NJ Fines in New Jersey for Classes of Criminal Charges

NJ Fines for Criminal Charges

In New Jersey’s criminal justice system, monetary fines are a common penalty upon conviction. The amount of fines that can be imposed depends on the grade and severity of the criminal offense.

This article provides an overview of the fines associated with different classes of crimes in NJ. Understanding the potential financial penalties is important for anyone facing criminal charges in the state.

Classification of Crimes in New Jersey

New Jersey categorizes criminal offenses into different classes based on their seriousness[1]:

• 1st Degree Crimes – Most serious offenses like murder, aggravated sexual assault, robbery. 10-20 years in prison.
• 2nd Degree Crimes – Major felonies like manslaughter, sexual assault, burglary. 5-10 years in prison.
• 3rd Degree Crimes – Non-violent felonies like theft, criminal restraint. 3-5 years in prison.
• 4th Degree Crimes – Low-level felonies like assault, identity theft. Up to 18 months in jail.
• Disorderly Persons Offenses – Simple assault, bad checks. Up to 6 months in jail.
• Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses – Harassment, trespass. Up to 30 days in jail.

The class of crime determines the maximum fines that can be imposed upon conviction.

Fines for 1st Degree Crimes

For the most serious, 1st degree crimes in New Jersey, maximum fines upon conviction are[2]:

• $200,000 for most 1st degree crimes
• $500,000 for drug manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking crimes

So for major violent felonies like murder, the maximum fine is generally $200,000 under NJ law.

Fines for 2nd Degree Crimes

The maximum fines for 2nd degree crimes, which carry 5-10 years in prison, are[3]:

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• $150,000 for most 2nd degree offenses
• $300,000 for drug distribution or trafficking crimes

Common 2nd degree offenses like sexual assault or burglary can result in fines up to $150,000 if convicted.

Fines for 3rd Degree Crimes

For 3rd degree crimes in New Jersey, which are non-violent felonies, the maximum fines are[4]:

• $15,000 for most 3rd degree offenses
• $30,000 for drug distribution crimes

So convictions for crimes like theft, forgery, or criminal restraint expose defendants to fines up to $15,000 under NJ law.

Fines for 4th Degree Crimes

The maximum fines for 4th degree crimes upon conviction in New Jersey are[5]:

• $10,000 for most 4th degree offenses
• $15,000 for drug distribution crimes

Common 4th degree charges like assault, identity theft, or resisting arrest can result in five-figure fines.

Fines for Disorderly Persons Offenses

Maximum fines for disorderly persons offenses, which are simple misdemeanors, include[6]:

• $1,000 for most disorderly persons offenses
• $10,000 for drug possession or distribution charges

So convictions for minor crimes like simple assault or bad checks can still generate thousands in fines.

Fines for Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses

For petty disorderly persons offenses, which are the least serious criminal charges, maximum fines in New Jersey are:

• $500 for most petty disorderly persons offenses
• $1,000 for marijuana possession charges

Common petty disorderly persons charges include trespass, harassment, disorderly conduct.

Other Financial Penalties

Beyond fines, other financial penalties may apply upon conviction in New Jersey, including:

• Restitution to victims for losses
• Surcharges and assessments
• Court costs and fees
• Probation supervision costs
• Drug enforcement penalties

So the true financial consequences typically exceed just the maximum statutory fine amounts.

Ability to Pay Fines

New Jersey law requires judges to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when imposing fines. Fines can be waived or lowered for those unable to pay.

However, surcharges and fees usually cannot be waived. And unpaid amounts may be referred for civil judgment or collection.

Consult an Attorney for Help

The potential impact of fines makes criminal charge severity even more important. An experienced attorney can sometimes get charges downgraded to reduce fine exposure.

They can also advise on programs like drug court that may allow fines to be waived upon successful completion. Don’t overlook the financial implications of your criminal case.