New Jersey Section 2C:21-2.3 – Producing, selling, offering, displaying, possessing, fraudulent motor vehicle insurance ID cards; penalties
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New Jersey Law Cracks Down on Fake Auto Insurance Cards
New Jersey has strict laws against auto insurance fraud. Section 2C:21-2.3 of the New Jersey code specifically targets the production and use of fraudulent motor vehicle insurance identification (ID) cards. This law imposes harsh penalties on offenders to deter insurance fraud.
What Does the Law Prohibit?
There are three main offenses under Section 2C:21-2.3:
- Knowingly producing, selling, offering, or displaying simulated auto insurance cards. This is a third-degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. The court must also order 30 days of community service.
- Exhibiting or displaying a fake insurance card to law enforcement or during a vehicle inspection. This is a fourth-degree crime with up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Simply possessing a simulated insurance card, knowing it’s fake. This is a disorderly persons offense with up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
So this law targets both the major production and sale of fraudulent cards, as well as individuals who try to pass them off.
Why Such Harsh Penalties?
Insurance fraud costs everyone. According to the FBI, losses from this white-collar crime exceed $40 billion per year. We all pay the price through higher premiums.
So states want to crack down hard. These criminal penalties aim to deter fraudsters and take fake insurance cards off the streets.
Challenging the Charges
But what if you’re wrongly accused of possessing or using a fake insurance card? Now you face prosecution and stiff penalties.
This is where an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. Someone like Alissa D. Hascup knows how to challenge the charges.
As a former prosecutor, she understands what the state must prove. For example, to convict you of possessing a fake insurance card, they must establish beyond reasonable doubt that:
- You actually possessed the card in question
- You knew the card was simulated or fake
- The card was in fact falsely made or altered
There are issues to explore around each element. Perhaps you never actually possessed the card. Or maybe you had no idea it was fake.
An aggressive defense lawyer will put the state to their proof. She can work to exclude prejudicial evidence or have charges reduced or dismissed through effective negotiation.
So don’t go it alone if accused under Section 2C:21-2.3. The penalties are too severe, and the law complex. Meet with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your best defense.
Section 2C:21-2.3 specifically covers auto insurance fraud. But other charges may stem from the same incident.
For example, exhibiting a fake insurance card could lead to charges for forgery, identity theft, or tampering with public records.
Selling simulated cards can trigger charges for racketeering, money laundering, theft by deception, or conspiracy.
The penalties stack up fast. So you need an attorney ready to defend the full range of potential charges. A lawyer like Alissa Hascup handles complex fraud cases in New Jersey courts every day. She digs into the details to form an aggressive, multifaceted defense to these allegations.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond fines and jail time, a conviction under 2C:21-2.3 can haunt you for years. It may result in:
- Suspension or loss of your driver’s license
- Significantly higher auto insurance rates
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Loss of certain professional licenses
So the stakes are high when facing prosecution. Don’t leave the outcome to chance. Work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer to mitigate damage and clear your record.
Seek Legal Counsel Now
If you or a loved one faces charges under Section 2C:21-2.3, time is critical. Act now by:
- Calling Alissa Hascup for a free case review
- Learning your rights and defense options
- Building an aggressive legal strategy
Don’t go it alone against complex fraud allegations that could land you years behind bars. Work with a passionate attorney to fight the charges at every step.
With an experienced lawyer in your corner, you can avoid harsh penalties and get back to your life. So call today and take back control of your future.