Sentence: Up to 5 years in Jail. Ordinary Terms: 3 to 5 years in Jail, Fines and Probation

A theft charge is a third degree crime if the value of the items are worth more than $500, but not more than $75,000 or if:

• The property stolen is a firearm (gun, rifle, pistol), or a motor vehicle, vessel, boat, horse, domestic companion animal or airplane;
• The property stolen is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog and the amount involved is less than $75,000.00 or is undetermined and the quantity is one kilogram or less;
• It is in breach of an obligation by a person in his capacity as a fiduciary;
• It is by threat not amounting to extortion;
• It is of a public record, writing or instrument kept, filed or deposited according to law with or in the keeping of any public office or public servant;
• The property stolen is a person's benefits under federal or State law, or from any other source, which the Department of Human Services or an agency acting on its behalf has budgeted for the person's health care and the amount involved is less than $75,000;
• The property stolen is any real or personal property related to, necessary for, or derived from research, regardless of value, including, but not limited to, any sample, specimens and components thereof, research subject, including any warm-blooded or cold-blooded animals being used for research or intended for use in research, supplies, records, data or test results, prototypes or equipment, as well as any proprietary information or other type of information related to research;
• The property stolen is a New Jersey Prescription Blank as referred to in; or
• The property stolen consists of an access device or a defaced access device.
• Improper Use of Credit Card also may be charged as a 4th Degree Offense see below.