Theft of Services

Theft of services arises when someone unlawfully obtains gas, water, cable or other utilitie,, or steals some other form of services. The scenarios are, in fact, virtually endless when it comes to someone being charged with theft of services in Little Egg Harbor, Brick, Toms River, Berkeley, Beachwood or another municipality in Ocean County. And when the value of the services is $200 or more, the offense is automatically a felony that must be sent to the Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River for resolution. Hiring an attorney who is adept in defending theft of services charges is precisely the asset you need if you are facing this offense.

The eight lawyers that make up the defense team at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall include several former prosecutors and possess over a century of experience defending theft of services throughout the region. Our record of successfully defending theft charges in Ocean County spans several decades with many dismissals and other favorable outcomes. To speak to lawyer immediately in a free consultation about the facts surrounding the criminal complaint or indictment you are facing, contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500. Attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you.

The offense of theft of services is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8. As previously stated, just about any service that is obtained through compensation can potentially give rise to a violation under this law if it is taken wrongfully. Running out on a check at a restaurant, using a cab/taxi without paying or almost any other service requiring payment can trigger a violation under 2C:20-8. When the value of the services allegedly stolen is less than $200, the violation is a disorderly persons offense. Theft of services with a value of at least $200 but less than $500 results in a fourth degree crime. It is a third degree crime to steal services valued at $500 but less than $75,000. Second degree theft of services applies where the services have a value of $75,00 or more.

A wide variety of services fall under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8 including labor, professional services, transportation, telephone, telecommunications, electric, water, gas, cable television or other public service, accommodation in hotels, restaurants, or elsewhere, entertainment, admission to exhibits, use of vehicles or other movable property. If a service can only be obtained through compensation, it has the potential to result in a theft charge.

The penalties for theft of services hinge on the grade of offense charged. A conviction for a second degree crime for theft of services results in a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison. Third degree theft of services carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine that can reach $15,000. A fourth degree crime for theft of services triggers up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. a disorderly persons offense for theft of services has the potential to result in up to 6 months in the Ocean County Jail and a $1,000 fine.

A criminal charge can be extremely intimidating whether the offense is indictable or being heard in municipal court. The comfort that a knowledgeable lawyer can provide is immeasurable. The attorneys at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the ability to provide precisely this service and more. We are a team of skilled defense lawyers that have over a century of collective experience to insure that you have every opportunity to minimize the charge you are facing in Lacey, Lakewood, Eagleswood, Stafford, Long Beach or another town.  Call Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall at (732) 286-6500 for the immediate assistance and counsel you deserve.