Theft involves the unlawful taking or unlawful appropriation of the property of another.

Theft in New Jersey may be a second degree crime if

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• the value of the property involved is $75,000 or more;

• the property is taken by extortion;

• the property stolen is an illegal drug in excess of one kilogram;

• the property stolen is health care benefits involving more than $75,000 or;

• the property stolen is human remains. 

Theft in New Jersey may be a third degree crime if

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• the value of the property involved is between $500 and $75,000;

• the property stolen is a firearm, motor vehicle, vessel, boat, horse, domestic companion animal or airplane; or

• the property is an illegal drug with value of less than $75,000 or is a quantity less than one kilogram. 

• breaching a fiduciary duty where the amount involved is less than $50,000;

• a threat not amounting to extortion; theft of a public record;

• theft of health care benefits; theft of research property;

• theft of a prescription blank; theft of an access device; and

• theft of anhydrous ammonia to manufacture methamphetamine.

Theft is a fourth degree crime in New Jersey if the value of the property involved is between $200 and $500. 

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Theft is a disorderly persons offense if the value of the property involved is less than $200 or the property stolen is an electronic vehicle identification system transponder.

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