The bill amends Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to allow for the aggregation of the value of stolen property across multiple criminal episodes or transactions occurring within a two-year period. It introduces new legal language permitting this aggregation for thefts, including motor vehicle thefts and computer crimes, regardless of whether the acts were committed against the same or different victims, or within a single county or across multiple counties. The determination of aggregation will be made by the trier of fact and may also include amounts related to any state tax that was avoided or evaded. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the grading of theft offenses, clarifying that evidence of multiple episodes can demonstrate a single scheme or course of conduct.

Moreover, the bill establishes community service requirements for individuals convicted of shoplifting, mandating a minimum of ten days for a first offense, 15 days for a second, and up to 25 days for third or subsequent offenses, along with a minimum 90-day imprisonment for repeat offenders. It reinforces the presumption of intent to deprive merchants of their property when merchandise is concealed and grants law enforcement and merchants the authority to detain suspected shoplifters without incurring civil or criminal liability, provided they have probable cause.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:20-7.1, 2C:20-10.1, 2C:20-10.2