N.J. Stat. tit. 2C, ch. 33

N.J. Stat. tit. 2C, ch. 33
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-1 Riot; failure to disperse.

2C:33-1. a. Riot. A person is guilty of riot if the person participates with four or more other persons in a course of disorderly conduct as defined in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:33-2: (1) With purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of a crime; (2) With purpose to prevent or coerce official action; or (3) When he or any other participant, known to him, uses or plans to use a firearm or other deadly weapon. Riot if committed under circumstances set forth in paragraph (3) is a crime of the third degree. Otherwise riot is a crime of the fourth degree. b. Failure of disorderly persons to disperse upon official order. Where five or more persons are participating in a course of disorderly conduct as defined in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:33-2 likely to cause substantial harm, a peace officer or other public servant engaged in executing or enforcing the law may order the participants and others in the immediate vicinity to disperse. A person who refuses or knowingly fails to obey such an order commits a disorderly persons offense. c. Public Brawl. A person is guilty of inciting a public brawl if: (1) the person acts with purpose to incite a group of four or more other persons imminently to engage in a course of disorderly conduct as defined in subsections a. or d. of N.J.S.2C:33-2 or acts with purpose to produce such imminent course of disorderly conduct by a group of four or more persons; and (2) the person's actions are likely to incite or produce such imminent course of disorderly conduct by a group of four or more persons. Inciting a public brawl is a crime of the fourth degree if the person acts with purpose to incite or produce the course of disorderly conduct defined in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:33-2; otherwise, it is a disorderly persons offense. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, a conviction of inciting a public brawl shall not merge with the offense of riot pursuant to subsection a. of this section or disorderly conduct pursuant to subsections a. or d. of N.J.S.2C:33-2. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 63, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 290, s. 35, eff. Sept. 24, 1981; 2025, c.59, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-2 Disorderly conduct.

2C:33-2. Disorderly Conduct. a. Improper behavior. Except as otherwise provided in subsection c. of this section, a person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, the person: (1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (2) Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor. b. Offensive language. A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense if, in a public place, and with purpose to offend the sensibilities of a hearer or in reckless disregard of the probability of so doing, he addresses unreasonably loud and offensively coarse or abusive language, given the circumstances of the person present and the setting of the utterance, to any person present. c. Concealing identity. A person who attempts to conceal or conceals the person's identity by wearing a mask or disguise while engaging in a course of disorderly conduct, as defined in subsection a. of this section, with purpose to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid apprehension is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. d Disturbance at a public gathering. A person who acts with purpose to disrupt or cause a disturbance at a public gathering or event or who engages in behavior knowing that it will disrupt or cause a disturbance at a public gathering or event is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. For purposes of this subsection, a person who wears a mask or disguise solely for medical, religious, or expressive purposes shall not be deemed to have acted with purpose to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid apprehension. "Public" means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access; among the places included are highways, transport facilities, schools, prisons, apartment houses, places of business or amusement, or any neighborhood. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-2, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; amended 2025, c.59, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-2.1 "Public place" defined; loitering to obtain or distribute CDS is a disorderly persons offense

1. a. As used in this section: "Public place" means any place to which the public has access, including but not limited to a public street, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge, alley, plaza, park, recreation or shopping area, public transportation facility, vehicle used for public transportation, parking lot, public library or any other public building, structure or area. b. A person, whether on foot or in a motor vehicle, commits a disorderly persons offense if (1) he wanders, remains or prowls in a public place with the purpose of unlawfully obtaining or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; and (2) engages in conduct that, under the circumstances, manifests a purpose to obtain or distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. c. Conduct that may, where warranted under the circumstances, be deemed adequate to manifest a purpose to obtain or distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog includes, but is not limited to, conduct such as the following: (1) Repeatedly beckoning to or stopping pedestrians or motorists in a public place; (2) Repeatedly passing objects to or receiving objects from pedestrians or motorists in a public place; (3) Repeatedly circling in a public place in a motor vehicle and on one or more occasions passing any object to or receiving any object from a person in a public place. d. The element of the offense described in paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section may not be established solely by proof that the actor engaged in the conduct that is used to satisfy the element described in paragraph (2) of subsection b. of this section. L.1991,c.383.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-2.2 Penalties, fines for parents, legal guardians demonstrating willful, wanton disregard, conduct of juvenile.

1. A parent or legal guardian having legal custody of a juvenile shall be: a. subject to a fine of $1,000, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), if the parent or legal guardian demonstrated willful or wanton disregard in the exercise of the supervision and control of the conduct of the juvenile such that the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for engaging in improper behavior in violation of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:33-2, which resulted in property damage; b. guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense if the parent or legal guardian demonstrated willful or wanton disregard in the exercise of the supervision and control of the conduct of the juvenile such that the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for a first offense of inciting a public brawl in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:33-1; and c. guilty of a disorderly persons offense if the parent or legal guardian demonstrated willful or wanton disregard in the exercise of the supervision and control of the conduct of the juvenile and the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for a second or subsequent offense of inciting a public brawl in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:33-1. L.2025, c.245.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-3 False public alarms.

2C:33-3. False Public Alarms. a. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he initiates or circulates a report or warning of an impending fire, explosion, crime, catastrophe, emergency, or any other incident knowing that the report or warning is false or baseless and that it is likely to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transport, or to cause public inconvenience or alarm. (b) A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the false alarm involves a report or warning of an impending bombing, hostage situation, person armed with a deadly weapon as defined by subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:11-1, or any other incident that elicits an immediate or heightened response by law enforcement or emergency services. (c) A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the false alarm involves a report or warning about any critical infrastructure located in this State. For purposes of this subparagraph, "critical infrastructure" means any building, place of assembly, or facility that is indispensably necessary for national security, economic stability, or public safety. (2) A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he knowingly causes the false alarm to be transmitted to or within any organization, official or volunteer, for dealing with emergencies involving danger to life or property. b. A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if in addition to the report or warning initiated, circulated or transmitted under subsection a. of this section, he places or causes to be placed any false or facsimile bomb in a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transport or in a place likely to cause public inconvenience or alarm. A violation of this subsection is a crime of the first degree if it occurs during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. c. A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if a violation of subsection a. of this section in fact results in serious bodily injury to another person or occurs during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. A person is guilty of a crime of the first degree if a violation of subsection a. of this section in fact results in death. d. For the purposes of this section, "in fact" means that strict liability is imposed. It shall not be a defense that the death or serious bodily injury was not a foreseeable consequence of the person's acts or that the death or serious bodily injury was caused by the actions of another person or by circumstances beyond the control of the actor. The actor shall be strictly liable upon proof that the crime occurred during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. It shall not be a defense that the actor did not know that there was a declared period of emergency at the time the crime occurred. e. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person knowingly places a call to a 9-1-1 emergency telephone system without purpose of reporting the need for 9-1-1 service. f. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if the person knowingly places a call to a 9-1-1 emergency telephone system with purpose to intimidate or harass an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. All local and county law enforcement authorities shall submit an annual report, on a form prescribed by the Attorney General, to the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, within the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or to another designated recipient determined by the Attorney General, containing the number and nature of offenses under this section committed within their respective jurisdictions and the disposition of these offenses. Every two years, the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit or other designated recipient of the annual reports shall forward a summary of all reports received during the preceding two-year period, along with a summary of offenses investigated by the Division of State Police for the same period, to the State's Office of Emergency Management. amended 1987, c.6; 1994, c.115; 1996, c.63, s.1; 1999, c.195, s.1; 2002, c.26, s.16; 2015, c.156; 2020, c.73, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-3.2 Fines for violation of N.J.S.2C:33-3.

3. a. Any person who violates the provisions of N.J.S.2C:33-3 shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $2,000 or actual costs incurred by or resulting from the law enforcement and emergency services response to the false alarm, whichever is higher. b. Any monies collected pursuant to this section shall be made payable to the municipality or other entity providing the law enforcement or emergency services response to the false alarm. c. For the purposes of this section: "Emergency services" includes, but is not limited to, paid or volunteer fire fighters, paramedics, members of an ambulance team, rescue squad or mobile intensive care unit. "Person" excludes a juvenile as defined in section 3 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-22). L.1999,c.195,s.3; amended 2002, c.26, s.17; 2021, c.342, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-4 Harassment.

2C:33-4. Harassment. Except as provided in subsection e., a person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to harass another, he: a. Makes, or causes to be made, one or more communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm; b. Subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so; or c. Engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person. A communication under subsection a. may be deemed to have been made either at the place where it originated or at the place where it was received. d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.443). e. A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, in committing an offense under this section, he was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States or he knowingly directs such action to a current or former judge that relates to the performance of the judge's public duties. L.1978, c.95; amended 1983, c.334; 1990, c.87, s.2; 1995, c.211, s.2; 1998, c.17, s.4; 2001, c.443, s.3; 2021, c.327, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-4.1 Crime of cyber-harassment.

1. a. A person commits the crime of cyber-harassment if, while making one or more communications in an online capacity via any electronic device or through a social networking site and with the purpose to harass another, the person: (1) threatens to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or the property of any person; (2) knowingly sends, posts, comments, requests, suggests, or proposes any lewd, indecent, or obscene material to or about a person with the intent to emotionally harm a reasonable person or place a reasonable person in fear of physical or emotional harm to his person; or (3) threatens to commit any crime against the person or the person's property. b. Cyber-harassment is a crime of the fourth degree, except that cyber harassment is a crime of the third degree if the person: (1) is 21 years of age or older at the time of the offense and impersonates a minor for the purpose of cyber-harassing a minor; (2) commits the offense against a public servant or any member of a public servant’s family. For purposes of this section, “public servant" means any person elected to public office or appointed to or employed by any public entity in this State, or any subdivision thereof, and shall include any person serving as a judicial officer, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1), juror, advisor, or consultant performing a governmental function, but shall not include witnesses. c. If a minor under the age of 16 is adjudicated delinquent for cyber-harassment, the court may order as a condition of the sentence that the minor, accompanied by a parent or guardian, complete, in a satisfactory manner, one or both of the following: (1) a class or training program intended to reduce the tendency toward cyber-harassment behavior; or (2 a class or training program intended to bring awareness to the dangers associated with cyber-harassment. d. A parent or guardian who fails to comply with a condition imposed by the court pursuant to subsection c. of this section is a disorderly person and shall be fined not more than $100 for a first offense and not more than $500 for each subsequent offense. e. The trier of fact may infer that a person acted with a purpose to harass another if the person knows or should have known that any of the person's actions constituting an offense under this section are knowingly directed to or are about a public servant, and there is a nexus between the offense and relates to the performance of the public servant’s public duties. f. In addition to any other disposition or condition imposed pursuant to this section, a parent or guardian having legal custody of a minor who demonstrates willful or wanton disregard in the exercise of the supervision and control of the conduct of a minor adjudicated delinquent of cyber-harassment pursuant to this section may be liable in a civil action pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2021, c.338 (C.2A:53A-17.1). L.2013, c.272, s.1; amended 2021, c.327, s.2; 2021, c.338, s.1; 2025, c.303, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-4.2 Education, awareness of cyber-harassment, assistance to victims, promotion of prevention training, initiatives; public servants.

2. a. The Attorney General shall, through the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance in the Department of Law and Public Safety, undertake such steps as the Attorney General deems appropriate to promote education and awareness of cyber-harassment, provide assistance to victims of cyber-harassment crimes, and promote initiatives and training throughout the State to prevent cyber-harassment, specifically against public servants and their family members. b. In furtherance of the goals set forth in subsection a. of this section, the Attorney General shall, at a minimum, conduct or effectuate the following tasks: (1) regularly engage with law enforcement, legal professionals, and technology professionals to clearly and comprehensively define cyber-harassment within the context of cyber-harassment crime, as it evolves due to emerging technologies; (2) establish user-friendly and accessible reporting systems to enable cyber-harassment victims to easily report cyber-harassment offenses and seek assistance from relevant authorities; (3) implement educational programs, directed towards both potential cyber-harassment offenders and victims, in order to raise awareness about cyber-harassment and its consequences; (4) collaborate with social media platforms to develop stricter policies to identify and remove harassing content; (5) encourage social media platforms to implement reporting features and provide support to victims to help create a safer online environment; (6) provide support services, counseling, and legal aid to victims of cyber-harassment to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of such harassment; (7) coordinate with the Department of Education to offer cyber ethics classes in New Jersey schools that help to promote responsible online behavior and create a culture of respect and empathy online; (8) coordinate with State and local law enforcement agencies to establish or expand specialized units within law enforcement agencies that are dedicated to handling cyber-harassment crimes; and (9) coordinate with State and local law enforcement agencies to enhance comprehensive training programs for law enforcement personnel on cyber-harassment investigation techniques, digital evidence collection, and law enforcement procedures specific to cyber-harassment cases. c. The Attorney General may apply for and accept on behalf of the State any grants from the federal government or any agency thereof, or from any foundation, corporation, association, or person, and may comply with the terms, conditions, and limitations thereof, for any of the purposes of this section. Any money received may be expended by the Division of Violence Intervention and Victims Assistance, subject to any limitations imposed in the grants, to effectuate any of the purposes of this section upon certification by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. L.2025, c.303, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-7 Obstructing highways and other public passages

a. A person, who, having no legal privilege to do so, purposely or recklessly obstructs any highway or other public passage whether alone or with others, commits a petty disorderly persons offense. "Obstructs" means renders impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard. No person shall be deemed guilty of recklessly obstructing in violation of this subsection solely because of a gathering of persons to hear him speak or otherwise communicate, or solely because of being a member of such a gathering. b. A person in a gathering commits a petty disorderly persons offense if he refuses to obey a reasonable official request or order to move: (1) To prevent obstruction of a highway or other public passage; or (2) To maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire or other hazard. An order to move, addressed to a person whose speech or other lawful behavior attracts an obstructing audience, shall not be deemed reasonable if the obstruction can be readily remedied by police control of the size or location of the gathering. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-7, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-8 Disrupting meetings and processions

A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession or gathering, he does an act tending to obstruct or interfere with it physically. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-8, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-8.1 Definitions relative to disruption of funerals, violations, disorderly persons offense.

2. a. As used in this act: "funeral" means the ceremonies, processions and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead; and "demonstration" includes the following: (1) any picketing or similar conduct, (2) any oration, speech, use of sound amplification equipment or device, or similar conduct that is not part of a funeral, (3) the display of any placard, banner, flag, or similar device, unless such a display is part of a funeral, or (4) the distribution of any handbill, pamphlet, leaflet, or other written or printed matter other than a program distributed as part of a funeral. b. A person is guilty of disrupting a funeral if, during the period beginning one hour prior to the scheduled commencement of a funeral, and until one hour following the actual completion of the funeral, with the purpose of causing inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to the funeral or its participants, or of recklessly creating the risk thereof, the person knowingly: (1) obstructs, hinders, impedes or blocks another person's entry to or exit from the funeral, the funeral procession, the funeral home, church, synagogue, temple or other place of public worship or other location at which a funeral takes place as part of demonstration activities, or (2) engages in demonstration activities within 500 feet of the funeral, the funeral procession, the funeral home, church, synagogue, temple or other place of public worship or other location at which a funeral takes place and makes or assists in the making of noise, diversions, or threatening gestures, or engages in any other disruptive conduct, that disrupts or tends to disrupt the peace or good order of the funeral. c. Disrupting a funeral is a disorderly persons offense. L. 2006, c.93, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-9 Desecration of venerated objects

A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he purposely desecrates any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial. "Desecrate" means defacing, damaging or polluting. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-9, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-10 Causing fear of unlawful bodily violence, crime of third degree; act of graffiti, additional penalty

1. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he purposely, knowingly or recklessly puts or attempts to put another in fear of bodily violence by placing on private property of another a symbol, an object, a characterization, an appellation or graffiti that exposes another to threats of violence. A person shall not be guilty of an attempt unless his actions cause a serious and imminent likelihood of causing fear of unlawful bodily violence. A person convicted of an offense under this section that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, be required either to pay to the owner of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of the pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community service, which shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate. If community service is ordered, it shall be for either not less than 20 days nor less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property. L.1981,c.282,s.1; amended 1995,c.211,s.4; 1995,c.251,s.2

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-11 Defacement of private property, crime of fourth degree; act of graffiti, additional penalty

2. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he purposely defaces or damages, without authorization of the owner or tenant, any private premises or property primarily used for religious, educational, residential, memorial, charitable, or cemetery purposes, or for assembly by persons for purpose of exercising any right guaranteed by law or by the Constitution of this State or of the United States by placing thereon a symbol, an object, a characterization, an appellation, or graffiti that exposes another to threat of violence. A person convicted of an offense under this section that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, be required either to pay to the owner of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community service, which shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate. If community service is ordered, it shall be for either not less than 20 days or not less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property. L.1981,c.282,s.2; amended 1995,c.211,s.5; 1995,c.251,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-11.1 Certain actions relevant to evictions, disorderly persons offense.

3. a. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, after being warned by a law enforcement or other public official of the illegality of that action, the person (1) takes possession of residential real property or effectuates a forcible entry or detainer of residential real property without lawful execution of a warrant for possession in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1974, c.47 (C.2A:42-10.16) or without the consent of the occupant solely in possession of the residential real property; or (2) refuses to restore immediately to exclusive possession and occupancy any such occupant so displaced. Legal occupants unlawfully displaced shall be entitled without delay to reenter and reoccupy the premises, and shall not be considered trespassers or chargeable with any offense, provided that a law enforcement officer is present at the time of reentry. It shall be the duty of such officer to prevent the landlord or any other persons from obstructing or hindering the reentry and reoccupancy of the dwelling by the displaced occupant. As used in this section, "forcible entry and detainer" means to enter upon or into any real property and detain and hold that property by: (1) any kind of violence including threatening to kill or injure the party in possession; (2) words, circumstances or actions which have a clear intention to incite fear or apprehension or danger in the party in possession; (3) putting outside of the residential premises the personal effects or furniture of the party in possession; (4) entering peaceably and then, by force or threats, turning the party out of possession; (5) padlocking or otherwise changing locks to the property; (6) shutting off, or causing to be shut off, vital services such as, but not limited to, heat, electricity or water, in an effort to regain possession; or by (7) any means other than compliance with lawful eviction procedures pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1974, c.47 (C.2A:42-10.16), as established through possession of a lawfully prepared and valid "Execution of Warrant." b. A person who is convicted of an offense under this section more than once within a five-year period is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.2005,c.319,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-12 Maintaining a nuisance

A person is guilty of maintaining a nuisance when: a. By conduct either unlawful in itself or unreasonable under all the circumstances, he knowingly or recklessly creates or maintains a condition which endangers the safety or health of a considerable number of persons; b. He knowingly conducts or maintains any premises, place or resort where persons gather for purposes of engaging in unlawful conduct; or c. He knowingly conducts or maintains any premises, place or resort as a house of prostitution or as a place where obscene material, as defined in N.J.S. 2C:34-2 and N.J.S. 2C:34-3, is sold, photographed, manufactured, exhibited or otherwise prepared or shown, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:34-2, N.J.S. 2C:34-3, and N.J.S. 2C:34-4. A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if the person is convicted under subsection a. or b. of this section. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person is convicted under subsection c. of this section. Upon conviction under this section, in addition to the sentence authorized by this code, the court may proceed as set forth in section 2C:33-12.1. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-12, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 64, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1982, c. 233, s. 1, eff. Jan. 7, 1983; L.1983, c. 234, s. 1, eff. June 30, 1983.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-12.1 Abating nuisance

2C:33-12.1. Abating Nuisance. a. In addition to the penalty imposed in case of conviction under N.J.S.2C:33-12 or under section 2 of P.L.1995, c.167 (C.2C:33-12.2), the court may order the immediate abatement of the nuisance, and for that purpose may order the seizure and forfeiture or destruction of any chattels, liquors, obscene material or other personal property which may be found in such building or place, and which the court is satisfied from the evidence were possessed or used with a purpose of maintaining the nuisance. Any such forfeiture shall be in the name and to the use of the State of New Jersey, and the court shall direct the forfeited property to be sold at public sale, the proceeds to be paid to the treasurer of the county wherein conviction was had. b. If the owner of any building or place is found guilty of maintaining a nuisance, the court may order that the building or place where the nuisance was maintained be closed and not used for a period not exceeding one year from the date of the conviction. L.1979, c.178, s.66; amended 1982,c.233,s.2; 1983,c.234,s.2; 1995,c.167,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-12.2 Sexually oriented business, nuisance; crime

2. a. As used in this act: (1) "Sexually oriented business" means: (a) A commercial establishment which as one of its principal business purposes offers for sale, rental, or display any of the following: Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed material, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or other visual representations which depict or describe a "specified sexual activity" or "specified anatomical area"; or still or motion picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices which show images to one person per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are characterized by the depiction of a "specified sexual activity" or "specified anatomical area"; or instruments, devices, or paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with a "specified sexual activity"; or (b) A commercial establishment which regularly features live performances characterized by the exposure of a "specified anatomical area" or by a "specified sexual activity," or which regularly shows films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other photographic representations which depict or describe a "specified sexual activity" or "specified anatomical area"; (2) "Person" means an individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity. (3) "Specified anatomical area" means: (a) Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or (b) Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if covered. (4) "Specified sexual activity" means: (a) The fondling or other erotic touching of covered or uncovered human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breast; or (b) Any actual or simulated act of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse. b. In addition to any activities proscribed by the provisions of N.J.S.2C:33-12, a person is guilty of maintaining a nuisance when the person owns or operates a sexually oriented business which offers for public use booths, screens, enclosures or other devices which facilitate sexual activity by patrons. c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a municipality shall have the power to determine restrictions, if any, on the hours of operation of sexually oriented businesses. d. A person who violates this act is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1995,c.167,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-13 Smoking in public.

2C:33-13. Smoking in Public. a. Any person who smokes or carries lighted tobacco in or upon any bus or other public conveyance, except group charter buses, specially marked railroad smoking cars, limousines or livery services, and, when the driver is the only person in the vehicle, autocabs, is a petty disorderly person. For the purposes of this section, "bus" includes school buses and other vehicles owned or contracted for by the governing body, board or individual of a nonpublic school, a public or private college, university, or professional training school, or a board of education of a school district, that are used to transport students to and from school and school-related activities; and the prohibition on smoking or carrying lighted tobacco shall apply even if students are not present in the vehicle. b. Any person who smokes or carries lighted tobacco in any public place, including, but not limited to, places of public accommodation, where such smoking is prohibited by municipal ordinance under authority of R.S.40:48-1 and 40:48-2 or by the owner or person responsible for the operation of the public place, and when adequate notice of such prohibition has been conspicuously posted, is either: guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense under this section, or subject to a civil penalty under section 1 of P.L.2017, c.191 (C.26:3D-65) if such civil penalty is provided for as an alternative to the offense under this subsection. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, the maximum fine which can be imposed for committing a petty disorderly persons offense under this section is $200. c. The provisions of this section shall supersede any other statute and any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to law, except as provided in section 1 of P.L.2017, c.191 (C.26:3D-65). amended 1979, c.178, s.66A; 1985, c.187; 2003, c.233; 2017, c.191, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-13.1 Providing certain items to a person under 21 years of age, petty disorderly persons offense.

3. a. A person who delivers, sells, or gives to a person under 21 years of age any cigarettes made of tobacco or of any other matter or substance which can be smoked, or any cigarette paper or tobacco in any form, including smokeless tobacco, or any electronic smoking device that can be used to deliver nicotine or other substances to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe, or any cartridge or other component of the device or related product, or any cannabis item as defined in section 3 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-33), including an employee of a retail dealer licensee under P.L.1948, c.65 (C.54:40A-1 et seq.) or employee of a licensed cannabis establishment, cannabis distributor, or cannabis delivery service under P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-31 et al.), who actually sells or otherwise provides a tobacco product, electronic smoking device, or cannabis item to a person under 21 years of age, shall be punished by a fine as provided for a petty disorderly persons offense. Consistent with federal law, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an individual performing his or her assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service. A person who has been previously punished under this section and who commits another offense under it may be punishable by a fine of twice that provided for a petty disorderly persons offense. b. The establishment of the following shall constitute a defense to any prosecution brought pursuant to subsection a. of this section: that the purchaser or recipient of the tobacco product, electronic smoking device, or cannabis item falsely represented, by producing a driver's license or non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, a similar card issued pursuant to the laws of another state or the federal government of Canada, a photographic identification card issued by a county clerk, or other form of government-issued identification described in subparagraph (a) of paragraph (6) of subsection a. of section 18 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-35), that the purchaser or recipient was of legal age to purchase or receive the tobacco product, electronic smoking device, or cannabis item. c. A penalty imposed pursuant to this section shall be in addition to any penalty that may be imposed pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2000, c.87 (C.2A:170-51.4) concerning tobacco products or electronic smoking devices or section 64 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.2C:35-10d) or section 6 of P.L.2021, c.25 (C.2A:170-51.11) concerning cannabis items. L.1999, c.90, s.3; amended 2000, c.87, s.4; 2005, c.384, s.5; 2009, c.182, s.4; 2017, c.118, s.3; 2021, c.25, s.10; 2025, c.226, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-14 Interference with transportation.

2C:33-14. a. Interference with Transportation. A person is guilty of interference with transportation if the person purposely or knowingly: (1) casts, shoots or throws anything at, against or into any vehicle, including, but not limited to, a bus, light rail vehicle, railroad locomotive, railroad car, jitney, trolley car, subway car, ferry, airplane, or other facility of transportation; or (2) casts, shoots, throws or otherwise places any stick, stone, object or other substance upon any street railway track, trolley track or railroad track; or (3) endangers or obstructs the safe operation of motor vehicles by casting, shooting, throwing or otherwise placing any stick, stone, object or other substance upon any highway or roadway; or (4) unlawfully climbs into or upon any light rail vehicle, railroad locomotive or railroad car, either in motion or standing on the track of any railroad company in this State; or (5) unlawfully disrupts, delays or prevents the operation of any vehicle, including, but not limited to, a bus, light rail vehicle, railroad locomotive, train, bus, jitney, trolley, subway, airplane or any other facility of transportation. The term "unlawfully disrupts, delays or prevents the operation of" does not include non-violent conduct growing out of a labor dispute as defined in N.J.S.2A:15-58; or (6) endangers or obstructs the safe operation of motor vehicles by using a traffic control preemption device to interfere with or impair the operation of a traffic control signal as defined in R.S.39:1-1; or (7) shines, points or focuses a laser lighting device beam, directly or indirectly, upon a person operating any vehicle, including, but not limited to, a bus, light rail vehicle, railroad locomotive, railroad car, jitney, trolley car, subway car, ferry, airplane, or other facility of transportation. As used in this paragraph, "laser lighting device" means a device which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark or identify a specific position, place, item or object. As used in this subsection, "traffic control preemption device" means an infrared transmitter or other device which transmits an infrared beam, radio wave or other signal designed to change, alter, or disrupt in any manner the normal operation of a traffic control signal. b. Interference with transportation is a disorderly persons offense. c. Interference with transportation is a crime of the fourth degree if the person purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person or causes pecuniary loss in excess of $500 but less than $2,000. d. Interference with transportation is a crime of the third degree if the person purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes significant bodily injury to another person or causes pecuniary loss of $2,000 or more, or if the person purposely or knowingly creates a risk of significant bodily injury to another person. e. Interference with transportation is a crime of the second degree if the person purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person. Amended 2001, c.413, s.2; 2005, c.96, s.1; 2007, c.145.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-14.1 Vandalizing railroad crossing devices, property; grading of offenses; graffiti.

1. a. Any person who purposely, knowingly or recklessly defaces, damages, obstructs, removes or otherwise impairs the operation of any railroad crossing warning signal or protection device, including, but not limited to safety gates, electric bell, electric sign or any other alarm or protection system authorized by the Commissioner of Transportation, which is required under the provisions of R.S.48:12-54 or R.S.48:2-29, or any other railroad property or equipment, other than administrative buildings, offices or equipment, shall, for a first offense, be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree; however, if the defacement, damage, obstruction, removal or impediment of the crossing warning signal or protection device, property or equipment recklessly causes bodily injury or pecuniary loss of $2000 or more, the actor is guilty of a crime of the third degree, or if it recklessly causes a death or serious bodily injury, the actor is guilty of a crime of the second degree. b. A person convicted of a violation of this section that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, be required to pay to the owner of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of the pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti and to perform community service, which shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate. If community service is ordered, it shall be for either not less than 20 days or not less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property. As used in this section, "act of graffiti" means the drawing, painting or making of any mark or inscription on public or private real or personal property without the permission of the owner. L.1991, c.335, s.1; amended 1998, c.54, s.2; 2001, c.413, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-15 Possession, consumption by persons under legal age; penalty.

1. a. (1) Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages, or under the legal age to purchase cannabis items, who knowingly possesses without legal authority or who knowingly consumes any alcoholic beverage, cannabis item, marijuana, or hashish in any school, public conveyance, public place, or place of public assembly, or motor vehicle shall be subject to the following consequences: (a) for a first violation, a written warning issued by a law enforcement officer to the underage person. The written warning shall include the person's name, address, and date of birth, and a copy of the warning containing this information, plus a sworn statement that includes a description of the relevant facts and circumstances that support the officer's determination that the person committed the violation, shall be temporarily maintained in accordance with this section only for the purposes of determining a second or subsequent violation subject to the consequences set forth in subparagraph (b) or (c) of this paragraph. If the violation of this section is by a person under 18 years of age, a written notification concerning the violation shall be provided to the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81.1a). (b) for a second violation, a written warning issued by a law enforcement officer to the underage person indicating that a second violation has occurred, which includes the person's name, address, and date of birth. If the violation is by a person 18 years of age or older, the officer shall provide the person with informational materials about how to access community services provided by public or private agencies and organizations that shall assist the person with opportunities to access further social services, including, but not limited to, counseling, tutoring programs, mentoring services, and faith-based or other community initiatives. If the violation is by a person under 18 years of age, a written notification concerning the second violation shall be provided to the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81.1a). The written notification shall include the same or similar informational materials about how to access community services provided by public or private agencies and organizations as those provided directly by a law enforcement officer to a person 18 years of age or older who commits a second violation of this paragraph. A copy of the second written warning to the underage person, and, if applicable, the written notification to the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person concerning the second warning, plus a sworn statement that includes a description of the relevant facts and circumstances that support the officer's determination that the person committed the second violation, shall be temporarily maintained in accordance with this section only for the purposes of determining a subsequent violation subject to the consequences set forth in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph. (c) for a third or subsequent violation, a write-up issued by a law enforcement officer to the underage person indicating that a third or subsequent violation has occurred, which includes the person's name, address, and date of birth. If the violation is by a person 18 years of age or older, the officer shall include with the write-up a referral for accessing community services provided by a public or private agency or organization, and provide notice to that agency or organization of the referral which may also be used to initiate contact with the person, and the agency or organization shall offer assistance to the person with opportunities to access further social services, including but not limited to counseling, tutoring programs, mentoring services, and faith-based or other community initiatives. If the violation is by a person under 18 years of age, a written notification concerning the third or subsequent violation shall be provided to the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81.1a). The written notification shall include a referral for the person and the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person for accessing community services provided by a public or private agency or organization, and provide notice to that agency or organization of the referral which may also then be used to initiate contact with both persons, and the agency or organization shall offer assistance to both with opportunities to access further social services, including counseling, tutoring programs, mentoring services, and faith-based or other community initiatives. A copy of a write-up for a third or subsequent violation, the written notification to the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person, if applicable, and accompanying referrals, plus a sworn statement that includes a description of the relevant facts and circumstances that support the officer's determination that the person committed the third or subsequent violation, shall be temporarily maintained in accordance with this section only to the extent necessary to track referrals to agencies and organizations, as well as for the purposes of determining a subsequent violation subject to the consequences set forth in this subparagraph. The failure of a person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items, or the failure of a parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person, to accept assistance from an agency or organization to which a law enforcement referral was made, or to access any community services provided by that agency or organization shall not result in any summons, initiation of a complaint, or other legal action to be adjudicated and enforced in any court. (2) (a) A person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items is not capable of giving lawful consent to a search to determine a violation of this section, and a law enforcement officer shall not request that a person consent to a search for that purpose. (b) The odor of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or cannabis item, or burnt marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or cannabis item, shall not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate an investigatory stop of a person, nor shall it constitute probable cause to initiate a search of a person or that person's personal property to determine a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection. Additionally, the unconcealed possession of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection, observed in plain sight by a law enforcement officer, shall not constitute probable cause to initiate a search of a person or that person's personal property to determine any further violation of that paragraph or any other violation of law. (3) A person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection for possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or a cannabis item shall not be subject to arrest, shall not be transported to a police station, police headquarters, or other place of law enforcement operations, and shall not otherwise be subject to detention or be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer at or near the location where the violation occurred, except to the extent that detention or custody at or near the location is required to issue a written warning or write-up, collect the information necessary to provide notice of a violation to a parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the underage person in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81a), or make referrals for accessing community services provided by a public or private agency or organization due to a third or subsequent violation, unless the person is being arrested, detained, or otherwise taken into custody for also committing another violation of law for which that action is legally permitted or required. (4) Consistent with the provisions of subsection c. of section 1 of P.L.2020, c.129 (C.40A:14-118.5), the video and audio recording functions of a law enforcement officer's body worn camera, as defined in that section, shall be activated whenever the law enforcement officer is responding to a call for service related to a violation or suspected violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection for possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or a cannabis item, or at the initiation of any other law enforcement or investigative encounter between an officer and a person related to a violation or suspected violation of that paragraph, and shall remain activated until the encounter has fully concluded and the officer leaves the scene of the encounter; provided, however, that the video and audio recording functions of a body worn camera shall not be deactivated pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of subsection c. of P.L.2020, c.129 (C.40A:14-118.5), based on a request to deactivate the camera by a person who is the subject of a responsive call for service or law enforcement or investigative encounter related to a violation or suspected violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection. (5) As part of the process for the issuance of a written warning or write-up to a person for a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the law enforcement officer shall take possession of any alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item from the person, and any drug or cannabis paraphernalia for use with any marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item. The existence and description of the alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item, and any drug or cannabis paraphernalia shall be included in the sworn statement that includes a description of the relevant facts and circumstances that support the officer's determination that the person committed a violation, and which record is temporarily maintained in accordance with this section to determine subsequent possession or consumption violations, and track referrals for accessing community services provided by a public or private agency or organization due to a third or subsequent violation. Any alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, cannabis item, or drug or cannabis paraphernalia obtained by the law enforcement officer shall either be destroyed or secured for use in law enforcement training or educational programs in accordance with applicable law and directives issued by the Attorney General. (6) With respect to any violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection concerning the possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or any cannabis item: (a) a person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items shall not be photographed or fingerprinted, notwithstanding any provisions of section 2 of P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-61) to the contrary; (b) (i) any copy of any written warning or write-up issued to a person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items, written notification provided to the person's parent, guardian or other person having legal custody in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81.1a), sworn statement describing the relevant facts and circumstances that support an officer's determination that a person committed a violation, or referrals for accessing community services provided by a public or private agency or organization pertaining to a third or subsequent violation shall be segregated and maintained in a separate physical location or electronic repository or database from any other records maintained by a law enforcement agency, and reported to the Attorney General in a manner so that they are similarly segregated and maintained in a separate physical location or electronic repository or database from other law enforcement records accessible to the Attorney General and State and local law enforcement agencies, and shall not be transferred to or copied and placed in any other physical location or electronic repository or database containing any other law enforcement records. These records shall only be used to the extent necessary to determine a subsequent violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection or to track referrals to agencies and organizations, and shall not be revealed, reviewed, or considered in any manner with respect to any current or subsequent juvenile delinquency matter, including but not limited to, a charge, filing, eligibility or decision for diversion or discharge, or sentencing, other disposition, or related decision affecting the juvenile, or with respect to any current or subsequent prosecution for committing an offense or other violation of law, including but not limited to, a charge, filing, eligibility or decision for diversion or discharge, or sentencing, other disposition, or related decision affecting an adult under 21 years of age. Also, these records shall be deemed confidential and shall not be subject to public inspection or copying pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), and their existence shall not be acknowledged based upon any inquiry in the same manner as if the records were expunged records pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:52-15. The Attorney General may use the records described herein to generate the number of occurrences and other statistics concerning first, second, third and subsequent violations of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the municipal, county or other geographic areas within which first, second, third and subsequent violations occur, and the law enforcement agencies involved in first, second, third and subsequent violations, which are to be compiled and made available by the Attorney General in accordance with section 4 of P.L.2021, c.25 (C.2C:33-15.1). The identity of any person named in a record shall not be revealed or included in the information to be compiled and made available in accordance with that section. The records of violations shall only be maintained temporarily and shall be destroyed or permanently deleted as set forth in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph. (ii) any records pertaining to a person's acceptance of assistance from an agency or organization to which a law enforcement referral was made shall not be revealed, reviewed, or considered in any manner with respect to any current or subsequent juvenile delinquency matter, including, but not limited to, a charge, filing, eligibility or decision for diversion or discharge, or sentencing, other disposition, or related decision affecting the juvenile, or with respect to any current or subsequent prosecution for committing an offense or other violation of law, including, but not limited to, a charge, filing, eligibility or decision for diversion or discharge, or sentencing, other disposition, or related decision affecting an adult under 21 years of age. Also, these records shall be deemed confidential and shall not be subject to public inspection or copying pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), and their existence shall not be acknowledged based upon any inquiry in the same manner as if the records were expunged records pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:52-15. (c) All of the records maintained by a law enforcement agency and reported to the Attorney General as described in subsubparagraph (i) of subparagraph (b) of this paragraph shall be destroyed or permanently deleted by the law enforcement agency and Attorney General on the second anniversary following the creation of the record concerning a violation, or not later than the last day of the month in which that second anniversary date falls, or alternatively not later than the 21st birthday of a person who is the subject of a record, or not later than the last day of the month in which that birthday falls, whichever date occurs sooner, except that a record shall be maintained upon request by the person named in the record or representative thereof, the law enforcement officer who made the record, or the law enforcement agency currently maintaining the record if it involves a lawsuit, disciplinary complaint, or criminal prosecution arising from the violation described in the record, based on an assertion that the record has evidentiary or exculpatory value. Upon final disposition of the matter for which the extended record retention was requested, the record shall be destroyed or permanently deleted. (d) A law enforcement officer shall be guilty of the crime of official deprivation of civil rights as set forth in section 3 of P.L.2021, c.25 (C.2C:30-6.1) for violating the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection that address law enforcement actions involving persons who are under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items. b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.25) c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.25) d. Nothing in this act shall apply to possession of alcoholic beverages by any such person while actually engaged in the performance of employment pursuant to an employment permit issued by the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or for a bona fide hotel or restaurant, in accordance with the provisions of R.S.33:1-26, or while actively engaged in the preparation of food while enrolled in a culinary arts or hotel management program at a county vocational school or post-secondary educational institution; and nothing in this section shall apply to possession of cannabis items by any such person while actually engaged in the performance of employment by a cannabis establishment, distributor, or delivery service as permitted pursuant to the "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-31 et al.). e. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of section 3 of P.L.1991, c.169 (C.33:1-81.1a) shall apply to a parent, guardian or other person with legal custody of a person under 18 years of age who is found to be in violation of this section. f. An underage person and one or two other persons shall be immune from prosecution under this section if: (1) one of the underage persons called 9-1-1 and reported that another underage person was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption, or the consumption of marijuana, hashish, or a cannabis item; (2) the underage person who called 9-1-1 and, if applicable, one or two other persons acting in concert with the underage person who called 9-1-1 provided each of their names to the 9-1-1 first responder dispatcher; (3) the underage person was the first person to make the 9-1-1 report; and (4) the underage person and, if applicable, one or two other persons acting in concert with the underage person who made the 9-1-1 call remained on the scene with the person under the legal age in need of medical assistance until assistance arrived and cooperated with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene. The underage person who received medical assistance also shall be immune from prosecution under this section. g. For purposes of this section, an alcoholic beverage includes powdered alcohol as defined by R.S.33:1-1, a cannabis item includes any item available for lawful consumption pursuant to the "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-31 et al.), and the terms "marijuana" and "hashish" have the same meaning as set forth in N.J.S.2C:35-2, and the terms "drug paraphernalia" and "cannabis paraphernalia" have the same meaning as set forth in N.J.S.2C:36-1 and section 3 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-33), respectively. L.1979, c.264, s.1; amended 1991, c.169, s.2; 1997, c.161; 2009, c.133, s.1; 2015, c.137, s.3; 2021, c.16, s.73; 2021, c.25, s.2; 2021, c.38; 2021, c.447, s.4; 2023, c.335, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-15.1 Report by Attorney General; taskforce.

4. a. (1) The Attorney General shall biannually issue a comprehensive report detailing the number of occurrences and other statistics, without revealing or including any personal identifying information, concerning first, second, third and subsequent violations of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15) involving the possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis items by persons under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items, the municipal, county or other geographic areas within which the violations occur, and the law enforcement agencies involved in the violations, covering the previous six-month period. The initial report shall be issued by June 30, 2021, the second report shall be issued by January 30, 2022, and then the next report issued every six months thereafter. Each report shall also be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1). (2) The Attorney General shall also make reports available to the task force established pursuant to subsection b. of this section based on the Attorney General's periodic review of body worn camera recordings of law enforcement officers responding to a call for service related to a violation or suspected violation of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), or at the initiation of any other law enforcement or investigative encounter between an officer and a person related to a violation or suspected violation of that paragraph, which recordings are required to be made in accordance with paragraph (4) of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15). The periodic review shall be conducted using body worn camera recordings both selected by the Attorney General and randomly determined, and the task force may request an Attorney General review a particular municipality, region, or time period. The identity of any person included in a recording reviewed by the Attorney General shall be kept confidential and shall not be revealed to the members of the task force or any staff provided to the task force by the Department of Law and Public Safety pursuant to paragraph (6) of subsection b. of this section to support its work. b. (1) A taskforce shall be established in the Department of Law and Public Safety, comprised of 26 members to review each Attorney General report described in subsection a. of this section, and make recommendations thereon to the Governor and Legislature related to law enforcement activities to address the enforcement of underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis items in violation of section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15), as well as the broader issue of underage possession or consumption of these substances. (2) The membership of the taskforce shall include the following individuals: (a) the Attorney General, or a designee; (b) the Public Defender, or a designee; (c) the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, or a designee; (d) the Commissioner of Education, or a designee; (e) a representative from the Youth Justice Commission, appointed by the Governor; (f) a representative from the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety, appointed by the Governor; (g) the Chair of the Governor's Youth Justice Delinquency and Prevention Committee; (h) two members appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the President of the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a member of the Legislative Black Caucus or Legislative Latino Caucus, determined in coordination with the members recommended by the Speaker of the General Assembly pursuant to subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, so that there is at least one member of each caucus serving as a member of the task force; (i) two members appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly, at least one of whom shall be a member of the Legislative Black Caucus or Legislative Latino Caucus, determined in coordination with the members recommended by the Senate President pursuant to subparagraph (h) of this paragraph, so that there is at least one member of each caucus serving as a member of the task force; (j) the Administrative Director of the Courts, or a designee; (k) a representative from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, appointed by the Governor; (l) a representative from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, appointed by the Governor; (m) a representative from the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey who is actively and presently involved in juvenile matters, appointed by the Governor; (n) a representative from the New Jersey Juvenile Officers Association, appointed by the Governor; (o) one representative each from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Vera Institute of Justice, both appointed by the Governor; (p) a representative of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, appointed by the Governor; (q) a representative of Salvation and Social Justice, appointed by the Governor; (r) a representative from the County Youth Services Commission Administrators, appointed by the Governor; (s) a representative from the faith-based ethical community in New Jersey, appointed by the Governor; (t) a representative of an employee organization representing employees who work at juvenile justice facilities, appointed by the Governor; and (u) three representatives who have been involved with the New Jersey juvenile justice system, appointed by the Governor, including at least one representative of a non-profit organization that deals with juvenile justice issues and at least one individual who has been subject to the custody of the juvenile justice system. (3) All members appointed by the Governor, other than the members of the Legislature recommended for appointment, shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The members of the Legislature shall serve on the task force during their elective term of office. Any vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. (4) Members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenditures incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the task force within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the task force for its purposes. (5) The task force shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of its members. The task force shall choose a chairperson from among its members and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. (6) The Department of Law and Public Safety shall provide such stenographic, clerical, and other administrative assistants, and such professional staff as the task force requires to carry out its work. L.2021, c.25, s.4; amended 2023, c.335, s.2; 2025, c.35, s.20.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-16 Bringing alcoholic beverages, cannabis items onto school property; disorderly person.

1. Any person of legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items, who, in the case of alcoholic beverages, knowingly and without the express written permission of the school board, its delegated authority, or any school principal, brings or possesses any alcoholic beverages, or in the case of cannabis items, brings, possesses, or consumes, including by smoking, vaping, or aerosolizing, any cannabis items, on any property used for school purposes which is owned by any school or school board, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. For purposes of this section, an alcoholic beverage includes powdered alcohol as defined by R.S.33:1-1, and a cannabis item includes any item available for lawful consumption pursuant to the "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-31 et al.). L.1981, c.197, s.1; amended 2021, c.16, s.75.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-17 Availability of alcoholic beverages to underaged, offenses.

1. a. Anyone who purposely or knowingly offers or serves or makes available an alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages or entices or encourages that person to drink an alcoholic beverage is a disorderly person. This subsection shall not apply to a parent or guardian of the person under legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages if the parent or guardian is of the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages or to a religious observance, ceremony or rite. This subsection shall also not apply to any person in his home who is of the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages who offers or serves or makes available an alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages or entices that person to drink an alcoholic beverage in the presence of and with the permission of the parent or guardian of the person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages if the parent or guardian is of the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. b. A person who makes real property owned, leased or managed by him available to, or leaves that property in the care of, another person with the purpose that alcoholic beverages will be made available for consumption by, or will be consumed by, persons who are under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. This subsection shall not apply if: (1) the real property is licensed or required to be licensed by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in accordance with the provisions of R.S.33:1-1 et seq.; (2) the person making the property available, or leaving it in the care of another person, is of the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages and is the parent or guardian of the person who consumes alcoholic beverages while under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages; or (3) the alcoholic beverages are consumed by a person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages during a religious observance, ceremony or rite. c. For purposes of this section, an alcoholic beverage includes powdered alcohol as defined by R.S.33:1-1. L.1985, c.311, s.1; amended 1995, c.31; 2015, c.137, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-19 Possession of remotely activated paging devices on school property, disorderly persons offense; exemptions

2. No person enrolled as a student of an elementary or secondary school, knowingly and without the express written permission of the school board, its delegated authority, or any school principal, shall bring or possess any remotely activated paging device on any property used for school purposes, at any time and regardless of whether school is in session or other persons are present. A violation of this section shall be a disorderly persons offense. No permission to bring or possess any remotely activated paging device on school property shall be granted unless and until a student shall have established to the satisfaction of the school authorities a reasonable basis for the possession of the device on school property. This section shall not apply to any student who is an active member in good standing of a volunteer fire company or first aid, ambulance or rescue squad provided that (1) the student is required to respond to an emergency and (2) a copy of the statement by the chief executive officer of the volunteer fire company or first aid, ambulance or rescue squad authorizing the possession of the paging device is in the possession of the student at all times while that student is in possession of the remotely activated paging device. L.1989,c.232,s.2; amended 1996, c.94, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-20 Use of remotely activated paging device during commission of certain crimes is a crime of fourth degree

A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he uses a remotely activated paging device while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit any crime or offense enumerated in chapter 35 or 36 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. L.1989, c.232, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-21 Interception or use of official communications.

1. Any person who intercepts any message or transmission made on or over any police, fire or emergency medical communications system, or any person who is the recipient of information so intercepted, and who uses the information obtained thereby to facilitate the commission of or the attempt to commit a crime or a violation of any law of this State, or uses the same in a manner which interferes with the discharge of police or firefighting operations or provision of medical services by first aid, rescue or ambulance squad personnel, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1991,c.432,s.1; amended 1999, c.317.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-22 Possession of emergency communications receiver

2. Any person who, while in the course of committing or attempting to commit a crime, including the immediate flight therefrom, possesses or controls a radio capable of receiving any message or transmission made on or over any police, fire or emergency medical communications system, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1991,c.432,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-23 Radar device not included

3. For purposes of P.L.1991, c.432 (C.2C:33-21 et seq.), the term "police, fire or emergency medical communications system" shall not include radar devices used to monitor vehicular speed. L.1991,c.432,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-23.1 License required for certain radio transmissions.

1. A person shall not: a. Make, or cause to be made, a radio transmission of energy in this State unless the person obtains a license, or an exemption from licensure, from the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to 47 U.S.C. s.301, or other applicable federal law or regulation; or b. Do any act to cause an unlicensed radio transmission of energy or interference with a public or commercial radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission or to enable the radio transmission of energy or interference to occur. c. As used in this section, "radio transmission of energy" has the same meaning given that term under 47 U.S.C. s.153. L.2005,c.293,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-23.2 Violations, fourth-degree crime.

2. A person who violates the provisions of P.L.2005, c.293 as amended by P.L.2025, c.349 is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.2005,c.293,s.2; amended 2025, c.349, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-23.3 Offense relative to access of information indicating the location of law enforcement vehicles.

1. a. (1) A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, without license or privilege to do so, he knowingly intercepts a signal transmitted by an automatic vehicle location system which identifies the current location of a law enforcement vehicle. (2) A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, without license or privilege to do so, he knowingly discloses information provided by a signal transmitted by an automatic vehicle location system which identifies the current or prior location of a law enforcement vehicle to a person who is not authorized to receive or access such information. (3) A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he uses information provided by a signal transmitted by an automatic vehicle location system which identifies the current or prior location of a law enforcement vehicle for an unlawful purpose. b. (1) This section shall not in any way limit the authority of any law enforcement officer acting within the scope of his official duties. (2) It shall not be deemed an unlawful purpose for any person to use information provided by a signal transmitted by an automatic vehicle location system which identifies the prior location of a law enforcement vehicle to evaluate or examine the operations of a law enforcement agency; provided, however, that nothing in this act shall be deemed to authorize any person to receive or access information provided by a signal transmitted by an automatic vehicle location system which identifies the location of a law enforcement vehicle if such receipt or access could reasonably jeopardize the safety of a law enforcement officer or the public, or compromise the integrity of any ongoing investigation. c. Nothing in this act shall preclude an indictment and conviction for any other offense defined by the laws of this State. d. For purposes of this section: "Automatic vehicle location system" means an automated system, such as a global positioning system, for tracking the geographic location of a motor vehicle and transmitting that location information to an authorized receiving entity; and "Global positioning system" means a reporting technology that is monitored by a network of electronic navigation components in which a vehicle may be identified and tracked via satellite. L.2013, c.127, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-24 "Act of graffiti."

2C:33-24. As used in this chapter, "act of graffiti" means the drawing, painting or making any mark or inscription on public or private real or personal property without the permission of the owner. amended 2014, c.69, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-26 Sale of motor vehicles on Sunday; exemption.

4. Except as provided in section 1 of P.L.2011, c.29 (C.39:10-38), a person who engages in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motor vehicles or who opens a place of business and attempts to engage in such conduct on a Sunday commits a disorderly persons offense. The first offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 days or both; the second offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 30 days or both; the third or each subsequent offense is punishable by a fine of $750 or imprisonment for a period of six months or both. If the person is a licensed dealer in new or used motor vehicles in this State, under the provisions of chapter 10, Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, the person shall also be subject to suspension or revocation of his dealer's license to engage in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motor vehicles in this State as provided in Title 39, chapter 10, section 20, for violation of this statute. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from accepting a deposit to secure the sale of a recreational vehicle, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.284 (C.54:4-1.18), at an off-site sale authorized pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2005, c.351 (C.39:10-19.2), on a Sunday. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a dealer, engaged in the business of selling motorcycles and licensed pursuant to R.S.39:10-19, and who holds a franchise from a manufacturer of new motorcycles from engaging in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motorcycles on a Sunday, except that such a dealer shall be prohibited from engaging in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motorcycles on a Sunday in a county where Sunday sales are prohibited pursuant to sections 14 through 18 of P.L.1999, c.90 (C.40A:64-1 et seq.) and for a violation of this prohibition shall be subject to the penalties provided in this section for the buying, selling, or exchanging of motor vehicles on a Sunday. As used in this section, the terms "dealer," "motor vehicle," and "motorcycle" shall have the meaning set forth in R.S.39:1-1. L.1999, c.90, s.4; amended 2005, c.351, s.5; 2011, c.29, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-27 Consumption of alcohol in restaurants

5. Consumption of alcohol in restaurants. a. No person who owns or operates a restaurant, dining room or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public, and for which premises a license or permit authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has not been issued: (1) Shall allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages, other than wine or a malt alcoholic beverage, in a portion of the premises which is open to the public; or (2) Shall charge any admission fee or cover, corkage or service charge or advertise inside or outside of such premises that patrons may bring and consume their own wine or malt alcoholic beverages in a portion of the premises which is open to the public. (3) Shall allow the consumption of wine or malt alcoholic beverages at times or by persons to whom the service or consumption or alcoholic beverages on licensed premises is prohibited by State or municipal law or regulation. b. Nothing in this act shall restrict the right of a municipality or an owner or operator of a restaurant, dining room or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public from prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages on those premises. c. A person who violates any provision of this act is a disorderly person, and the court, in addition to the sentence imposed for the disorderly person violation, may by its judgment bar the owner or operator from allowing consumption of wine or malt alcoholic beverages in his premises as authorized by this act. L.1999,c.90, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-28 Solicitation, recruitment to join criminal street gang; crime, degrees, sentencing.

1. a. An actor who solicits or recruits another to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang with the knowledge or purpose that the person who is solicited or recruited will promote, further, assist, plan, aid, agree, or attempt to aid in the commission of criminal conduct by a member of a criminal street gang commits a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, the actor shall have the requisite knowledge or purpose if he knows that the person who is solicited or recruited will engage in some form, though not necessarily which form, of criminal activity. "Criminal street gang" shall have the meaning set forth in section 1 of P.L.2007, c.341 (C.2C:33-29). b. An actor who, in the course of violating subsection a. of this section, threatens another with bodily injury on two or more separate occasions within a 30-day period commits a crime of the third degree. c. An actor who, in the course of violating subsection a. of this section, inflicts significant bodily injury upon another commits a crime of the second degree. d. Any defendant convicted of soliciting, recruiting, coercing or threatening a person under 18 years of age in violation of subsection a., b. or g. of this section shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree. e. An actor who violates subsection a. of this section while under official detention commits a crime of the second degree. As used in this subsection, "official detention" means detention in any facility for custody of persons under charge or conviction of a crime or offense, or committed pursuant to chapter 4 of this Title, or alleged or found to be delinquent; detention for extradition or deportation; mandatory commitment to a residential treatment facility imposed as a condition of special probation pursuant to subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:35-14; or any other detention for law enforcement purposes. "Official detention" also includes supervision of probation or parole, or constraint incidental to release on bail. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provision of law, the court shall order that the sentence imposed upon a violation of this section be served consecutively to the period or periods of detention the actor was serving at the time of the violation. f. Any defendant convicted of soliciting, recruiting, coercing or threatening a person under 18 years of age in violation of subsection c. or e. of this section shall be sentenced by the court to an extended term of imprisonment as set forth in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-7. g. An actor who in the course of violating subsection a. of this section, does so on school property commits a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provision of law, a conviction arising under this section shall not merge with a conviction for any criminal offense that the actor committed while involved in criminal street gang related activity, as defined in subsection h. of N.J.S.2C:44-3, nor shall the conviction for any such offense merge with a conviction pursuant to this section and the sentence imposed upon a violation of this section shall be ordered to be served consecutively to that imposed upon any other such conviction. L.1999, c.160, s.1; amended 2007, c.234; 2013, c.202.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-29 Crime of gang criminality; "criminal street gang" defined; grading of offense.

1. a. A person is guilty of the crime of gang criminality if, while knowingly involved in criminal street gang activity, he commits, attempts to commit, or conspires to commit, whether as a principal or an accomplice, any crime specified in chapters 11 through 18, 20, 33, 35 or 37 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; N.J.S.2C:34-1; N.J.S.2C:39-3; N.J.S.2C:39-4; section 1 of P.L.1998, c.26 (C.2C:39-4.1); N.J.S.2C:39-5; or N.J.S.2C:39-9. A crime is committed while involved in a criminal street gang related activity if the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang. "Criminal street gang" means three or more persons associated in fact. Individuals are associated in fact if: (1) two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal street gang membership apply: (a) self-proclamation; (b) witness testimony or official statement; (c) written or electronic correspondence; (d) paraphernalia or photographs; (e) tattoos; (f) clothing or colors; (g) any other indicia of street gang activity; and (2) individually or in combination with other members of a criminal street gang, while engaging in gang related activity, have committed or conspired or attempted to commit, within the preceding five years from the date of the present offense, excluding any period of imprisonment, one or more offenses on separate occasions of robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault, assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, extortion, tampering with witnesses and informants or a violation of chapter 11, section 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of chapter 35 or chapter 39 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. b. Grading. Gang criminality is a crime of one degree higher than the most serious underlying crime referred to in subsection a. of this section, except that where the underlying crime is a crime of the first degree, gang criminality is a first degree crime and the defendant, upon conviction, and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, shall be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years. A sentence imposed upon conviction of the crime of gang criminality shall be ordered to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed upon conviction of any underlying offense referred to in subsection a. of this section. L.2007, c.341, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-30 Crime of promotion of organized street crime; grading of offense.

2. a. A person promotes organized street crime if he conspires with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager to commit any crime specified in chapters 11 through 18, 20, 33, 35, or 37 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; N.J.S.2C:34-1; N.J.S.2C:39-3; N.J.S.2C:39-4; section 1 of P.L.1998, c.26 (C.2C:39-4.1); N.J.S.2C:39-5; or N.J.S.2C:39-9. b. Grading. Promotion of organized street crime is a crime of one degree higher than the most serious underlying crime referred to in subsection a. of this section, except that where the underlying offense is a crime of the first degree, promotion of organized street crime is a first degree crime and the defendant, upon conviction, and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a of N.J.S.2C:43-6, shall be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years. A sentence imposed upon conviction of the crime of promotion of organized street crime shall be ordered to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed upon conviction of any underlying offense referred to in subsection a. of this section. L.2007, c.341, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-31 Crime of dogfighting, penalties; definitions.

1. a. A person is guilty of dog fighting if that person knowingly: (1) keeps, uses, is connected with or interested in the management of, or receives money for the admission of a person to, a place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting a dog; (2) owns, possesses, keeps, trains, promotes, purchases, breeds or sells a dog for the purpose of fighting or baiting that dog; (3) for amusement or gain, causes, allows, or permits the fighting or baiting of a dog; (4) permits or suffers a place owned or controlled by that person to be used for the purpose of fighting or baiting a dog; (5) is present and witnesses, pays admission to, encourages or assists in the fighting or baiting of a dog; (6) gambles on the outcome of a fight involving a dog ; or (7) owns, possesses, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures dog fighting paraphernalia for the purpose of engaging in or otherwise promoting or facilitating the fighting or baiting of a dog. Dog fighting is a crime of the third degree. b. (1) In addition to any other penalty imposed, the court shall order: (a) the seizure and forfeiture of any dogs or other animals used for fighting or baiting, and may upon request of the prosecutor or on its own motion, order any person convicted of a violation under this section to forfeit possession of: (i) any other dogs or other animals in the person's custody or possession; and (ii) any other property involved in or related to a violation of this section; and (b) restitution, concerning the dogs or other animals seized and forfeited pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, in the form of reimbursing any costs for all the animals' food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care or treatment, or other costs, incurred by any person, agency, entity, or organization, including but not limited to a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, any other recognized organization concerned with the prevention of cruelty to animals or the humane treatment and care of animals, a State or local governmental entity, or a kennel, shelter, pound, or other facility. (2) The court may prohibit any convicted person from having future possession or custody of any animal for any period of time the court deems reasonable, including a permanent prohibition. c. For the purposes of this section : "Dog fighting paraphernalia" means equipment, products, implements, and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, or conditioning of a dog for fighting, or in furtherance of dog fighting. "Bait" means to attack with violence, to provoke, or to harass a dog with one or more animals for the purpose of training the dog for, or to cause a dog to engage in, a fight with or among other dogs. d. In determining whether an object is dog fighting paraphernalia, a tryer of fact may consider: (1) the proximity of the object in time and space to any violation of this section; (2) direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of the person to deliver the object to any person whom the person in possession of the object knows, or should reasonably know, intends to use the object to violate this section; (3) oral or written instructions concerning its use provided with, or found in the vicinity of, the object; (4) descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain or depict its use; and (5) any other relevant factors. L.2015, c.85, s.1; amended 2017, c.331, s.2; 2019, c.223, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-32 Leader, financier of dog fighting network; penalties.

2. a. A person is a leader of a dog fighting network if he conspires with others in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully engage in dog fighting, as defined in section 1 of P.L.2015, c.85 (C.2C:33-31), as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager of at least one other person. Leader of a dog fighting network is a crime of the second degree. "Financier" means a person who, with the intent to derive a profit, provides money or credit or other thing of value in order to finance the operations of dog fighting. b. (1) In addition to any other penalty imposed, the court shall order: (a) The seizure and forfeiture of any dogs or other animals used for fighting or baiting, and may upon request of the prosecutor or on its own motion, order any person convicted of a violation under this section to forfeit possession of: (i) any other dogs or other animals in the person's custody or possession; and (ii) any other property involved in or related to a violation of this section; and (b) restitution, concerning the dogs or other animals seized and forfeited pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, in the form of reimbursing any costs for all the animals' food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care or treatment, or other costs, incurred by any person, agency, entity, or organization, including but not limited to a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, any other recognized organization concerned with the prevention of cruelty to animals or the humane treatment and care of animals, a State or local governmental entity, or a kennel, shelter, pound, or other facility. (2) The court may prohibit any convicted person from having future possession or custody of any animal for any period of time the court deems reasonable, including a permanent prohibition. c. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, a conviction of leader of a dog fighting network shall not merge with the conviction for any offense, nor shall such other conviction merge with a conviction under this section, which is the object of the conspiracy. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the court from imposing an extended term pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-7; nor shall this section be construed in any way to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction of any person for conspiracy under N.J.S.2C:5-2, or any prosecution or conviction under N.J.S.2C:41-1 et seq. (racketeering activities) or subsection g. of N.J.S.2C:5-2 (leader of organized crime) or any prosecution or conviction for any such offense. d. It shall not be necessary in any prosecution under this section for the State to prove that any intended profit was actually realized. The trier of fact may infer that a particular scheme or course of conduct was undertaken for profit from all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to the number of persons involved in the scheme or course of conduct, the actor's net worth and his expenditures in relation to his legitimate sources of income, or the amount of cash or currency involved. e. It shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this section that the dog intended to be used for fighting was brought into or transported in this State solely for ultimate distribution or sale in another jurisdiction. f. It shall not be a defense that the defendant was subject to the supervision or management of another, nor that another person or persons were also leaders of a dog fighting network. L.2015, c.85, s.2; amended 2017, c.331, s.3.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

Starting a business in New Jersey? New Jersey LLC guide: costs and requirements