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Auto Theft

The Auto Theft Lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, 10 Allen St #2Dreet, Toms River, NJ 08753, represent clients charged in Toms River, Little Egg Harbor, Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Manchester, Berkeley, Eaglewood, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights and Other Locations in Ocean County

Automobile theft and joyriding charges are encountered in Ocean County at a higher rate than you might imagine. An individual is subject to enhanced theft penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2.1 when the item stolen is a car, truck or another form of motor vehicle. If you were arrested in Toms River, Point Pleasant, Little Egg Harbor, Eagleswood, Lakewood or another municipality in Ocean County, it would definitely be wise to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. You face a minimum of five (5) years in prison and an assortment of other consequences upon conviction for stealing a car. Hiring a skilled attorney like the former prosecutors at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can prove invaluable in averting a negative outcome. Attorneys on our staff are available around the clock to provide free consultations. Contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500 to speak to one of our lawyers immediately.

Motor Vehicle Theft in Ocean County

There are three separate theft offenses that can come into play when someone is charged with theft of a motor vehicle. The primary offense is N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, theft of movable property. Receiving stolen property under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7 is also another charge that frequently arises in the context of theft of a truck, car or motorcycle. The third offense is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10 and is commonly referred to as joyriding.

There are essentially three (3) elements that must be proven by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office to convict you of auto theft. The prosecutor must establish, beyond reasonable doubt, that you: (1) unlawfully took; (2) the motor vehicle of another; and (3) did so with the purpose of depriving the true owner of the vehicle. When the actor's intention is to deprive the owner of the car, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle temporarily, the offense is joyriding. The actor is temporarily taking and/or using the automobile as opposed to committing a theft when this occurs.

Penalties for Automobile Theft. Although a motor vehicle theft is typically a third degree crime, it can escalate to a second degree crime where the value of the car is $75,000 or more. As a crime of the third degree, automobile theft, or car theft, exposes an individual to term of imprisonment in the range of three (3) years to five (5) years. Second degree car theft is more serious with a five (5) to ten (10) year prison term. Beyond incarceration, a conviction also carries a maximum fine of $15,000 for third degree auto theft and $150,000 for second degree car theft. Restitution for the value of the vehicle and its contents is also required. are also a required penalty.

Enhanced Penalties for Automobile Theft Under 2C:20-2.1
Type of Offense
Additional Fine
License Suspension

First Offense
$500
One Year

Second Offense
$750
Two Years

Third Offense
$1,000
10 Years

Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyers in Toms River NJ

As you can see, an automobile theft conviction carries serious consequences beyond a felony record. There is a real chance of going to state prison if your lawyer cannot get the charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense like joyriding. This is why it is crucial to retain an attorney who is skilled in defending motor vehicle theft charges at the Superior Court in Toms River. Our attorneys can serve you effectively in this capacity whether you were arrested and/or charged in Jackson, Brick, Manchester, Berkeley, Seaside Heights or another Ocean County municipality. To speak to one of the attorneys in our Toms River NJ Office, call (732) 286-6500. Lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you and initial consultations are free of charge.

Additional Theft Resources to Assist You



What Clients Say About Our Ocean County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Exemplary attorneys. I hired them for a DUI and an expungement. I was happy with the results for both cases. Special thank you to Samera for always answering all of my calls and questions JC
★★★★★
I'm 45 years old and this was my first time ever getting in trouble with the law. I was in need of a lawyer and after careful research, I called John F. Marshall Attorneys and was introduced to Abe Basch. Abe was professional, supportive and very thorough. I had three charges against me, one civil and two criminal. I was so scared and expressed that to Abe. The first day I had to go to court, I was an absolute nervous wreck but Abe prepped me and kept my anxiety levels down by going over the process of the courts thoroughly with me. He fought to get my charges dismissed and won all three cases (two court appearances). Abe is positive, confident and he ensured I felt the same way. I'd like to say thank you to Abe for working so diligently on my cases to get them dismissed. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest! I highly recommend Abe for any charges you may be faced with. Rose C.
★★★★★
I was out of state on a family emergency and I had to retain council asap as a boy friend was sitting in county jail with the new no bail point system and Mr marshal and staff made me feel Soo much better knowing that my detained loved one was in such great hands! He spoke to me as I was outta state kept in touch allowed me to work out payment due to the situation and just all out the difference in my bfs voice alone with all the medical problems and such he was going threw sounded better than he had since the first day he was there and was Soo happy that Mr marshal went that day retained to see him in the jail and have him ready for court which wasn't supposed to be till Friday but again Mr marshall and team got it so we can get him now on wendsday and all I have to say is if your looking for a real down to earth lawyer that will work with you and help in anyway possible and I can't for get the team at the office TONI and everyone else thank you again I'd give 100 stars if I could! Nicole J.
★★★★★
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