# N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-3: Theft by unlawful taking or disposition

> New Jersey · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-3

## Section

- **Citation:** N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-3
- **Heading:** Theft by unlawful taking or disposition
- **Jurisdiction:** New Jersey
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** NJ Code / Title 2C / Chapter 20 / Section 20-3

## Text

a. Movable property. A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with purpose to deprive him thereof. b. Immovable property. A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers any interest in immovable property of another with purpose to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:20-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

## Nearby sections

- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-1 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-1.1 Offense involving access device; presumption of unlawful purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-1.1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2 Consolidation of theft and computer criminal activity offenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.1 Additional penalties for theft or unlawful taking of motor vehicle.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.2 Additional fine for auto theft](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.2.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.3 Theft from grave sites, certain; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.3.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.4 Leader of cargo theft network.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.4.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.5 Additional disposition for certain offenses; degree of crime, penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.5.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-2.6 Crimes involving theft from cargo carrier; degree of crime, penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-2.6.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-3 Theft by unlawful taking or disposition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-3.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-4 Theft by deception](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-4.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-5 Theft by extortion](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-5.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-6 Theft of property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-6.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:20-7 Receiving stolen property.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-7.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C20_S20-3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.