New Jersey criminal laws set out serious penalties for theft crimes. Most often, when you think of a theft offense, you may think of a person stealing money or property. However, NJ law further makes it unlawful for theft of services. “Theft of services” refers to obtaining or receiving different services without payment and such services can include:

• Professional services
• Labor
• Utilities including electricity, cable, internet, gas, or water
• Food or services in a restaurant or hotel
• Admissions to museums, films, or other exhibits
• Vehicle use
• Entertainment

Perhaps the most commonly recognized theft of services case involves someone stealing cable through an illegal splitter or similar device. However, a recent arrest out of Fort Lee, NJ reminds us that this type of charge can apply to a range of allegations.

Failure to Pay Toll results in Criminal Charges

A commercial truck driver recently failed to pay the required toll when crossing the George Washington Bridge. The driver had used a contraption connected to fishing line to have the ability to conceal his license plate as he passed by the toll security cameras to allegedly avoid being identified. Once he passed the cameras, he released the license plate back into view, however, a Port Authority law enforcement officer saw the truck and stopped it, discovering the rigged license plate. The truck driver has reportedly been charged with the following:

• Theft of services for failure to pay the toll
• Tampering with public records for concealing the license plate
• Manufacture and possession of burglary tools for making and using the fishing line contraption

In addition, the driver may face commercial traffic violations and sanctions.

The potential penalties in a particular theft case will depend on the method of theft and the value of the property taken. For example, if the property or services taken were worth less than $200, a disorderly persons charge for “petty theft” would be issued. For anything greater than $200, the suspect could be charged with a more serious indictable offense. In the above case, law enforcement reported the truck driver’s unpaid toll was $126, however, a disorderly persons theft conviction can still result in up to 6 months in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine.

Call for a Consultation with a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer

Both criminal charges for theft and traffic violations can result in fines and imprisonment. If you have been accused of any type of crime, contact the Law Office of David W. Polsky at 973 686-9787 for assistance from an experienced NJ criminal defense attorney today.