Anthony N. Palumbo New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
www.palumbo-renaud.com

Under New Jersey law, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-6, a person who comes into control of the property of another person and knows that the property is lost…is guilty of theft if, knowing the identity of the owner and with purpose to deprive said owner thereof, he converts the property to his own use. N.J.S.A. 2C:20-6. Put into lay-man’s terms, a conviction under this statute requires several different factors to exist together.  First, the person who finds the property must take control of it.  Simply handling it and knowing that it is lost does not create liability on behalf of the finder.  Second, in order to meet the intent requirements, it must be shown that the finder knew that the property was lost, and that the finder knew the identity of the true owner.  Finally, the finder must have the intent to deprive the true owner of the lost property.  Thus, if the finder believes that the property is abandoned, and therefore does not have the intention to return it, the finder has not committed an unlawful act.

For more information on the Lost or Mislaid Property in New Jersey, visit my website Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense attorney at www.palumbo-renaud.com.

 

Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer, former County and Municipal Court Prosecutor with over 35 years defending people accused of crimes such as Drug Offenses, Domestic Violence, Child Molestation Crimes, Sexual Offenses, Theft Crimes, Juvenile Offenses, Traffic Violations, Assault & Threat Crimes, DWI/DUI and all Municipal Court offenses. If you are looking for an aggressive and knowledgeable  attorney to fight for you, call 1-866-664-8118.