In Union County, identity theft is a crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17, carrying up to 10 years in prison for a second-degree offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. An Identity Theft Lawyer Union County NJ can protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Understanding Identity Theft Under New Jersey Law
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | N.J.S.A. Title 2C (official New Jersey Legislature)
New Jersey defines identity theft under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17 as knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using personal identifying information of another person without authorization to commit fraud or other crimes. The offense can range from a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor equivalent) to a second-degree crime (felony equivalent) depending on the financial loss or number of victims. An Identity Theft Lawyer Union County NJ understands these classifications and can explain how the law applies to your specific situation.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been defending clients since 1997. His background as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into how the Union County Prosecutor’s Office builds identity theft cases. This experience allows him to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence and develop effective defense strategies.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s identity theft statute, visit the New Jersey Legislature website (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17). For court procedures and forms, see the Union Vicinage Superior Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Union County Handles Identity Theft Cases
Union County Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses, while the Superior Court Criminal Division handles all indictable identity theft crimes. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so pretrial release depends on a Public Safety Assessment, not money.
- Contact an Identity Theft Law Firm Union County NJ immediately upon learning of charges.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and records related to the alleged theft.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present.
- Your attorney will file a notice of appearance and request discovery.
- Evaluate whether Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or conditional discharge is available.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a resolution based on the evidence.
Penalties for Identity Theft in New Jersey
In Union County, identity theft penalties depend on the degree of the offense, ranging from disorderly persons to second-degree crimes.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Theft (minor loss) | Disorderly Persons | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Identity Theft (significant loss) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Restitution, possible PTI |
| Identity Theft (large-scale/fraud) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | None | Presumption of imprisonment, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating his deep understanding of legal procedure and his commitment to justice.
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges for clients facing identity theft allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Presence in Union County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Union County courts, accessible via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78. We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Identity theft lawyer near Union County — near the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (908) 787-1650
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft in Union County
Q: Can I get Pre-Trial Intervention for identity theft in Union County?
Yes, PTI is available for most first-time indictable offenders in New Jersey. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. An Identity Theft Lawyer Union County NJ can help determine your eligibility.
Q: Is identity theft a felony in New Jersey?
It depends on the financial loss and number of victims. Identity theft can be a disorderly persons offense, third-degree crime, or second-degree crime. Second-degree identity theft carries a presumption of imprisonment and up to 10 years in prison.
Q: How long do I have to wait to expunge an identity theft conviction?
Five years for indictable offenses and two years for disorderly persons offenses after completion of your sentence. An Identity Theft Attorney Union County NJ can guide you through the expungement process.
Q: What should I do if I am falsely accused of identity theft?
Contact an Identity Theft Law Firm Union County NJ immediately. Do not speak to police without your lawyer. Preserve any evidence that shows you did not authorize the use of the personal information.
Q: Can I get a conditional discharge for identity theft in Municipal Court?
Yes, conditional discharge is available in Municipal Court for first-time drug possession offenses. For identity theft, eligibility depends on the specific charges and your criminal history. Your lawyer can advise you.
Related Practice Areas
Learn more about our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer services. We also serve Hunterdon County and Somerset County. For other legal needs in Union County, see our DUI/DWI Lawyer and Family Law Lawyer pages.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.