2C:1-004 Classes of Criminal Offenses

 

2C:1-4. Classes of criminal offenses a. An offense defined by this code or by any other statute of this State, for which a sentence of imprisonment in excess of 6 months is authorized, constitutes a crime within the meaning of the Constitution of this State. Crimes are designated in this code as being of the first, second, third or fourth degree. b. An offense is a disorderly persons offense if it is so designated in this code or in a statute other than this code. An offense is a petty disorderly persons offense if it is so designated in this code or in a statute other than this code. Disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses are petty offenses and are not crimes within the meaning of the Constitution of this State. There shall be no right to indictment by a grand jury nor any right to trial by jury on such offenses. Conviction of such offenses shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a crime. c. An offense defined by any statute of this State other than this code shall be classified as provided in this section or in section 2C:43-1 and, except as provided in section 2C:1-5b and chapter 43, the sentence that may be imposed upon conviction thereof shall hereafter be governed by this code. Insofar as any provision outside the code declares an offense to be a misdemeanor when such offense specifically provides a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment or less, whether or not in combination with a fine, such provision shall constitute a disorderly persons offense. d. Subject to the provisions of section 2C:43-1, reference in any statute, rule, or regulation outside the code to the term "high misdemeanor" shall mean crimes of the first, second, or third degree and reference to the term "misdemeanor" shall mean all crimes. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:1-4, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 290, s. 1, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.

2C:001-003 Territorial Applicability

 a.Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person may be convicted under the law of this State of an offense committed by his own conduct or the conduct of another for which he is legally accountable if:

(1)Either the conduct which is an element of the offense or the result which is such an element occurs within this State;

(2)Conduct occurring outside the State is sufficient under the law of this State to constitute an attempt to commit a crime within the State;

(3)Conduct occurring outside the State is sufficient under the law of this State to constitute a conspiracy to commit an offense within the State and an overt act in furtherance of such conspiracy occurs within the State;

(4)Conduct occurring within the State establishes complicity in the commission of, or an attempt, or conspiracy to commit, an offense in another jurisdiction which also is an offense under the law of this State;

(5)The offense consists of the omission to perform a legal duty imposed by the law of this State with respect to domicile, residence or a relationship to a person, thing or transaction in the State; or

(6)The offense is based on a statute of this State which expressly prohibits conduct outside the State, when the conduct bears a reasonable relation to a legitimate interest of this State and the actor knows or should know that his conduct is likely to affect that interest.

b.Subsection a.(1) does not apply when either causing a specified result or a purpose to cause or danger of causing such a result is an element of an offense and the result occurs or is designed or likely to occur only in another jurisdiction where the conduct charged would not constitute an offense, unless a legislative purpose plainly appears to declare the conduct criminal regardless of the place of the result.

c.Except as provided in subsection g., subsection a. (1) does not apply when causing a particular result is an element of an offense and the result is caused by conduct occurring outside the State which would not constitute an offense if the result had occurred there, unless the actor purposely or knowingly caused the result within the State.

d.When the offense is homicide, either the death of the victim or the bodily impact causing death constitutes a "result," within the meaning of subsection a.(1) and if the body of a homicide victim is found within the State, it may be inferred that such result occurred within the State.

e.This State includes the land and water, including the waters set forth in N.J.S.40A:13-2 and the air space above such land and water with respect to which the State has legislative jurisdiction. It also includes any territory made subject to the criminal jurisdiction of this State by compacts between it and another state or between it and the Federal Government.

f.Notwithstanding that territorial jurisdiction may be found under this section, the court may dismiss, hold in abeyance for up to six months, or, with the permission of the defendant, place on the inactive list a criminal prosecution under the law of this State where it appears that such action is in the interests of justice because the defendant is being prosecuted for an offense based on the same conduct in another jurisdiction and this States interest will be adequately served by a prosecution in the other jurisdiction.

g.When the result which is an element of an offense consists of inflicting a harm upon a resident of this State or depriving a resident of this State of a benefit, the result occurs within this State, even if the conduct occurs wholly outside this State and any property that was affected by the offense was located outside this State.

2C:1-002 Purposes; Principles of Construction

 

a. The general purposes of the provisions governing the definition of offenses are:

(1) To forbid, prevent, and condemn conduct that unjustifiably and inexcusably inflicts or threatens serious harm to individual or public interests; 

(2) To insure the public safety by preventing the commission of offenses through the deterrent influence of the sentences authorized, the rehabilitation of those convicted, and their confinement when required in the interests of public protection; 

(3) To subject to public control persons whose conduct indicates that they are disposed to commit offenses; 

(4) To give fair warning of the nature of the conduct proscribed and of the sentences authorized upon conviction; 

(5) To differentiate on reasonable grounds between serious and minor offenses; and

(6) To define adequately the act and mental state which constitute each offense, and limit the condemnation of conduct as criminal when it is without fault. 

b. The general purposes of the provisions governing the sentencing of offenders are: 

(1) To prevent and condemn the commission of offenses;

(2) To promote the correction and rehabilitation of offenders;

(3) To insure the public safety by preventing the commission of offenses through the deterrent influence of sentences imposed and the confinement of offenders when required in the interest of public protection; 

(4) To safeguard offenders against excessive, disproportionate or arbitrary punishment;

(5) To give fair warning of the nature of the sentences that may be imposed on conviction of an offense; 

(6) To differentiate among offenders with a view to a just individualization in their treatment; 

(7) To advance the use of generally accepted scientific methods and knowledge in sentencing offenders; and 

(8) To promote restitution to victims.

c. The provisions of the code shall be construed according to the fair import of their terms but when the language is susceptible of differing constructions it shall be interpreted to further the general purposes stated in this section and the special purposes of the particular provision involved. The discretionary powers conferred by the code shall be exercised in accordance with the criteria stated in the code and, insofar as such criteria are not decisive, to further the general purposes stated in this section. 

d. Nothing contained in this code shall limit the right of a defendant and, subject only to the Federal and State constitutions, the right of the State to appeal or seek leave to appeal pursuant to law and Rules of Court. 

2C:1-001 Short Title; Rules of Construction

 2C:1-1.  Short title;  rules of construction

    a.  This Title shall be known and may be cited as the  "New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice."

    b.  Except as provided in subsections c. and d. of this section, the code does not apply to offenses committed prior to its effective date and prosecutions and dispositions for such offenses shall be governed by the prior law, which is continued in effect for that purpose, as if this code were not in  force.  For the purposes of this section, an offense was committed after the  effective date of the code if any of the elements of the offenses occurred  subsequent thereto.

    c.  In any case pending on or initiated after the effective date of the code  involving an offense committed prior to such date:

    (1) The procedural provisions of the code shall govern, insofar as they are  justly applicable and their application does not introduce confusion or delay;

    (2) The court, with the consent of the defendant, may impose sentence under  the provisions of the code applicable to the offense and the offender.

    (3) The court shall, if the offense committed is no longer an offense under  the provisions of the code, dismiss such prosecution.

    d.  (1) The provisions of the code governing the treatment and the release or discharge of prisoners, probationers and parolees shall apply to persons under sentence for offenses committed prior to the effective date of the code, except that the minimum or maximum period of their detention or supervision shall in no case be increased.

    (2) Any person who is under sentence of imprisonment on the effective date of the code for an offense committed prior to the effective date which has been  eliminated by the code or who has been sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment for an offense committed prior to the effective date which exceeds  the maximum established by the code for such an offense and who, on said  effective date, has not had his sentence suspended or been paroled or discharged, may move to have his sentence reviewed by the sentencing court and the court may impose a new sentence, for good cause shown as though the person had been convicted under the code, except that no period of detention or supervision shall be increased as a result of such resentencing.

    e.  The provisions of the code not inconsistent with those of prior laws shall be construed as a continuation of such laws.

    f.  The classification and arrangement of the several sections of the code have been made for the purpose of convenience, reference and orderly arrangement, and therefore no implication or presumption of a legislative construction is to be drawn therefrom.

    g.  In the construction of the code, or any part thereof, no outline or analysis of the contents of said title or of any subtitle, chapter, article or section, no cross-reference or cross-reference note and no headnote or source note to any section shall be deemed to be a part of the code.

    h.  If said title or any subtitle, chapter, article or section of the code,  or any provision thereof, shall be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid or  inoperative in whole or in part, by a court of competent jurisdiction, such  title, subtitle, chapter, article, section or provision shall, to the extent  that it is not unconstitutional, invalid or inoperative, be enforced and  effectuated, and no such determination shall be deemed to invalidate or make  ineffectual the remaining provisions of the title, or of any subtitle, chapter,  article or section of the code.

     L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:1-1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.  Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

What to do When the Executor Does Not do Their Job- Hire Attorney

 

What to Do when the Executor does not do their job- Hire attorney to file Complaint to Remove the Executor of an Estate By Kenneth Vercammen Esq. of Edison, NJ Under New Jersey Law, the person selected as an executor of a Will has numerous legal responsibilities following the death of the person who signed the Will. Primarily, they have a duty to probate the Will, liquidate assets, pay bills and taxes, file all necessary court and tax returns, and then distribute the assets to beneficiaries. In New Jersey, the court and Surrogate do not supervise how an executor or administrator handles the estate. An Executor occasionally fails to timely carry out their duties. They may fail to file tax returns, fail to keep records, misappropriate funds or ignore instructions under the Will. If a beneficiary is not satisfied with the handling of the estate, they can have an attorney file a Complaint in the Superior Court to compel accounting, remove the executor, compel filing of tax returns and seek other relief. The New Probate Statute of NJ made a number of substantial changes to the provisions governing the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey. Under the United States Supreme Court Case, Tulsa Professional Collection Services, Inc., v. Joanne Pope, Executrix of the Estate of H. Everett Pope, Jr., Deceased, 108 S.CT. 1340 the Personal Representative in every estate is personally responsible to provide actual notice to all known or readily ascertainable creditors of the decedent. This means that is the executors responsibility to diligently search for any readily ascertainable creditors. As with a litigated court matter, trials can become expensive. Competent elder law/probate attorney may charge an hourly rate of $300-$450 per hour, with a retainer of $4000 needed. Attorneys will require the full retainer to be paid in full up front. We charge a consult fee of $200 to discuss the case. In lieu of a Formal Accounting the beneficiaries will usually be requested to sign a Release and Refunding bond. If a beneficiary has evidence of misappropriation, they should ask the executor for an informal accounting prior to signing the Release and Refunding bond. COMPLAINT FOR ACCOUNTING & REMOVAL OF EXECUTOR A Complaint for Accounting is filed in the Superior Court Probate Part to request on accounting, removal of the current executor and selection of a new person to administer and wrap up the estate. See Rule 4:87-1 A signed certification of one or more beneficiaries is needed. In addition, an Order to Show Cause is prepared by the attorney. The Order to Show Cause is submitted to be signed by the Judge directing the executor to file a written answer to the Complaint, as well as appear before the court at a specific date and time. The NJ Judiciary website has a model form Order to Show Cause. As with a litigated court matter, trials can become expensive. Competent elder law/probate attorney may charge an hourly rate of $275-$400 per hour, with a minimum retainer of $3,000 needed. Most attorneys require the retainer to be paid in full up front. The plaintiff can request the following: (1) That the named executor be ordered to provide an accounting of the estate to plaintiff. (2) Defendant Executor be ordered to provide an accounting for all assets of decedent dated five years prior to death that defendant may have administrated through a Power of Attorney. (3) Payment of plaintiffs attorneys fees and costs of suit for the action. (4) Declaring a constructive trust of the assets of the decedent for the benefit of the plaintiff and the estate. (5) That the executor be removed as the executor/administrator of the estate and that the plaintiff be named as Administrator C.T.A. or administrator of the estate. (6) That the executor be barred from spending any estate funds, be barred from paying any bills, be barred from taking a commission, be barred from writing checks, be barred from acting on behalf of the estate, except as specifically authorized by Superior Court Order or written consent by the plaintiff. The statue on removing the Executor for cause is NJSA 3B:14-21. OBJECT TO EXECUTORS COMMISSIONS Under NJSA 3B:18-1 et seq., Executors, administrators and other fiduciaries are entitled to receive a commission on both the principal of the estate, and the income earned by assets. However, if you have evidence that the executor has breached their fiduciary duties or violated a law, the Superior Court accounting complaint can request that the commissions be reduced or eliminated. COMPEL THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE AND OTHER PROPERTY Occasionally, a family member is living in a home owned by the decedent. To keep family harmony, often this family member is permitted to remain in the home temporarily. However, it may later become clear that the resident has no desire on moving, and the executor has neither an intention to make them move nor to sell the house. The remedy a beneficiary has can be to have the attorney include in the Superior Court complaint a count to 1) remove the executor 2) remove the tenant and make them pay rent to the estate for the time they used the real property since death without paying rent 3) compel the appraisal of the home and, thereafter, the sale of the property 4) make the executor reimburse the estate for the neglect or waste of assets. Removal for cause of Executor NJSA 3B:14-21 The court may remove a fiduciary from office when: a. After due notice of an order or judgment of the court so directing, he neglects or refuses, within the time fixed by the court, to file an inventory, render an account or give security or additional security; b. After due notice of any other order or judgment of the court made underits proper authority, he neglects or refuses to perform or obey the order orjudgment within the time fixed by the court; or c. He has embezzled, wasted or misapplied any part of the estate committedto his custody, or has abused the trust and confidence reposed in him; or d. He has removed from the state or does not reside therein and neglects orrefuses to proceed with the administration of the estate and perform the dutiesand trust devolving upon him;or e. He is of unsound mind or mentally incapacitated for the transaction of business;or f. One of two or more fiduciaries has neglected or refused to perform his duties or to join with the other fiduciary or fiduciaries in the administrationof the estate committed to their care whereby the proper administration andsettlement of the estate is or may be hindered or prevented. In addition, a court may invoke its equity powers to remove [an executor]. In re Duke, 305 N.J. Super. 408, 438 (Ch. Div. 1995) (citing In re Koretzky, 8 N.J. 506, 530 (1951)). However, a judge should be particularly reluctant to remove a fiduciary chosen by the decedent, Connelly v. Weisfeld, 142 N.J. Eq. 406, 411 (E. & A. 1948), and the foremost concern when such an act is contemplated should be whether the executors continued service would be detrimental to the estate. Wolosoff v. CSI Liquidating Trust, 205 N.J. Super. 349, 360 (App. Div. 1985) The critical question is whether the circumstances are such that the continuance . . . in office would be detrimental to the [estate] and require the court to grant relief. Wolosoff, supra, 205 N.J. Super. at 360. Thus, mere friction between an executor and beneficiaries is not a ground for removal unless the relationship is likely to interfere materially with the administration of the estate. Ibid. Estate litigation is often acrimonious, but the removal of an executor appointed by the decedent is generally to be avoided. Connelly, supra, 142 N.J. Eq. at 411. Generally, in order for friction or hostility between the beneficiary and trustee to form the basis for removal, there must be a demonstration that the relationship will interfere materially with the administration of the trust or is likely to do so. Wolosoff, supra, 205 N.J. Super. at 360-61. There also must be proof that the friction or hostility arose out of the trustees behavior. Ibid.; Starr v. Wiley, 89 N.J. Eq. 79, 90 (Ch. 1918) Duty of Executor in Probate & Estate Administration 1. Conduct a thorough search of the decedents personal papers and effects for any evidence which might point you in the direction of a potential creditor; 2. Carefully examine the decedents checkbook and check register for recurring payments, as these may indicate an existing debt; 3. Contact the issuer of each credit card that the decedent had in his/her possession at the time of his/ her death; 4. Contact all parties who provided medical care, treatment, or assistance to the decedent prior to his/her death; Your attorney will not be able to file the NJ inheritance tax return until it is clear as to the amounts of the medical bills and other expenses. Medical expenses can be deducted in the inheritance tax. Under United States Supreme Court Case, Tulsa Professional Collection Services, Inc., v. Joanne Pope, Executrix of the Estate of H. Everett Pope, Jr., Deceased, the Personal Representative in every estate is personally responsible to provide actual notice to all known or readily ascertainable creditors of the decedent. This means that is your responsibility to diligently search for any readily ascertainable creditors. Other duties/ Executor to Do Bring Will to Surrogate Apply to Federal Tax ID # Set up Estate Account at bank (pay all bills from estate account) Pay Bills Notice of Probate to Beneficiaries (Attorney can handle) If charity, notice to Atty General (Attorney can handle) File notice of Probate with Surrogate (Attorney can handle) File first Federal and State Income Tax Return [CPA- ex Marc Kane] Prepare Inheritance Tax Return and obtain Tax Waivers (Attorney can handle) File waivers within 8 months upon receipt (Attorney can handle) Prepare Informal Accounting Prepare Release and Refunding Bond (Attorney can handle) Obtain Child Support Judgment clearance (Attorney will handle) Lets review the major duties involved- In General. The executors job is to (1) administer the estate--i.e., collect and manage assets, file tax returns and pay taxes and debts--and (2) distribute any assets or make any distributions of bequests, whether personal or charitable in nature, as the deceased directed (under the provisions of the Will). Lets take a look at some of the specific steps involved and what these responsibilities can mean. Chronological order of the various duties may vary. Probate. The executor must probate the Will. Probate is a process by which a Will is admitted. This means that the Will is given legal effect by the court. The courts decision that the Will was validly executed under state law gives the executor the power to perform his or her duties under the provisions of the Will. An employer identification number (EIN) should be obtained for the estate; this number must be included on all returns and other tax documents having to do with the estate. The executor should also file a written notice with the IRS that he/she is serving as the fiduciary of the estate. This gives the executor the authority to deal with the IRS on the estates behalf. Pay the Debts. The claims of the estates creditors must be paid. Sometimes a claim must be litigated to determine if it is valid. Any estate administration expenses, such as attorneys, accountants and appraisers fees, must also be paid. Manage the Estate. The executor takes legal title to the assets in the probate estate. The probate court will sometimes require a public accounting of the estate assets. The assets of the estate must be found and may have to be collected. As part of the asset management function, the executor may have to liquidate or run a business or manage a securities portfolio. To sell marketable securities or real estate, the executor will have to obtain stock power, tax waivers, file affidavits, and so on. Take Care of Tax Matters. The executor is legally responsible for filing necessary income and estate-tax returns (federal and state) and for paying all death taxes (i.e., estate and inheritance). The executor can, in some cases be held personally liable for unpaid taxes of the estate. Tax returns that will need to be filed can include the estates income tax return (both federal and state), the federal estate-tax return, the state death tax return (estate and/or inheritance), and the deceaseds final income tax return (federal and state). Taxes usually must be paid before other debts. In many instances, federal estate-tax returns are not needed as the size of the estate will be under the amount for which a federal estate-tax return is required. Often it is necessary to hire an appraiser to value certain assets of the estate, such as a business, pension, or real estate, since estate taxes are based on the fair market value of the assets. After the filing of the returns and payment of taxes, the Internal Revenue Service will generally send some type of estate closing letter accepting the return. Occasionally, the return will be audited. Distribute the Assets. After all debts and expenses have been paid, the executor will distribute the assets. Frequently, beneficiaries can receive partial distributions of their inheritance without having to wait for the closing of the estate. Under increasingly complex laws and rulings, particularly with respect to taxes, in larger estates an executor can be in charge for two or three years before the estate administration is completed. If the job is to be done without unnecessary cost and without causing undue hardship and delay for the beneficiaries of the estate, the executor should have an understanding of the many problems involved and an organization created for settling estates. In short, an executor should have experience At some point in time, you may be asked to serve as the executor of the estate of a relative or friend, or you may ask someone to serve as your executor. An executors job comes with many legal obligations. Under certain circumstances, an executor can even be held personally liable for unpaid estate taxes. Lets review the major duties involved, which weve set out below. In General. The executors job is to (1) administer the estate--i.e., collect and manage assets, file tax returns and pay taxes and debts--and (2) distribute any assets or make any distributions of bequests, whether personal or charitable in nature, as the deceased directed (under the provisions of the Will). Lets take a look at some of the specific steps involved and what these responsibilities can mean. Chronological order of the various duties may vary. Probate. The executor must probate the Will. Probate is a process by which a Will is admitted. This means that the Will is given legal effect by the court. The courts decision that the Will was validly executed under state law gives the executor the power to perform his or her duties under the provisions of the Will. An employer identification number (EIN) should be obtained for the estate; this number must be included on all returns and other tax documents having to do with the estate. The executor should also file a written notice with the IRS that he/she is serving as the fiduciary of the estate. This gives the executor the authority to deal with the IRS on the estates behalf. Pay the Debts. The claims of the estates creditors must be paid. Sometimes a claim must be litigated to determine if it is valid. Any estate administration expenses, such as attorneys, accountants and appraisers fees, must also be paid. Manage the Estate. The executor takes legal title to the assets in the probate estate. The probate court will sometimes require a public accounting of the estates assets. The assets of the estate must be found and may have to be collected. As part of the asset management function, the executor may have to liquidate or run a business or manage a securities portfolio. To sell marketable securities or real estate, the executor will have to obtain stock power, tax waivers, file affidavits, and so on. Take Care of Tax Matters. The executor is legally responsible for filing necessary income and estate-tax returns (federal and state) and for paying all death taxes (i.e., estate and inheritance). The executor can, in some cases be held personally liable for unpaid taxes of the estate. Tax returns that will need to be filed can include the estates income tax return (both federal and state), the federal estate-tax return, the state death tax return (estate and/or inheritance), and the deceaseds final income tax return (federal and state). Taxes usually must be paid before other debts. In many instances, federal estate-tax returns are not needed as the size of the estate will be under the amount for which a federal estate-tax return is required. Often it is necessary to hire an appraiser to value certain assets of the estate, such as a business, pension, or real estate, since estate taxes are based on the fair market value of the assets. After the filing of the returns and payment of taxes, the Internal Revenue Service will generally send some type of estate closing letter accepting the return. Occasionally, the return will be audited. Distribute the Assets. After all debts and expenses have been paid, the distribute the assets with extra attention and meticulous bookkeeping by the executor. Frequently, beneficiaries can receive partial distributions of their inheritance without having to wait for the closing of the estate. Under increasingly complex laws and rulings, particularly with respect to taxes, in larger estates an executor can be in charge for two or three years before the estate administration is completed. If the job is to be done without unnecessary cost and without causing undue hardship and delay for the beneficiaries of the estate, the executor should have an understanding of the many problems involved and an organization created for settling estates. CONCLUSION New Jersey is considered a probate friendly state since the executors are not required to obtain court approvals for most actions. However, if the Executor is not complying with state law, in NJ the only recourse a beneficiary has is to file a complaint and Order to Show Cause. Planning can only be done while someone is competent and alive. Make sure your assets can be passed directly to your loved ones. Kenneth A. Vercammen is a Middlesex County trial attorney who has published 125 articles in national and New Jersey publications on litigation topics. He has been selected to lecture to trial lawyers by the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association and Middlesex County Bar Association. More information at www.njlaws.com Call Kenneth Vercammens law office to schedule a confidential appointment 732-572-0500 KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW 2053 Woodbridge Ave. Edison, NJ 08817 (Phone) 732-572-0500 (Fax) 732-572-0030

What to do If Arrested

 1. Tell The Police Officer or Detective that you wish to talk to your Lawyer. Repeat this request to every officer who speaks to you.

2. Identify yourself, if asked. If the incident is related to a motor vehicle, produce your license, registration, and insurance card.

3. Beyond identifying yourself, give no other information. Answer NO other questions. SIGN NOTHING. If you are asked any other questions, reply politely, "I would rather not discuss it.

NOTE: If you are arrested for Drunk Driving in New Jersey, you must give breath samples before you call your Lawyer. You are not required to do field sobriety tests such as walking a straight line.

Remember: Even a fish would not get caught if they kept their mouth closed. [Copyright Alan Marain] OJ remained silent and is playing golf today.

4. Call your lawyer at the first opportunity.

5. Make bail. Borrow money from relatives and friends. You may need money to hire investigators and experts.

6. Bring to your attorney the Complaint and Arrest report if provided.

7. Obtain names, addresses, phone number of your witnesses.

8. Take Photos of arrest location, if applicable. Ex- DWI location of walking straight line.

9. Call Court and confirm location and time of initial appearance. Sometimes courts change date of appearance without telling you. You don't want to waste a trip to the courthouse.

10. Stop taking any illegal drugs. You will be required to take several drug tests.

Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea in Superior Court

1. If you plead guilty you will have a criminal record.

2. Before the judge can accept your guilty plea, you will have to stand up in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense in front of all persons in the courtroom.

3. You can go to jail, pay thousands of dollars in fines, and may be barred from future employment

4. You may not be able to get a job as a teacher, public employee, banking industry, real estate or other state regulated field.

5. On employment applications, you will have to answer yes that you were convicted of a crime.

6. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.

7. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.

8. In all drug cases, the statute requires mandatory driver's license suspension. New Jersey does not have a special license to go to work or school.

9. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.

10. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss.

11. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.

12. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.

13. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3

14. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1

KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
www.BeNotGuilty.Com

What is rape in NJ and sexual assault? 2C:14-2 Sexual assault

What is rape in NJ and sexual assault?2C:14-2 Sexualassault New Jersey calls rape a sexual assault. Below are the NJ statutes on sexual assault. Below are the NJ statutes on sexual assault More information on website www.njlaws.com 2C:14-2 Sexual assault.2C:14-2. Sexual assault. a. An actor is guilty of aggravated sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual penetration with another person under any one of the following circumstances: (1)The victim is less than 13 years old; (2)The victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old; and (a)The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree, or (b)The actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actors legal, professional, or occupational status, or (c)The actor is a resource family parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household; (3)The act is committed during the commission, or attempted commission, whether alone or with one or more other persons, of robbery, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault on another, burglary, arson or criminal escape; ( 4)The actor is armed with a weapon or any object fashioned in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon and threatens by word or gesture to use the weapon or object; (5)The actor is aided or abetted by one or more other persons and the actor uses physical force or coercion; (6)The actor uses physical force or coercion and severe personal injury is sustained by the victim; (7)The victim is one whom the actor knew or should have known was physically helpless or incapacitated, intellectually or mentally incapacitated, or had a mental disease or defect which rendered the victim temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding the nature of his conduct, including, but not limited to, being incapable of providing consent. Aggravated sexual assault is a crime of the first degree. Except as otherwise provided in subsection d. of this section, a person convicted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sentenced to a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 25 years and life imprisonment of which the person shall serve 25 years before being eligible for parole, unless a longer term of parole ineligibility is otherwise provided pursuant to this Title. b.An actor is guilty of sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual contact with a victim who is less than 13 years old and the actor is at least four years older than the victim. c.An actor is guilty of sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual penetration with another person under any one of the following circumstances: (1)The actor uses physical force or coercion, but the victim does not sustain severe personal injury; (2)The victim is on probation or parole, or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actors legal, professional or occupational status; (3)The victim is at least 16 but less than 18 years old and: (a)The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree; or (b)The actor has supervisory or disciplinary power of any nature or in any capacity over the victim; or (c)The actor is a resource family parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household; (4)The victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old and the actor is at least four years older than the victim. Sexual assault is a crime of the second degree. d.Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, where a defendant is charged with a violation under paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section, the prosecutor, in consideration of the interests of the victim, may offer a negotiated plea agreement in which the defendant would be sentenced to a specific term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years, during which the defendant shall not be eligible for parole. In such event, the court may accept the negotiated plea agreement and upon such conviction shall impose the term of imprisonment and period of parole ineligibility as provided for in the plea agreement, and may not impose a lesser term of imprisonment or parole or a lesser period of parole ineligibility than that expressly provided in the plea agreement. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines to ensure the uniform exercise of discretion in making determinations regarding a negotiated reduction in the term of imprisonment and period of parole ineligibility set forth in subsection a. of this section. amended 1979, c.178, s.26; 1983, c.249, s.2; 1989, c.228, s.3; 1997, c.194, s.1; 2001, c.60; 2004, c.130, s.13; 2011, c.232, s.4; 2013, c.214, s.3; 2014, c.7, s.1. 2C:14-1 Definitions in sexual assault cases. 2C:14-1. Definitions. The following definitions apply to this chapter: a.Actor means a person accused of an offense proscribed under this act; b.Victim means a person alleging to have been subjected to offenses proscribed by this act; c.Sexual penetration means vaginal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio or anal intercourse between persons or insertion of the hand, finger or object into the anus or vagina either by the actor or upon the actors instruction. The depth of insertion shall not be relevant as to the question of commission of the crime; d.Sexual contact means an intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victims or actors intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor. Sexual contact of the actor with himself must be in view of the victim whom the actor knows to be present; e.Intimate parts means the following body parts: sexual organs, genital area, anal area, inner thigh, groin, buttock or breast of a person; f.Severe personal injury means severe bodily injury, disfigurement, disease, incapacitating mental anguish or chronic pain; g.Physically helpless means that condition in which a person is unconscious or is physically unable to flee or is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to act; h.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.232) i.Mentally incapacitated means that condition in which a person is rendered temporarily incapable of understanding or controlling his conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic, intoxicant, or other substance administered to that person without his prior knowledge or consent, or due to any other act committed upon that person which rendered that person incapable of appraising or controlling his conduct; j.Coercion as used in this chapter shall refer to those acts which are defined as criminal coercion in section 2C:13-5(1), (2), (3), (4), (6) and (7). amended 1983, c.249, s.1; 1989, c.228, s.2; 2011, c.232, s.3. 2C:14-2.1. Victims rights in sexual assault cases-Victim of sexual assault may consult with prosecutor on plea negotiations1.Whenever there is a prosecution for a violation of N.J.S.A.2C:14-2, the victim of the sexual assault shall be provided an opportunity to consult with the prosecuting authority prior to the conclusion of any plea negotiations. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to alter or limit the authority or discretion of the prosecutor to enter into any plea agreement which the prosecutor deems appropriate. L.2003,c.137. 2C:14-3 Aggravated criminal sexual contact; criminal sexual contacta. An actor is guilty of aggravated criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2a. (2) through(7). Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a crime of the third degree. b. An actor is guilty of criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in section 2C:14-2c. (1) through(4). Criminal sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree. L.1978, c.95; amended 1979, c.178, s.27; 1997, c.194, s.2. 2C:14-5. Provisions generally applicable to Chapter 14 a. The prosecutor shall not be required to offer proof that the victim resisted, or resisted to the utmost, or reasonably resisted the sexual assault in any offense proscribed by this chapter. b. No actor shall be presumed to be incapable of committing a crime under this chapter because of age or impotency or marriage to the victim. c. It shall be no defense to a prosecution for a crime under this chapter that the actor believed the victim to be above the age stated for the offense, even if such a mistaken belief was reasonable. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:14-5, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:14-6. Sentencing If a person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under sections 2C:14-2 or 2C:14-3a., the sentence imposed under those sections for the second or subsequent offense shall, unless the person is sentenced pursuant to the provisions of 2C:43-7, include a fixed minimum sentence of not less than 5 years during which the defendant shall not be eligible for parole. The court may not suspend or make any other non-custodial disposition of any person sentenced as a second or subsequent offender pursuant to this section. For the purpose of this section an offense is considered a second or subsequent offense, if the actor has at any time been convicted under sections 2C:14-2 or 2C:14-3a. or under any similar statute of the United States, this state, or any other state for an offense that is substantially equivalent to sections 2C:14-2 or 2C:14-3a. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:14-6, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:14-7 Victims previous sexual conduct; manner of dress. 2C:14-7. a. In prosecutions for aggravated sexual assault,, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, human trafficking involving sexual activity, endangering the welfare of a child in violation of N.J.S.2C:24-4, or the fourth degree crime of lewdness in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-4, evidence of the victims previous sexual conduct shall not be admitted nor reference made to it in the presence of the jury except as provided in this section. When the defendant seeks to admit such evidence for any purpose, the defendant must apply for an order of the court before the trial or preliminary hearing, except that the court may allow the motion to be made during trial if the court determines that the evidence is newly discovered and could not have been obtained earlier through the exercise of due diligence. After the application is made, the court shall conduct a hearing in camera to determine the admissibility of the evidence. If the court finds that evidence offered by the defendant regarding the sexual conduct of the victim is relevant and highly material and meets the requirements of subsections c. and d. of this section and that the probative value of the evidence offered substantially outweighs its collateral nature or the probability that its admission will create undue prejudice, confusion of the issues, or unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the victim, the court shall enter an order setting forth with specificity what evidence may be introduced and the nature of the questions which shall be permitted, and the reasons why the court finds that such evidence satisfies the standards contained in this section. The defendant may then offer evidence under the order of the court. b.In the absence of clear and convincing proof to the contrary, evidence of the victims sexual conduct occurring more than one year before the date of the offense charged is presumed to be inadmissible under this section. c.Evidence of previous sexual conduct with persons other than the defendant which is offered by any lay or expert witness shall not be considered relevant unless it is material to proving the source of semen, pregnancy or disease. d.Evidence of the victims previous sexual conduct with the defendant shall be considered relevant if it is probative of whether a reasonable person, knowing what the defendant knew at the time of the alleged offense, would have believed that the alleged victim freely and affirmatively permitted the sexual behavior complained of. e.Evidence of the manner in which the victim was dressed at the time an offense was committed shall not be admitted unless such evidence is determined by the court to be relevant and admissible in the interest of justice, after an offer of proof by the proponent of such evidence outside the hearing of the jury or at such hearing as the court may require, and a statement by the court of its findings of fact essential to its determination. A statement by the court of its findings shall also be included in the record. f.For the purposes of this section, sexual conduct shall mean any conduct or behavior relating to sexual activities of the victim, including but not limited to previous or subsequent experience of sexual penetration or sexual contact, use of contraceptives, sexual activities reflected in gynecological records, living arrangement and life style. amended 1988, c.69; 1994, c.95; 1995, c.237; 2013, c.51, s.17. 2C:14-8. Juveniles in need of supervision (J.I.N.S.) law not affected Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit the jurisdiction of the court under P.L.1973, c. 306 (C. 2A:4-42 et seq.). L.1979, c. 178, s. 27A, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Indictable Criminal Penalties [Felony type] [ Superior Court] Jail potential Fine max Probation 1st degree 10- 20 years $200,000 [presumption of jail] 2nd degree 5-10 years $150,000 [presumption of jail] 3rd degree 3- 5 years $15,000 1 year- 5 year 4th degree 0- 18 months $10,000 1 year- 5 year There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal case. There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter. Read www.njlaws.com/jail_for_crimes_and_disorderly_conduct.html

What to do If Injured in a Hit and Run Accident in New Jersey, Car Accidents, Truck Collision, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury

Kenneth Vercammen & Associates Law Office helps people injured due to the negligence of others. We provide representation throughout New Jersey. The insurance companies will not help. Don't give up! Our Law Office can provide experienced attorney representation if you are injured in an accident and suffer a Serious Injury.

Even the most seasoned driver must be prepared at all times for the unforeseen danger of automobile drivers who are not paying attention to the road. Hopefully you will be able to maneuver around the danger but sometimes you will not be that lucky.

If the other driver stops and exchanges pertinent accident information, you have a good chance of recovering your damages...but what if they don't? There’s a likely chance that you may be involved in a HIT AND RUN at some point. Unfortunately, many drivers currently using our roads are driving without licenses or insurance, or had multiple suspensions. These circumstances make them far more likely to leave the scene of the accident.
If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, there are a few things that you must remember.

1. An altercation with the “suspect” may result in far more serious problems.

2. If at all possible, get the license plate number of the vehicle.

3. Call 911 immediately. Provide the police with as much information as you can about the other driver. Make, model, color of car, physical description of the driver if you are able to see them, and most importantly, the direction they are traveling. The police may issue a notice to nearby towns to pursue the suspect vehicle and also send a unit to assist you.

4. Talk with as many witnesses as you can. Make sure you ask for their name, address, and telephone number and ask them (beg if you must) to please wait for the police to arrive so that they can give a statement while their memories are fresh.

5. Protect the accident scene. Even the smallest piece of evidence could carry a “signature” of the other driver. For example: lenses from headlights and taillights (often smashed during the accident) carry a code from the DOT that marks the make, model, and year of the vehicle. This evidence will certainly help to narrow the search. Carry a small camera in your car. INSIST to the police to write up a police report.
Increase your uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance. If you are injured in a hit and run, we often are still able to help you obtain money compensation from the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund or from your own insurance company. Most drivers in New Jersey have uninsured motorist coverage to protect them if they are seriously injured in a hit and run accident. Call Kenneth A. Vercammen to schedule an “in-office” consultation. Bring your insurance declaration sheet, insurance policy, and the accident report.

Wegmans Shoplifting defenses

 

Shoplifting Defenses The state must prove the Defendant had the knowing intent to commit a criminal act in a shoplifting case. Sometimes the defendant was not aware that there was a criminal act being committed because of mental issues. NJSA 2C: 4-2. Evidence of mental disease or defect admissible when relevant to element of the offense. Evidence that the defendant suffered from a mental disease or defect is admissible whenever it is relevant to prove that the defendant did not have a state of mind, which is an element of the offense. In the absence of such evidence, it may be presumed that the defendant had no mental disease or defect, which would negate a state of mind, which is an element of the offense. Criminal Indictable and Disorderly Offense Penalties Disorderly person criminal offenses- ex Simple Assault, shoplifting & cases in Municipal Court Jail 2C: 43- 8 jail 6 month maximum probation 1-2 year  community service 180 days maximum  mandatory costs, VCCB and other penalties Disorderly- fines: 2C: 43- 3 $1,000 Fine maximum  There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal cases. There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter.  Indictable Criminal Penalties [Felony type] [ Superior Court] Jail potential Fine max Probation 1st degree 10- 20 years $200,000 [presumption of jail] 2nd degree 5-10 years $150,000 [presumption of jail] 3rd degree 3- 5 years $15,000 1 year- 5 year 4th degree 0- 18 months $10,000 1 year- 5 year The NJ Model Jury charges set forth the elements of SHOPLIFTING [CONCEALMENT] (N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-11b(2)) The statute provides in pertinent part that it is a crime for: any person purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof. In order for the finder of fact to find the defendant guilty of shoplifting, the State must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1. that defendant purposely concealed upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by (name of commercial establishment); 2. that (name of commercial establishment) was a store or other retail mercantile establishment; and 3. that defendant did so with the purpose of depriving the merchant of the processes, use, or benefit of such merchandise [OR of converting such merchandise to his/her use] without paying the merchant the value thereof. The first element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that defendant purposely concealed upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail establishment. The term conceal means to conceal merchandise so that, although there may be some notice of its presence, it is not visible through ordinary observation.1 The term merchandise means any goods, chattels, foodstuffs or wares of any type and description, regardless of the value thereof.2 A person acts purposely with respect to the nature of his or her conduct or a result of his conduct if it is the persons conscious object to engage in conduct of that nature or to cause such a result. That is, a person acts purposely if he or she means to act in a certain way or to cause a certain result. A person acts purposely with respect to attendant circumstances if the person is aware of the existence of such circumstances or believes or hopes that they exist.3 1 N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11a(6). 2 N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11a(3). 3 N.J.S.A. 2C:2-2(b)(1). Purpose is a state of mind. A state of mind is rarely susceptible of direct proof, but must ordinarily be inferred from the facts. Therefore, it is not necessary that the State produce witnesses to testify that an accused said he/she had a certain state of mind when he/she engaged in a particular act. It is within the fact finders power to find that such proof has been furnished beyond a reasonable doubt by inference, which may arise from the nature of his/her acts and his/her conduct, and from all he/she said and did at the particular time and place, and from all of the surrounding circumstances. The third element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that defendant acted with the purpose of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise [OR converting such merchandise to his/her use] without paying the merchant the value of the merchandise. WHEN OFFENSE CHARGED REQUIRES A PURPOSEFUL OR KNOWING STATE OF MIND, CONTINUE CHARGE AS FOLLOWS: Although the statute refers to mistake of fact or law as a defense, caselaw makes it clear that it is not genuinely a defense at all: instead, it is an attack on the prosecutions ability to prove the requisite mental state for at least one objective element of the crime. State v. Sexton, 160 N.J. 93, 99-100 (1999). Since it is obviously impossible for any single charge to explain precisely how the offered defense plays into the element[s] of every possible offense that mistake of fact or law could apply to (Sexton, 160 N.J. at 106), and at best can offer a more general charge on the subject of mistake of fact or law (State v. Pena, 178 N.J. 297, 319 (2004)), this model charge is organized by reference to the state of mind under N.J.S.A. 2C:2-2b contained in the offense charged by the State, and then by the degree to which the mistake of fact or law exonerates or mitigates the defendants guilt. As always, the trial court must tailor the precise type of mistake that defendant relies on to the facts of the particular crime or offense charged and the facts adduced at trial. State v. Concepcion, 111 N.J. 373, 379-380 (1988). 2 Since even an unreasonable mistake can negate the required state of mind for the charged offense, the statutory requirement that the defendant reasonably arrived at the conclusion underlying the mistake was eliminated and, therefore, is not referred to in this model charge. Sexton, 160 N.J. at 105; Pena, 178 N.J. at 306. 3 Sexton, 160 N.J. at 100; Pena, 178 N.J. at 306. STATE OF MIND Purpose/knowledge/intent/recklessness/negligence is/are condition(s) of the mind, which cannot be seen and can only be determined by inferences from conduct, words or acts. A state of mind is rarely susceptible of direct proof, but must ordinarily be inferred from the facts. It is the fact finders job to find that such proof has been furnished beyond a reasonable doubt by inference, which may arise from the nature of his/her acts and his/her conduct, and from all he/she said and did at the particular time and place, and from all of the surrounding circumstances. PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE This defendant(s), as are all defendants in criminal cases, is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. REASONABLE DOUBT The prosecution must prove its case by more than a mere preponderance of the evidence, yet not necessarily to an absolute certainty. The State has the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is an honest and reasonable uncertainty in your minds about the guilt of the defendant after you have given full and impartial consideration to all of the evidence. A reasonable doubt may arise from the evidence itself or from a lack of evidence. It is a doubt that a reasonable person hearing the same evidence would have. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof, for example, that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendants guilt. In this world, we know very few things with absolute certainty. In criminal cases the law does not require proof that overcomes every possible doubt. 2C:20-11 b.Shoplifting. Shoplifting shall consist of any one or more of the following acts:  (1) For any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.  (2) For any person purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof.  (3) For any person purposely to alter, transfer or remove any label, price tag or marking indicia of value or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment and to attempt to purchase such merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of all or some part of the value thereof.  (4) For any person purposely to transfer any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail merchandise establishment from the container in or on which the same shall be displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of all or some part of the retail value thereof.  (5 )For any person purposely to under-ring with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value thereof.  (6 )For any person purposely to remove a shopping cart from the premises of a store or other retail mercantile establishment without the consent of the merchant given at the time of such removal with the intention of permanently depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such cart.  c.Gradation. Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the second degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is $75,000 or more, or the offense is committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is $1,000 or more.  (2) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the third degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000, or the offense is committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $1,000.  (3) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the fourth degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is at least $200 but does not exceed $500.  (4) Shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $200.  The value of the merchandise involved in a violation of this section may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense where the acts or conduct constituting a violation were committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same person or several persons, or were committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise.  Additionally, notwithstanding the term of imprisonment provided in N.J.S.2C:43-6 or 2C:43-8, any person convicted of a shoplifting offense shall be sentenced to perform community service as follows: for a first offense, at least ten days of community service; for a second offense, at least 15 days of community service; and for a third or subsequent offense, a maximum of 25 days of community service and any person convicted of a third or subsequent shoplifting offense shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 90 days.  d. Presumptions. Any person purposely concealing uppercased merchandise of any store or other retail mercantile establishment, either on the premises or outside the premises of such store or other retail mercantile establishment, shall be prima facie presumed to have so concealed such merchandise with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof, and the finding of such merchandise concealed upon the person or among the belongings of such person shall be prima facie evidence of purposeful concealment; and if such person conceals, or causes to be concealed, such merchandise upon the person or among the belongings of another, the finding of the same shall also be prima facie evidence of willful concealment on the part of the person so concealing such merchandise. Copyright 2016 Vercammen Law More info at http://www.njlaws.com/shoplifting.html

Walgreens Shoplifting Defenses

 

Shoplifting Defenses The state must prove the Defendant had the knowing intent to commit a criminal act in a shoplifting case. Sometimes the defendant was not aware that there was a criminal act being committed because of mental issues. NJSA 2C: 4-2. Evidence of mental disease or defect admissible when relevant to element of the offense. Evidence that the defendant suffered from a mental disease or defect is admissible whenever it is relevant to prove that the defendant did not have a state of mind, which is an element of the offense. In the absence of such evidence, it may be presumed that the defendant had no mental disease or defect, which would negate a state of mind, which is an element of the offense. Criminal Indictable and Disorderly Offense Penalties Disorderly person criminal offenses- ex Simple Assault, shoplifting & cases in Municipal Court Jail 2C: 43- 8 jail 6 month maximum probation 1-2 year community service 180 days maximum mandatory costs, VCCB and other penalties Disorderly- fines: 2C: 43- 3 $1,000 Fine maximum There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal cases. There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter. Indictable Criminal Penalties [Felony type] [ Superior Court] Jail potential Fine max Probation 1st degree 10- 20 years $200,000 [presumption of jail] 2nd degree 5-10 years $150,000 [presumption of jail] 3rd degree 3- 5 years $15,000 1 year- 5 year 4th degree 0- 18 months $10,000 1 year- 5 year The NJ Model Jury charges set forth the elements of SHOPLIFTING [CONCEALMENT] (N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-11b(2)) The statute provides in pertinent part that it is a crime for: any person purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof. In order for the finder of fact to find the defendant guilty of shoplifting, the State must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1. that defendant purposely concealed upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by (name of commercial establishment); 2. that (name of commercial establishment) was a store or other retail mercantile establishment; and 3. that defendant did so with the purpose of depriving the merchant of the processes, use, or benefit of such merchandise [OR of converting such merchandise to his/her use] without paying the merchant the value thereof. The first element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that defendant purposely concealed upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail establishment. The term conceal means to conceal merchandise so that, although there may be some notice of its presence, it is not visible through ordinary observation.1 The term merchandise means any goods, chattels, foodstuffs or wares of any type and description, regardless of the value thereof.2 A person acts purposely with respect to the nature of his or her conduct or a result of his conduct if it is the persons conscious object to engage in conduct of that nature or to cause such a result. That is, a person acts purposely if he or she means to act in a certain way or to cause a certain result. A person acts purposely with respect to attendant circumstances if the person is aware of the existence of such circumstances or believes or hopes that they exist.3 1 N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11a(6). 2 N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11a(3). 3 N.J.S.A. 2C:2-2(b)(1). Purpose is a state of mind. A state of mind is rarely susceptible of direct proof, but must ordinarily be inferred from the facts. Therefore, it is not necessary that the State produce witnesses to testify that an accused said he/she had a certain state of mind when he/she engaged in a particular act. It is within the fact finders power to find that such proof has been furnished beyond a reasonable doubt by inference, which may arise from the nature of his/her acts and his/her conduct, and from all he/she said and did at the particular time and place, and from all of the surrounding circumstances. The third element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that defendant acted with the purpose of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise [OR converting such merchandise to his/her use] without paying the merchant the value of the merchandise. WHEN OFFENSE CHARGED REQUIRES A PURPOSEFUL OR KNOWING STATE OF MIND, CONTINUE CHARGE AS FOLLOWS: Although the statute refers to mistake of fact or law as a defense, caselaw makes it clear that it is not genuinely a defense at all: instead, it is an attack on the prosecutions ability to prove the requisite mental state for at least one objective element of the crime. State v. Sexton, 160 N.J. 93, 99-100 (1999). Since it is obviously impossible for any single charge to explain precisely how the offered defense plays into the element[s] of every possible offense that mistake of fact or law could apply to (Sexton, 160 N.J. at 106), and at best can offer a more general charge on the subject of mistake of fact or law (State v. Pena, 178 N.J. 297, 319 (2004)), this model charge is organized by reference to the state of mind under N.J.S.A. 2C:2-2b contained in the offense charged by the State, and then by the degree to which the mistake of fact or law exonerates or mitigates the defendants guilt. As always, the trial court must tailor the precise type of mistake that defendant relies on to the facts of the particular crime or offense charged and the facts adduced at trial. State v. Concepcion, 111 N.J. 373, 379-380 (1988). 2 Since even an unreasonable mistake can negate the required state of mind for the charged offense, the statutory requirement that the defendant reasonably arrived at the conclusion underlying the mistake was eliminated and, therefore, is not referred to in this model charge. Sexton, 160 N.J. at 105; Pena, 178 N.J. at 306. 3 Sexton, 160 N.J. at 100; Pena, 178 N.J. at 306. STATE OF MIND Purpose/knowledge/intent/recklessness/negligence is/are condition(s) of the mind, which cannot be seen and can only be determined by inferences from conduct, words or acts. A state of mind is rarely susceptible of direct proof, but must ordinarily be inferred from the facts. It is the fact finders job to find that such proof has been furnished beyond a reasonable doubt by inference, which may arise from the nature of his/her acts and his/her conduct, and from all he/she said and did at the particular time and place, and from all of the surrounding circumstances. PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE This defendant(s), as are all defendants in criminal cases, is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. REASONABLE DOUBT The prosecution must prove its case by more than a mere preponderance of the evidence, yet not necessarily to an absolute certainty. The State has the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is an honest and reasonable uncertainty in your minds about the guilt of the defendant after you have given full and impartial consideration to all of the evidence. A reasonable doubt may arise from the evidence itself or from a lack of evidence. It is a doubt that a reasonable person hearing the same evidence would have. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof, for example, that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendants guilt. In this world, we know very few things with absolute certainty. In criminal cases the law does not require proof that overcomes every possible doubt. 2C:20-11 b.Shoplifting. Shoplifting shall consist of any one or more of the following acts: (1) For any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof. (2) For any person purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof. (3) For any person purposely to alter, transfer or remove any label, price tag or marking indicia of value or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment and to attempt to purchase such merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of all or some part of the value thereof. (4) For any person purposely to transfer any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail merchandise establishment from the container in or on which the same shall be displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of all or some part of the retail value thereof. (5 )For any person purposely to under-ring with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value thereof. (6 )For any person purposely to remove a shopping cart from the premises of a store or other retail mercantile establishment without the consent of the merchant given at the time of such removal with the intention of permanently depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such cart. c.Gradation. Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the second degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is $75,000 or more, or the offense is committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is $1,000 or more. (2) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the third degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000, or the offense is committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $1,000. (3) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the fourth degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is at least $200 but does not exceed $500. (4) Shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $200. The value of the merchandise involved in a violation of this section may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense where the acts or conduct constituting a violation were committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same person or several persons, or were committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise. Additionally, notwithstanding the term of imprisonment provided in N.J.S.2C:43-6 or 2C:43-8, any person convicted of a shoplifting offense shall be sentenced to perform community service as follows: for a first offense, at least ten days of community service; for a second offense, at least 15 days of community service; and for a third or subsequent offense, a maximum of 25 days of community service and any person convicted of a third or subsequent shoplifting offense shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 90 days. d. Presumptions. Any person purposely concealing uppercased merchandise of any store or other retail mercantile establishment, either on the premises or outside the premises of such store or other retail mercantile establishment, shall be prima facie presumed to have so concealed such merchandise with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof, and the finding of such merchandise concealed upon the person or among the belongings of such person shall be prima facie evidence of purposeful concealment; and if such person conceals, or causes to be concealed, such merchandise upon the person or among the belongings of another, the finding of the same shall also be prima facie evidence of willful concealment on the part of the person so concealing such merchandise. Copyright 2016 Vercammen Law More info at http://www.njlaws.com/shoplifting.html

Violent Crimes

 

Kenneth Vercammen's Law office represents individuals charged with criminal and serious traffic violations throughout New Jersey. 2C:12-1 Assault.  2C:12-1. Assault. a. Simple assault. A person is guilty of assault if he: (1)Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2)Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3)Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense. b.Aggravated assault. A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he: (1)Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury; or (2)Attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3)Recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (4)Knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm, as defined in section 2C:39-1f., at or in the direction of another, whether or not the actor believes it to be loaded; or (5)Commits a simple assault as defined in subsection a. (1), (2) or (3) of this section upon: (a)Any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority or because of his status as a law enforcement officer; or (b)Any paid or volunteer fireman acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a fireman; or (c)Any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of emergency first-aid or medical services; or (d)Any school board member, school administrator, teacher, school bus driver or other employee of a school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as a member or employee of a school board or any school bus driver employed by an operator under contract to a school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as a school bus driver; or (e)Any employee of the Division of Youth and Family Services while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as an employee of the division; or (f)Any justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Tax Court or municipal judge while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of judicial duties or because of his status as a member of the judiciary; or (g)Any operator of a motorbus or the operator's supervisor or any employee of a rail passenger service while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as an operator of a motorbus or as the operator's supervisor or as an employee of a rail passenger service; or (6)Causes bodily injury to another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this subsection upon proof of a violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10 which resulted in bodily injury to another person; or  (7)Attempts to cause significant bodily injury to another or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such significant bodily injury; or (8)Causes bodily injury by knowingly or purposely starting a fire or causing an explosion in violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which results in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel involved in fire suppression activities, rendering emergency medical services resulting from the fire or explosion or rescue operations, or rendering any necessary assistance at the scene of the fire or explosion, including any bodily injury sustained while responding to the scene of a reported fire or explosion. For purposes of this subsection, "emergency services personnel" shall include, but not be limited to, any paid or volunteer fireman, any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services and any law enforcement officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which resulted in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel; or (9) Knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, points or displays a firearm, as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer; or (10) Knowingly points, displays or uses an imitation firearm, as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer with the purpose to intimidate, threaten or attempt to put the officer in fear of bodily injury or for any unlawful purpose; or (11) Uses or activates a laser sighting system or device, or a system or device which, in the manner used, would cause a reasonable person to believe that it is a laser sighting system or device, against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority. As used in this paragraph, "laser sighting system or device" means any system or device that is integrated with or affixed to a firearm and emits a laser light beam that is used to assist in the sight alignment or aiming of the firearm. Aggravated assault under subsections b. (1) and b. (6) is a crime of the second degree; under subsections b. (2), b. (7), b. (9) and b. (10) is a crime of the third degree; under subsections b. (3) and b. (4) is a crime of the fourth degree; and under subsection b. (5) is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury, otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree. Aggravated assault under subsection b.(8) is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; if the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily injury it is a crime of the second degree. Aggravated assault under subsection b.(11) is a crime of the third degree. c. (1) A person is guilty of assault by auto or vessel when the person drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another. Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the fourth degree if serious bodily injury results and is a disorderly persons offense if bodily injury results. (2)Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and bodily injury results. (3)Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the second degree if serious bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) while: (a)on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property; (b)driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 if the municipality, by ordinance or resolution, has designated the school crossing as such; or (c)driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 knowing that juveniles are present if the municipality has not designated the school crossing as such by ordinance or resolution. Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if bodily injury results from the defendant operating auto or vessel in violation of this paragraph. A map or true copy of a map depicting the location and boundaries of the area on or within 1,000 feet of any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board produced pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) may be used in a prosecution under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of this section. It shall be no defense to a prosecution for a violation of subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that the defendant was unaware that the prohibited conduct took place while on or within 1,000 feet of any school property or while driving through a school crossing. Nor shall it be a defense to a prosecution under subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that no juveniles were present on the school property or crossing zone at the time of the offense or that the school was not in session. As used in this section, "vessel" means a means of conveyance for travel on water and propelled otherwise than by muscular power. d.A person who is employed by a facility as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) who commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection a. of this section upon an institutionalized elderly person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. e.(Deleted by amendment P.L.2001, c.443). Amended 1979, c.178, s.22; 1981, c.290, s.14; 1983, c.101; 1985, c.97, s.2; 1985, c.444; 1990, c.87, s.1; 1991, c.237, s.2; 1991, c.341, s.2; 1993, c.219, s.2; 1995, c.6, s.1; 1995, c.181; 1995, c.211, s.1; 1995, c.307, s.2; 1997, c.42; 1997, c.119; 1999, c.77; 1999, c.185, s.2; 1999, c.281; 1999, c.381; 2001, c.215; 2001, c.443, s.2. 2C:12-1.1. Knowingly leaving scene of motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, fourth degree crime; sentencing 2. A motor vehicle operator who knows he is involved in an accident and knowingly leaves the scene of that accident under circumstances that violate the provisions of R.S.39:4-129 shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the accident results in serious bodily injury to another person. If the evidence so warrants, nothing in this section shall be deemed to preclude an indictment and conviction for aggravated assault or assault by auto under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:12-1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provisions of law, a conviction arising under this section shall not merge with a conviction for aggravated assault or assault by auto under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:12-1 and a separate sentence shall be imposed upon each conviction. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provisions of law, whenever in the case of such multiple convictions the court imposes multiple sentences of imprisonment for more than one offense, those sentences shall run consecutively. For the purposes of this section, neither knowledge of the serious bodily injury nor knowledge of the violation are elements of the offense and it shall not be a defense that the driver of the motor vehicle was unaware of the serious bodily injury or provisions of R.S.39:4-129. L.1997,c.111,s.2. In an indictable criminal case, the Judge will read the following Instructions and Law to the Jury: SIMPLE ASSAULT-LESSER INCLUDED1 (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 a. (1) The defendant is charged in the indictment with aggravated assault. If you find the defendant not guilty of   aggravated assault. You should consider the lesser included offense of simple assault. The portion of the statute   dealing with simple assault reads in pertinent part as follows: A person is guilty of assault if he attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. In order for you to find the defendant guilty of this lesser included offense, the State must prove the essential   elements of this offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Those elements are as follows: 1. That the defendant attempted to cause or actually caused bodily injury to another. 2. That the defendant acted purposely, or knowingly or recklessly. Bodily injury is defined as physical pain, illness or any impairment of the physical condition. This is different   that the "serious bodily injury" I defined for you in regard to aggravated assault.   NOTE: Charge as required (depending on the applicable Aggravated Assault Charge): "Attempt"2   "Purposely, Knowingly and/or Recklessly"3 In conclusion, no defendant may be found guilty of an offense, unless the State has proven each element of the   offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If the State has failed to prove any element beyond a reasonable doubt, you must find the defendant not guilty. On the other hand, if the State has proven the crime charged and each of its elements beyond a a reasonable doubt,   you must find the defendant guilty.4 1 This charge is intended for use in connection with one of the model charges on Aggravated Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b, only. Harassment is a lesser-included offense of Simple Assault. State v. Berka, 211 N.J. Super. 717, 721 (App. Div. 1986). Simple Assault is not a lesser-included of Sexual Assault or Criminal Sexual Contact. State v. Queen, 221 N.J. Super. 601 (App. Div. 1988). 2 The statute includes "Attempts to Cause." If facts require, charge Attempt along with this charge. See N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a. 3 See Model Charge on Aggravated Assault-Serious Bodily Injury, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1). 4 N.J.S.A. 2C:1-13a. See also State v. Ragland, 105 N.J. 189 (1986). AGGRAVATED ASSAULT - SIGNIFICANT BODILY INJURY1 N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7) In Count of the indictment, the defendant(s) is (are) charged with the crime of aggravated assault in that he/she/they allegedly on in the (Date) (Municipality)   (READ PERTINENT LANGUAGE OF INDICTMENT) The defendant(s) is (are) accused of violating a section of our state statutes that reads as follows: A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he. . . . (a) ttempts to cause significant bodily injury to another or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such significant bodily injury. Under this statute, the defendant(s) can be found guilty if he/she/they EITHER caused significant bodily injury to   another OR attempted to cause significant bodily injury to another.  To find the defendant(s) guilty of aggravated assault for causing significant bodily injury to another, the State  must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each of the following elements:   1. That the defendant(s) caused significant bodily injury to another; and  2. That the defendant(s) acted purposely or knowingly or acted recklessly under circumstances manifesting  extreme indifference to the value of human life.  The first element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that the defendant(s) caused significant   bodily injury to another.   Significant bodily injury means bodily injury which creates a temporary loss of the function of any bodily   member or organ or temporary loss of any one of the five senses. As you know, the five senses are sight, hearing,   taste, touch and smell.   The second element that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is that the defendant(s) acted purposely   or knowingly or acted recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.   A person acts purposely with respect to the result of his/her conduct if it is his/her conscious object to cause such   a result. A person acts purposely if he/she acts with design, with a specific intent, with a particular object or   purpose, or if he/she means to do what he/she does (e.g., "I did it on purpose").  A person acts knowingly with respect to the result of his/her conduct if he/she is aware that it is practically  certain that his/her conduct will cause such a result.  A person acts recklessly with respect to the result of his/her conduct if he/she consciously disregards a substantial  and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur from his/her conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree   that, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct and the circumstances known to the actor, its   disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the   actors's situation. One is said to act recklessly if one acts with recklessness, with scorn for the consequences,   heedlessly, fool-hardily.   The phrase "under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life" does not focus on   the state of mind of the actor, but rather on the circumstances under whichyou find that he/she acted. If, in light of   all the evidence, you find that the conduct of the defendant(s) resulted in a probability as opposed to a mere   possibility of significant bodily injury, then you may find that he/she/they acted under circumstances manifesting   extreme indifference to the value of human life.2  In determining whether the defendant(s) acted purposely or knowingly or acted recklessly under circumstances   manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, you may consider the nature of the act(s) itself   (themselves) and the severity of the resulting injury (injuries). (NOTE: When the actual victim is one other than the intended victim, the jury should be instructed that it is   immaterial that the actual victim was not the intended victim).  If you find that the State has proved each element beyond a reasonable doubt, then you must find the   defendant(s) guilty.   If you find that the State has failed to prove any element beyond a reasonable doubt, then you must find the   defendant(s) not guilty of the charge of aggravated assault in that he/she/they caused significant bodily injury to   another.   As I previously instructed you, the defendant(s) can be found guilty if he/she/they EITHER caused significant   bodily injury to another OR attempted to cause significant bodily injury to another.  To find the defendant(s) guilty of attempting to cause significant bodily injury to another, the State must prove  the following beyond a reasonable doubt:  That the defendant(s) purposely3 attempted to cause significant bodily injury to another. If you find beyond a   reasonable doubt that the defendant(s) attempted to cause significant bodily injury, it does not matter whether   such injury actually resulted.   The law provides that a person is guilty of attempt if, acting purposefully, he/she:   (Select appropriate section)  1. Engaged in conduct that would constitute the offense if the attendant circumstances were as a reasonable person   would believe them to be;    (or) 2. Did (or omitted to do) anything with the purpose of causing significant bodily injury to another without further   conduct on his/her part. This means that the defendant(s) did something designed to cause significant bodily   injury without having to take any further action.   (or) 3. Did (or omitted to do) anything that, under the circumstances as a reasonable personwould believe them to be,   was an act (or omission) constituting a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in his/her   commission of the crime. The step taken must be one that is strongly corroborative of the defendant's criminal   purpose. The accused must be shown to have had a firmness of criminal purpose in light of the step(s) he/she had   already taken. These preparatory steps must be substantial and not just very remote preparatory acts.4   Significant bodily injury means bodily injury which creates a temporary loss of the function of any bodily   member or organ or temporary loss of any one of the five senses. As you know, the five senses are sight, hearing,   taste, touch and smell.   A person acts purposely with respect to the result of his/her conduct if it is his/her conscious object to cause such   a result. A person acts purposely if he/she acts with design, with a specific intent, with a particular object or   purpose, or if the he/she means to do what he/she does (e.g., "I did it on purpose").   If you find that the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant(s) attempted to cause   significant bodily injury to another, the you must find the defendant(s) guilty.5  If you find that the State has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant(s) attempted to cause  significant bodily injury to another, then you must find the defendant(s) notguilty.6 1 N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7) took effect on January 5, 1996. 2 In State v. Curtis, 195 N.J.Super. 354, 364-365 (App. Div. 1984), certif. den., 99 N.J. 212 (1984), the Court found, in the context of aggravated manslaughter, that the difference between recklessness under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life and mere recklessness is the difference between the probability as opposed to the possibility that a certain result will occur. The Supreme Court endorsed Curtis in State v. Breakiron, 108 N.J. 591, 605 (1987). The caselaw has applied the Curtis probability standard to the aggravated-assault statute. State v. Scher, 278 N.J. Super. 249, 272 (App. Div. 1994), certif. den., 140 N.J. 276 (1995); State v. Oriole, 243 N.J. Super. 688, 693 (Law Div. 1990). Please note that in the aggravated-assault statute the Legislature has used the term "extreme indifference to the value of human life," while the aggravated-manslaughter statute speaks in terms of "extreme indifference to human life." Therefore, the indifference referred to in the aggravated-assault statute would appear not to relate to whether the victim lives or dies but rather to the value of the victim's life. 3 When a person actually causes significant bodily injury, it does not matter whether his/her mental state is purposeful, knowing or reckless (under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life). When, however, the person attempts to cause, but does not cause, significant bodily injury, he/she must act purposefully. Cf. State v. McAllister, 211 N.J. Super. 355, 362 (App. Div. 1986). 4 State v. Fornino, 223 N.J. Super. 531, 538 (App. Div. 1988), certif. den., 111 N.J. 570 (1988), cert. den. 488 U.S. 859, 109 S.Ct. 152, 102 L.Ed. 2d 123 (1988). 5 Where appropriate, renunciation should be charged. N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1(d).  6 In third degree aggravated assault cases involving the use of a deadly weapon, it may be appropriate to instruct the jury on the following lesser offenses: fourth degree aggravated assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(3); and simple assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a(1) and (2). Cf. State v. Villar, 292 N.J. Super. 320, 326-330 (App. Div. 1996), rev'd. o.g., 150 N.J. 503, 517 n. 4 (1997). See also, State v. Sloane, 111 N.J. 293, 301 (1988). These may be charged as lesser offenses even though fourth degree aggravated assault and a(2) disorderly persons simple assault contain an element (a deadly weapon) that is not an element of third degree aggravated assault. Cf. State v. Villar, supra; State v. Sloane, supra. When these lesser offenses are to be charged, the trial court and counsel should construct a sequence of the lesser offenses to be charged. State v. Villar, 150 N.J. at 517 n. 4.