Criminal Laws in NJ

We've gathered the following NJ laws and statutes for you. If you are faced with a criminal charge, these laws will detail the offense you are facing. We have grouped the laws in categories of common offenses, each linking to the individual laws. If you are interested in finding out more on how to get your criminal history expunged, please see the NJ statutes that cover expungement of criminal records.

NJ Criminal Offenses

• Assault
  • 2C:12-1a.  Simple Assault.
  • 2C:12-1b.  Aggravated Assault.
  • 2C:12-1b(5).  Assault on a Police Officer or Public Employee.
  • 2C:12-1c.  Assault by Auto.
  • 2C:12-1.1.  Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • 2C:12-1.2.  Endangering an injured victim.
  • 2C:12-3.  Terroristic threats.
  • 2C:12-10.  Stalking definitions.
  • 2C:12-10.1.  Stalking – permanent restraining order.
  • 2C:12-10.2.  Stalking – temporary restraining order.
  • 2C:12-13.  Throwing bodily fluid.

• Computer Crimes
  • 2C:20-25.  Computer crimes.
  • 2C:20-31.  Wrongful computer access.
  • 2C:20-33.  Obtaining, copying, accessing program, software valued at $1,000 or less.
  • 2C:20-34.  Location of offense.

• Disorderly Conduct Offenses
  • 2C:33-1.  Rioting.
  • 2C:33-2.  Disorderly Conduct.
  • 2C:33-2.1.  Loitering.
  • 2C:33-4.  Harassment.
  • 2C:33-15.  Underage Drinking.
  • 2C:33-16.  Alcohol on school property.
  • 2C:33-17.  Providing alcohol to minors.
  • 2C:33-27.  Consumption of alcohol in restaurants. 

• Domestic Violence
  • 2C:25-18.  Legislative findings on domestic violence.
  • 2C:25-19.  Domestic violence definitions.
  • 2C:25-20.  Development of training course; curriculum.
  • 2C:25-21.  Arrest for domestic violence.
  • 2C:25-22.  Immunity from civil liability.
  • 2C:25-23.  Victim's right to temporary restraining order.
  • 2C:25-24.  Domestic violence offense reports.
  • 2C:25-25.  Criminal complaints for domestic violence.
  • More Domestic Violence Statutes…

• Drug Offenses
  • Drug Paraphernalia Laws
  • 2C:35-5.  Manufacturing, Distributing or Dispensing.
  • 2C:35-10.  Possession.
  • 2C:35-10.5.  Prescription Drugs.

• Fake ID
  • 2C:28-7.  Tampering with public records.
  • 2C:21-2.1.  Fake ID. 
  • 33:1-81.  Misrepresenting age to induce sale or delivery of alcohol.

• Firearms and Weapons
  • 2C:39-1.  Firearm definitions.
  • 2C:39-2.  Presumption of firearm possession and no license.
  • 2C:39-3.  Prohibited weapons and devices.
  • 2C:39-4.  Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes. 
  • 2C:39-4.1.  Possession of a weapon while committing another offense.
  • 2C:39-5.  Unlawful possession of weapons.
  • 2C:39-6.  Weapons exemptions.
  • 2C:39-7.  Persons restricted from possessing weapons.
  • More Firearms and Weapons Statutes

• 2C:21-1.  Forgery.

• 2C:14-4.  Lewdness.

• 2C:29-1.  Obstruction of Justice.

• Property Crimes
  • 2C:18-2.  Burglary.
  • 2C:18-3.  Trespassing.
  • 2C:18-1.  Burglary definitions.
  • 2C:18-4.  Lands defined.
  • 2C:18-5.  Knowingly or recklessly operating motor vehicle or riding horseback on lands of another without written permission, or damaging or injuring tangible property.
  • 2C:18-6.  Burglary and trespass offenses.

• Property Destruction
  • 2C:17-1.  Arson
  • 2C:17-2.  Causing or risking widespread injury or damage.
  • 2C:17-3.  Criminal Mischief

• Prostitution
  • 2C:34-1.  Prostitution.
  • 2C:34-1.1.  Loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

• Resisting Arrest
  • 2C:29-2.  Resisting arrest.
  • 2C:29-3.  Hindering apprehension or prosecution.
  • 2C:29-3.1.  Infliction of harm to animal used by law enforcement.
  • 2C:29-9.  Contempt.

• Theft Offenses
  • 2C:20-3.  Theft.
  • 2C:20-11.  Shoplifting.