[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/different-types-of-theft-charges\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/different-types-of-theft-charges\/","headline":"Different Types of Theft Charges","name":"Different Types of Theft Charges","description":"In New Jersey, the term \u201ctheft\u201d can encompass many different specific crimes, from burglary and robbery to identity theft and fraud. If you are facing charges for stealing in New Jersey, the type of charge will determine which penalties a conviction could carry. The following are some common types of theft charges our criminal defense […]","datePublished":"2023-01-19","dateModified":"2025-07-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/author\/njcriminaldefensefirm\/#Person","name":"Keith Oliver Criminal Law","url":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/author\/njcriminaldefensefirm\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/eea6bf238055b0a92b0fd9a26bcfdcabbb3a035497bf65cc7d3ba0ef726197ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/eea6bf238055b0a92b0fd9a26bcfdcabbb3a035497bf65cc7d3ba0ef726197ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Keith Oliver Criminal Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/logo-footer.png","url":"http:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/logo-footer.png","width":205,"height":68}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/theft.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/theft.jpg","height":660,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/different-types-of-theft-charges\/","about":["Theft Charges"],"wordCount":615,"articleBody":"In New Jersey, the term \u201ctheft\u201d can encompass many different specific crimes, from burglary and robbery to identity theft and fraud. If you are facing charges for stealing in New Jersey, the type of charge will determine which penalties a conviction could carry. The following are some common types of theft charges our criminal defense attorneys handle at Keith Oliver Criminal Law.Petty Theft vs. Grand TheftTheft involves taking someone else\u2019s property without permission. The difference between petty and grand theft is based on the value and type of property taken and various other factors. Petty theft is considered a disorderly persons offense, while grand theft is a more serious charge.Theft by Deception or ExtortionTheft by deception and theft by extortion are similar but distinct crimes in New Jersey.\u00a0Theft by deception\u00a0occurs when a person takes someone\u2019s property by lying, misleading them, or another form of deception. Theft by extortion\u00a0is taking someone\u2019s property using extortion, such as force or coercion.Theft of ServicesIn New Jersey, a person commits\u00a0theft of services\u00a0when they use deception or threats to purposely and knowingly obtain services without paying. For example, someone who uses another person\u2019s cable TV or satellite signal without the owner\u2019s permission or paying for it could be charged with theft of services.Computer FraudNew Jersey\u2019s\u00a0criminal computer activity statute\u00a0covers a range of offenses. The law prohibits people from unlawfully accessing databases or other computer systems without authorization, altering data without permission, or accessing databases or computer systems to commit fraud or steal someone\u2019s personal information.RobberyRobbery\u00a0is a second-degree crime using physical force or the threat of force when committing theft. It becomes a first-degree crime if the perpetrator tries to kill anyone, causes serious bodily injury, or is armed with a deadly weapon.FraudFraud is the intentional use of deception or dishonest means to take another person\u2019s property, money, or legal right. According to the state\u00a0Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, New Jersey\u2019s Fraud Prevention Act is intended to mitigate healthcare and insurance fraud throughout the state.ShopliftingA person commits the crime of\u00a0shoplifting\u00a0if they steal property from a business or change the price tag on an item to avoid paying full price. Depending on the value of the stolen items, shoplifting can be a misdemeanor or felony \u2014 called disorderly persons and indictable offenses in New Jersey.Receiving Stolen PropertyNew Jersey law states it is illegal for a person to receive, possess, control, or title another person\u2019s property knowing it is stolen or likely stolen.Writing Bad ChecksIf someone writes a check or makes an electronic funds transfer knowing that the check or fund transfer will not be paid, they could be charged as a\u00a0disorderly persons or indictable offense.Auto TheftA\u00a0carjacking\u00a0occurs when the perpetrator uses force or threatens to use force against the driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle to steal it.\u00a0Under\u00a0New Jersey law, a person convicted of theft of an automobile could face fines and revocation of driving privileges.Identity TheftNew Jersey law\u00a0defines impersonation and identity theft as using any means, including the internet, to impersonate another person or pretend to be a representative of a person or organization to injure or defraud someone.Contact a New Jersey Theft Defense Lawyer TodayMany of these types of theft charges come with serious consequences. If you are facing charges of theft, you need an experienced attorney to defend your rights and freedom. Contact the New Jersey theft defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law today for a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Different Types of Theft Charges","item":"https:\/\/www.njcriminaldefensefirm.com\/blog\/different-types-of-theft-charges\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]