminal and civil penalties because of a need to deter individuals and business entities from assisting in the "legitimizing" of proceeds of illegal activity. To allow individuals or business entities to avoid responsibility for their criminal assistance in money laundering is clearly inimical to the public good. L.1994,c.121,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-24 Definitions

2. As used in this act: "Attorney General" includes the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey and the Attorney General's assistants and deputies. The term also shall include a county prosecutor or the county prosecutor's designated assistant prosecutor if a county prosecutor is expressly authorized in writing by the Attorney General pursuant to this act. "Derived from" means obtained directly or indirectly from, maintained by or realized through. "Person" means any corporation, unincorporated association or any other entity or enterprise, as defined in subsection q. of N.J.S.2C:20-1, which is capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property. "Property" means anything of value, as defined in subsection g. of N.J.S.2C:20-1, and includes any benefit or interest without reduction for expenses incurred for acquisition, maintenance or any other purpose. L.1994,c.121,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-25 Money laundering, illegal investment, crime.

3. A person is guilty of a crime if the person: a. transports or possesses property known or which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity; or b. engages in a transaction involving property known or which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity (1) with the intent to facilitate or promote the criminal activity; or (2) knowing that the transaction is designed in whole or in part: (a) to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the property derived from criminal activity; or (b) to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under the laws of this State or any other state or of the United States; or c. directs, organizes, finances, plans, manages, supervises, or controls the transportation of or transactions in property known or which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity. d. For the purposes of this act, property is known to be derived from criminal activity if the person knows that the property involved represents proceeds from some form, though not necessarily which form, of criminal activity. Among the factors that the finder of fact may consider in determining that a transaction has been designed to avoid a transaction reporting requirement shall be whether the person, acting alone or with others, conducted one or more transactions in currency, in any amount, at one or more financial institutions, on one or more days, in any manner. The phrase "in any manner" includes the breaking down of a single sum of currency exceeding the transaction reporting requirement into smaller sums, including sums at or below the transaction reporting requirement, or the conduct of a transaction, or series of currency transactions, including transactions at or below the transaction reporting requirement. The transaction or transactions need not exceed the transaction reporting threshold at any single financial institution on any single day in order to demonstrate a violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (2) of subsection b. of this section. e. A person is guilty of a crime if, with the purpose to evade a transaction reporting requirement of this State or of 31 U.S.C. s.5311 et seq. or 31 C.F.R. s.103 et seq., or any rules or regulations adopted under those chapters and sections, he: (1) causes or attempts to cause a financial institution, including a foreign or domestic money transmitter or an authorized delegate thereof, casino, check casher, person engaged in a trade or business or any other individual or entity required by State or federal law to file a report regarding currency transactions or suspicious transactions to fail to file a report; or (2) causes or attempts to cause a financial institution, including a foreign or domestic money transmitter or an authorized delegate thereof, casino, check casher, person engaged in a trade or business or any other individual or entity required by State or federal law to file a report regarding currency transactions or suspicious transactions to file a report that contains a material omission or misstatement of fact; or (3) structures or assists in structuring, or attempts to structure or assist in structuring any transaction with one or more financial institutions, including foreign or domestic money transmitters or an authorized delegate thereof, casinos, check cashers, persons engaged in a trade or business or any other individuals or entities required by State or federal law to file a report regarding currency transactions or suspicious transactions. "Structure" or "structuring" means that a person, acting alone, or in conjunction with, or on behalf of, other persons, conducts or attempts to conduct one or more transactions in currency, in any amount, at one or more financial institutions, on one or more days, in any manner, for the purpose of evading currency transaction reporting requirements provided by State or federal law. "In any manner" includes, but is not limited to, the breaking down into smaller sums of a single sum of currency meeting or exceeding that which is necessary to trigger a currency reporting requirement or the conduct of a transaction, or series of currency transactions, at or below the reporting requirement. The transaction or transactions need not exceed the reporting threshold at any single financial institution on any single day in order to meet the definition of "structure" or "structuring" provided in this paragraph. L.1994,c.121,s.3; amended 1999, c.25, s.3; 2002, c.26, s.14.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-26 Knowledge inferred

4. For the purposes of section 3 of this act, the requisite knowledge may be inferred where the property is transported or possessed in a fashion inconsistent with the ordinary or usual means of transportation or possession of such property and where the property is discovered in the absence of any documentation or other indicia of legitimate origin or right to such property. L.1994,c.121,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27 Degrees of offense; penalties; nonmerger.

5. a. The offense defined in subsections a. b. and c. of section 3 of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-25) constitutes a crime of the first degree if the amount involved is $500,000.00 or more. If the amount involved is at least $75,000.00 but less than $500,000.00 the offense constitutes a crime of the second degree; otherwise, the offense constitutes a crime of the third degree. The offense defined in subsection e. of section 3 of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-25) constitutes a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, the court may also impose a fine up to $500,000.00. The amount involved in a prosecution for violation of this section shall be determined by the trier of fact. Amounts involved in transactions conducted pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct may be aggregated in determining the degree of the offense. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, a person convicted of a crime of the first degree pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment that shall include the imposition of a minimum term which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, during which time the defendant shall not be eligible for parole. b. In addition to any other dispositions authorized by this Title, upon conviction of a violation of this section, the court may sentence the defendant to pay an amount as calculated pursuant to subsection a. of section 6 of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-28). c. Notwithstanding N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provision of law, a conviction of an offense defined in this section shall not merge with the conviction of any other offense constituting the criminal activity involved or from which the property was derived, and a conviction of any offense constituting the criminal activity involved or from which the property was derived shall not merge with a conviction of an offense defined in section 3 of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-25), and the sentence imposed upon a conviction of any offense defined in section 3 of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-25) shall be ordered to be served consecutively to that imposed for a conviction of any offense constituting the criminal activity involved or from which the property was derived. Nothing in P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.) shall be construed in any way to preclude or limit a prosecution or conviction for any other offense defined in this Title or any other criminal law of this State. L.1994,c.121,s.5; amended 1999, c.25, s.4; 2002, c.26, s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.1 Criteria for imposition of anti-money laundering profiteering penalty.

8. Criteria for Imposition of Anti-Money Laundering Profiteering Penalty. In addition to any other disposition authorized by this title, including but not limited to any fines which may be imposed pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, where a person has been convicted of a crime defined in P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.) or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime, the court shall, upon the application of the prosecutor, sentence the person to pay a monetary penalty in an amount determined pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2), provided the court finds at a hearing, which may occur at the time of sentencing, that the prosecutor has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was convicted of a violation of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.). L.1999,c.25,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.2 Calculation of anti-money laundering profiteering penalty.

9. Calculation of Anti-Money Laundering Profiteering Penalty. Where, pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.1) the prosecutor has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was convicted of a violation of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.), the court shall assess a monetary penalty as follows: a. $500,000.00 in the case of a crime of the first degree; $250,000.00 in the case of a crime of the second degree; $75,000.00 in the case of a crime of the third degree; or b. an amount equal to three times the value of any property involved in a money laundering activity in violation of P.L.1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.). c. Where the prosecution requests that the court assess a penalty in an amount calculated pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the prosecutor shall have the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence the appropriate amount of the penalty to be assessed pursuant to that subsection. In making its finding, the court shall take judicial notice of any evidence, testimony or information adduced at trial, plea hearing or other court proceedings and shall also consider the presentence report and other relevant information, including expert opinion in the form of live testimony or by affidavit. The court's findings shall be incorporated in the record, and such findings shall not be subject to modification by an appellate court except upon a showing that the finding was totally lacking support in the record or was arbitrary and capricious. L.1999,c.25,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.3 Revocation or reduction of penalty assessment.

10. Revocation or reduction of penalty assessment. The court shall not revoke or reduce a penalty imposed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2). An anti-money laundering profiteering penalty imposed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) shall not be deemed a fine for purposes of N.J.S.2C:46-3. L.1999,c.25,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.4 Payment schedule.

11. Payment Schedule. The court may, for good cause shown, and subject to the provisions of this section, grant permission for the payment of an anti-money laundering profiteering penalty assessed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) to be made within a specified period of time or in specified installments, provided however that the payment schedule fixed by the court shall require the defendant to pay the anti-money laundering profiteering penalty in the shortest period of time consistent with the nature and extent of his assets and his ability to pay, and further provided that the prosecutor shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence or information concerning the nature, extent and location of the defendant's assets or interests in property which are or might be subject to levy and execution. In such event, the court may only grant permission for the payment to be made within a specified period of time or installments with respect to that portion of the assessed penalty which would not be satisfied by the liquidation of property which is or may be subject to levy and execution, unless the court finds that the immediate liquidation of such property would result in undue hardship to innocent persons. If no permission to make payment within a specified period of time or in installments is embodied in the sentence, the entire penalty shall be payable forthwith. L.1999,c.25,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.5 Relation to other dispositions.

12. Relation to Other Dispositions. a. An anti-money laundering profiteering penalty assessed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) shall be imposed and paid in addition to any penalty, fine, fee or order for restitution which may be imposed. b. An anti-money laundering profiteering penalty imposed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any forfeiture or other cause of action instituted pursuant to chapter 41 or 64 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed in any way to preclude, preempt or limit any such cause of action. A defendant shall not be entitled to receive credit toward the payment of an anti-money laundering profiteering penalty imposed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) for the value of property forfeited, or subject to forfeiture, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 41 or 64 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. L.1999,c.25,s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-27.6 Collection and distribution.

13. Collection and Distribution. All anti-money laundering profiteering penalties assessed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) shall be docketed and collected as provided for the collection of fines, penalties, fees and restitution in chapter 46 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. The Attorney General or prosecutor may prosecute an action to collect any anti-money laundering profiteering penalties imposed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2). All anti-money laundering profiteering penalties assessed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1999, c.25 (C.2C:21-27.2) shall be disposed of, distributed, appropriated and used as if the collected penalties were the proceeds of property forfeited pursuant to chapter 64 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. L.1999,c.25,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-28 Civil action for treble damages; allocation

6. a. The Attorney General may institute a civil action against any person who violates section 3 of this act, and may recover a judgment against all persons who violate this section, jointly and severally, for damages in an amount equal to three times the value of all property involved in the criminal activity, together with costs incurred for resources and personnel used in the investigation and litigation of both criminal and civil proceedings. The standard of proof in actions brought under this subsection is a preponderance of the evidence, and the fact that a prosecution for a violation of this act is not instituted or, where instituted, terminates without a conviction shall not preclude an action pursuant to this subsection. A final judgment rendered in favor of the State in any criminal proceedings shall estop the defendant from denying the same conduct in any civil action brought pursuant to this subsection. b. The cause of action authorized by this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any forfeiture or any other action, injunctive relief or any other remedy available at law, except that where the defendant is convicted of a violation of this act, the court in the criminal action, upon the application of the Attorney General or the prosecutor, may in addition to any other disposition authorized by this Title, sentence the defendant to pay an amount equal to the damages calculated pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, whether or not a civil action has been instituted. c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all monies collected pursuant to any judgment recovered or order issued pursuant to this section shall first be allocated to the payment of any State tax, penalty and interest due and owing to the State as a result of the conduct which is the basis for the action. Monies collected shall be allocated next in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:64-6 as if collected pursuant to chapter 64 of Title 2C, in an amount equal to the amount of all property involved in the criminal activity plus the costs incurred for resources and personnel used in the investigation and litigation. The remainder of the monies collected shall be allocated to the General Fund of the State. L.1994,c.121,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-29 Investigative interrogatives

7. a. Whenever the Attorney General, by the Attorney General's own inquiry or as the result of a complaint, determines that there exists reasonable suspicion that a violation of this act is occurring, has occurred or is about to occur, or, whenever the Attorney General believes it to be in the public interest that an investigation be made, the Attorney General may, prior to the institution of any criminal or civil action, issue in writing and cause to be served upon any person investigative interrogatories requiring the person to answer and produce material for examination. b. Any investigative interrogatories issued pursuant to this subsection and all procedures related to such interrogatories shall comply with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:41-5. L.1994,c.121,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-30 Unlawful practice of dentistry; third degree crime

1. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he knowingly does not possess a license to practice dentistry or knowingly has had the license suspended, revoked or otherwise limited by an order entered by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, and he: a. engages in that practice; b. exceeds the scope of practice permitted by a board order; c. holds himself out to the public or any person as being eligible to engage in that practice; d. engages in any activity for which such license is a necessary prerequisite, including, but not limited to, the ordering of controlled dangerous substances or prescription legend drugs from a distributor or manufacturer; or e. practices dentistry under a false or assumed name or falsely impersonates another person licensed by the board. L.1995,c.124,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-31 Unauthorized practice of immigration law; penalties.

1. a. As used in this section: (1) "Immigration consultant" means any person rendering services for a fee, including the completion of forms and applications, to another person in furtherance of that person's desire to determine or modify his status in an immigration or naturalization matter under federal law. (2) "Immigration or naturalization matter" means any matter which involves any law, action, filing or proceeding related to a person's immigration or citizenship status in the United States. (3) "Immigration-related document" means any birth certificate or marriage certificate; any document issued by the government of the United States, any foreign country, any state, or any other public entity relating to a person's immigration or naturalization status. b. (1) Any immigration consultant not licensed as an attorney or counselor at law who engages in this State in the practice of law is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (2) Any immigration consultant not licensed as an attorney or counselor at law who holds himself out to the public, either alone or together with, by or through another person, whether such other person is licensed as an attorney or counselor at law or not, as engaging in or entitled to engage in the practice of law, or as rendering legal service or advice, or as furnishing attorneys or counsel, in any immigration or naturalization matter is guilty of a crime of the third degree. (3) Any immigration consultant not licensed as an attorney or counselor at law who assumes, uses or advertises the title of lawyer or attorney-at-law, or equivalent terms, in the English language or any other language which mean or imply that the immigration consultant is licensed as an attorney-at-law in the State of New Jersey or in any other jurisdiction of the United States, is guilty of a crime of the third degree. c. Any person who knowingly retains possession of another person's immigration-related document for more than a reasonable time after the person who owns the document has submitted a written request for the document's return is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person accredited as a representative by federal law pursuant to 8 CFR 292.2 from providing immigration services. L.1997, c.1, s.1; amended 2011, c.209, s.3; 2014, c.48, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-31.1 Civil actions resulting from unauthorized practice of immigration law.

4. a. Any person who suffers any ascertainable loss of moneys or property, real or personal, as a result of any action or inaction by a person who knowingly engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in violation of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.1 (C.2C:21-31) may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction. b. In any civil action under this section the court shall, in addition to any other appropriate legal or equitable relief, award damages in an amount that constitutes the greater of: (1) $1,000, or (2) Three times the value of all costs incurred by the victim as a result of the defendant's criminal activity, including any fees paid to the defendant for services, costs incurred for attorneys' fees, court costs and any out-of-pocket losses. c. The standard of proof in civil actions brought under this section is a preponderance of the evidence, and the fact that a prosecution for a violation of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.1 (C.2C:21-31) is not instituted or, where instituted, terminates without a conviction shall not preclude a civil action pursuant to this section. A final judgment rendered in favor of the State in any criminal proceeding shall estop the defendant from denying the same conduct in any civil action brought pursuant to this section. d. A civil action under this section shall not preclude the application of any other civil, administrative, or criminal remedy under any other provision of law. L.2011, c.209, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-32 Short title; definitions relative to counterfeit marks; offenses.

1. a. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Trademark Counterfeiting Act." b. As used in this act: (1) "Counterfeit mark" means a spurious mark that is identical with or substantially indistinguishable from a genuine mark that is registered on the principal register in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or registered in the New Jersey Secretary of State's office or a spurious mark that is identical with or substantially indistinguishable from the words, names, symbols, emblems, signs, insignias or any combination thereof, of the United States Olympic Committee or the International Olympic Committee; and that is used or is intended to be used on, or in conjunction with, goods or services for which the genuine mark is registered and in use. (2) "Retail value" means the counterfeiter's regular selling price for the item or service bearing or identified by the counterfeit mark. In the case of items bearing a counterfeit mark which are components of a finished product, the retail value shall be the counterfeiter's regular selling price of the finished product on or in which the component would be utilized. c. A person commits the offense of counterfeiting who, with the intent to deceive or defraud some other person, knowingly manufactures, uses, displays, advertises, distributes, offers for sale, sells, or possesses with intent to sell or distribute within, or in conjunction with commercial activities within New Jersey, any item, or services, bearing, or identified by, a counterfeit mark. A person who has in his possession or under his control more than 25 items bearing a counterfeit mark shall be presumed to have violated this section. d. (1) An offense set forth in this act shall be punishable as a crime of the fourth degree if: the offense involves fewer than 100 items bearing a counterfeit mark; the offense involves a total retail value of less than $1,000.00 for all items bearing, or services identified by, a counterfeit mark; or the offense involves a first conviction under this act. (2) An offense set forth in this act shall be punishable as a crime of the third degree if: the offense involves 100 or more but fewer than 1,000 items bearing a counterfeit mark; the offense involves a total retail value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $15,000.00 of all items bearing, or services identified by, a counterfeit mark; or the offense involves a second conviction under this act. (3) An offense set forth in this act shall be punishable as a crime of the second degree if: the offense involves 1,000 or more items bearing a counterfeit mark; the offense involves a total retail value of $15,000.00 or more of all items bearing, or services identified by a counterfeit mark; or the offense involves a third or subsequent conviction under this act. In addition, any person convicted under this act, notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, shall be fined by the court an amount up to threefold the retail value of the items or services involved, providing that the fine imposed shall not exceed the following amounts: for a crime of the fourth degree, $100,000.00; for a crime of the third degree, $250,000.00; and for a crime of the second degree, $500,000.00. e. All items bearing a counterfeit mark, and all personal property, including but not limited to, any items, objects, tools, machines, equipment, instrumentalities or vehicles of any kind, employed or used in connection with a violation of this act, shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter 64 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. f. For purposes of this act: (1) the quantity or retail value of items or services shall include the aggregate quantity or retail value of all items bearing, or services identified by, every counterfeit mark the defendant manufactures, uses, displays, advertises, distributes, offers for sale, sells or possesses; (2) any State or federal certificate of registration of any intellectual property shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. g. Conviction for an offense under this act does not preclude the defendant's liability for the civil remedy available pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1987, c.454 (C.56:3-13.16). L.1997,c.57,s.1; amended 1999, c.313.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-33 Electrical contracting without business permit, fourth degree crime.

1. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if that person knowingly engages in the business of electrical contracting without having a business permit issued by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and: (1) Creates or reinforces a false impression that the person is licensed as an electrical contractor or possesses a business permit; or (2) Derives a benefit, the value of which is more than incidental; or (3) In fact causes injury to another. b. For the purposes of this section, the phrase "in fact" indicates strict liability. L.1998,c.151,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-34 Penalty for false contract payment claims, representation, for a government contract; prevailing wage violations; grading.

97. a. A person commits a crime if the person knowingly submits to the government any claim for payment for performance of a government contract knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent. If the claim submitted is for $25,000.00 or above, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the claim exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $25,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the claim is for $2,500.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. b. A person commits a crime if the person knowingly makes a material representation that is false in connection with the negotiation, award or performance of a government contract. If the contract amount is for $25,000.00 or above, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the contract amount exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $25,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the contract amount is for $2,500.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. c. An employer commits a crime if the employer knowingly pays one or more employees employed in public work subject to the provisions of P.L.1963, c.150 (C.34:11-56.25 et seq.) at a rate less than the rate required pursuant to that act. If the contract amount is for $75,000.00 or above, the employer is guilty of a crime of the second degree; if the contract amount exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $75,000.00, the employer is guilty of a crime of the third degree; and if the contract amount is for $2,500.00 or less, the employer is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. In addition, the employer shall be deemed to have caused loss to the employees in the amount by which the employees were underpaid and shall be subject to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3 regarding fines and restitution to victims and be subject to other pertinent provisions of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, including, but not limited to, N.J.S.2C:43-4, 2C:43-6 and 2C:44-1. L.1999,c.440,s.97; amended 2003, c.276, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-35 False public utility employee identification badge, violations, degree of crime.

2. a. A person who knowingly sells, offers or exposes for sale, or otherwise transfers, or possesses with the intent to sell, offer or expose for sale, or otherwise transfer, a document, printed form or other writing which falsely purports to be a public utility employee identification badge as required under the provisions of P.L.1977, c.35 (C.48:3-42 et seq.) which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity as a public utility employee is guilty of a crime of the second degree. b. A person who knowingly makes, or possesses devices or materials to make, a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a public utility employee identification badge as required under the provisions of P.L.1977, c.35 (C.48:3-42 et seq.) which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity as a public utility employee is guilty of a crime of the second degree. c. A person who knowingly exhibits, displays or utters a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a public utility employee identification badge as required under the provisions of P.L.1977, c.35 (C.48:3-42 et seq.) which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity as a public utility employee is guilty of a crime of the third degree. d. A person who knowingly possesses a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a public utility employee identification badge as required under the provisions of P.L.1977, c.35 (C.48:3-42 et seq.) which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity as a public utility employee is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.2007,c.232,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-36 Sale of secondhand jewelry.

1. Any person engaged in the business of retailing, wholesaling, or smelting jewelry who purchases any article of used or secondhand jewelry shall: a. Maintain, for five years: (1) a record of the name, address and telephone number of the person from whom it was purchased; (2) a descriptive list of any used jewelry purchased from that seller, including any identifying characteristics of that jewelry; (3) digital photographs of any used jewelry purchased from that seller; and (4) a photocopy of the identification of the seller provided pursuant to subsection b. of this section; b. Verify the identity of the person selling the jewelry by requesting and examining a photograph-bearing, valid State or federal issued driver's license or other government issued form of identification bearing a photograph; c. Deliver, on a weekly basis, to the police department having jurisdiction in the location of that person's place of business a copy of the record of all used jewelry purchased by that person during the preceding week; d. Maintain in his possession any used jewelry purchased for not less than 10 business days following the delivery of the record of the purchase of that jewelry to the police department, as required by subsection c. of this section ; provided, however, that a municipal ordinance adopted prior to the effective date of P.L.2009, c.214 (January 16, 2010) may provide a longer minimum length of time to maintain possession of used or secondhand jewelry; and e. Maintain, for five years, a copy of any list provided by an individual pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2009, c.214 (C.2C:21-37). Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to pawnbrokers licensed and regulated pursuant to the pawnbroking law, R.S.45:22-1 et seq., or sales made through an Internet website. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to a person engaged in retail, provided the sale of jewelry is not his primary business and further provided the person does not engage in the purchase of used or secondhand jewelry on more than three days in a calendar year. L.2009, c.214, s.1; amended 2013, c.247, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-37 Requirements for reselling of secondhand jewelry.

2. Any individual who purchases used or secondhand jewelry from another individual with the intent of selling that jewelry to a person engaged in the business of retailing, wholesaling, or smelting jewelry shall: a. Maintain, for five years, a record of the sale of that jewelry, including, but not limited to, the date the jewelry is sold; name of the person engaged in the business of retailing, wholesaling, or smelting jewelry to whom it is sold; and an itemized, descriptive list of that jewelry; and b. Provide an itemized, descriptive list of the jewelry sold to the person engaged in the business of retailing, wholesaling, or smelting jewelry at the time of sale. L.2009, c.214, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-38 Requisite knowledge, belief for violation.

3. The requisite knowledge or belief for a violation of N.J.S.2C:20-7 is presumed in the case of a person subject to the provisions of section 1 or 2 of P.L.2009, c.214 (C.2C:21-36 or C.2C:21-37) who purchases any article of used or secondhand jewelry and fails to comply with the requirements of section 1 or 2 of P.L.2009, c.214 (C.2C:21-36 or C.2C:21-37), as applicable. L.2009, c.214, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-39 Report by purchaser.

4. Any person who purchases any article of used or secondhand jewelry shall immediately report to an appropriate law enforcement agency any delivery or sale of used jewelry under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to believe the used jewelry was probably stolen or otherwise inappropriately obtained. L.2009, c.214, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-40 Immunity.

5. Notwithstanding any provision of the law to the contrary, any person who reports information to a law enforcement official or agency concerning the suspect sale of used jewelry shall be immune from any civil liability on account of the report, unless such person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. L.2009, c.214, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-41 Regulations.

6. The Attorney General shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.2009, c.214, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-42 Second degree crime.

7. A person commits a crime of the second degree if he files or records, or directs another to file or record, in any public record or in any private record which is generally available to the public, any document, lien, encumbrance, or court action against the real or personal property of a current or former public servant, the public servant's immediate family or estate, a current or former federal officer or employee, or the officer's or employee's immediate family or estate, on account of the performance or non-performance of that public servant's, officer's or employee's official duties, knowing or having reason to know that such document, lien, encumbrance, or court action is false or contains any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representations, or with the intent to harass, hinder, defraud, retaliate against, or in any way impede the performance of that public servant's, officer's or employee's duties. A person convicted of a violation of this section may, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, be enjoined from filing any future liens, encumbrances, or court actions against persons specified by the court without approval of the court. L.2015, c.59, s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-43 Sale of certain alarm business signs, decals; prohibited.

1. a. For the purposes of this section, "alarm business" means a partnership, corporation, or other business entity engaged in the installation, servicing, sale, or maintenance of burglar or fire alarm systems, or the monitoring of or responding to alarm signals when provided in conjunction with the burglar or fire alarm system. b. A person who knowingly sells, offers, or exposes for sale, or otherwise transfers, or possesses with the intent to sell, offer, or expose for sale, a sign or decal with the name or logo that is the trademark of an alarm business without the express written consent of the alarm business commits a disorderly persons offense. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on any news media that accept or publish advertising that may otherwise be subject to the provisions of this section. L.2018, c.146, s.1.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026