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 within a two-year period. It introduces new legal language stating that the amount involved in theft or computer criminal activity can be determined by the trier of fact and may include amounts from thefts committed as part of a single scheme or course of conduct, regardless of whether they occurred in a single episode or across multiple episodes. This aggregation applies to offenses against the same victim or multiple victims and can include prior convictions within the last two years for the purpose of determining the grade of the offense. The bill also modifies definitions and grading of theft offenses, including provisions for receiving and dealing in stolen property, and establishes specific provisions for motor vehicle theft.

Additionally, the bill introduces new community service requirements for individuals convicted of shoplifting, mandating at least ten days for a first offense, 15 days for a second, and up to 25 days for a third or subsequent offense, along with a minimum 90-day imprisonment for repeat offenders. It reinforces the presumption of intent to deprive merchants of their property when unpurchased merchandise is concealed and provides legal protections for merchants and law enforcement officers who detain suspected shoplifters. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of theft laws and enhance penalties for repeat offenders, thereby improving the prosecution of theft-related crimes.

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