New Jersey Penalties For Criminal Offenses

Criminal offenses are heard or considered in Superior Court  and are often more serious than the charges heard in municipal courts where the offense occurred. Defendants found guilty of crimes face more serious consequences, with punishments spanning probation supervision and fines to the loss of liberty through confinement for a year or more. Crimes are classified by degree. Degrees range from first to fourth degree offenses.

Penalties associated with each degree are as follows:

First Degree: crime carries  the potential penalty of 10-20 years in prison and  fine of  up to  $200,000.

Second Degree: crime carries a  potential penalty of 5-10 years in prison and  fine  of up to $150,000.

Third Degree: crime may  result in 3-5 years in prison if convicted and fine of  up to $15,000.

Fourth Degree: crimes carry a potential penalty of up to 18 months in jail and fine of up to $10,000.