New Jersey Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for New Jersey. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed New Jersey attorney for advice specific to your situation.
New Jersey Quick Facts
- State Capital: Trenton
- Region: Northeast
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $200+
- Murder SOL: None
New Jersey DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 30 days jail, $250–$400 fine, 3-month suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | 2–90 days jail, $500–$1,000 fine, 2-year suspension |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Mandatory ignition interlock for BAC 0.15%+
New Jersey Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 6 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 6 oz: disorderly persons offense |
New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in 2020
New Jersey Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $200 |
| Felony Threshold | $200+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 6 months |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 10 years (2nd degree crime) |
New Jersey uses 'crimes' not felonies; 1st–4th degree
New Jersey Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 5 years |
| Misdemeanor | 1 year |
| Fraud | 5 years |
| Theft | 5 years |
| DUI / DWI | 1 year |
| Assault | 5 years |
New Jersey murder, kidnapping, and treason have no SOL