# N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-4: Definition of prior conviction; conviction in another jurisdiction; proof of prior conviction

> New Jersey · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-4

## Section

- **Citation:** N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-4
- **Heading:** Definition of prior conviction; conviction in another jurisdiction; proof of prior conviction
- **Jurisdiction:** New Jersey
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** NJ Code / Title 2C / Chapter 44 / Section 44-4

## Text

2C:44-4. Definition of Prior Conviction; Conviction in Another Jurisdiction; Proof of Prior Conviction. a. Prior conviction of an offense. An adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction that the defendant committed an offense constitutes a prior conviction. b. Prior conviction of a crime. An adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction that the defendant committed a crime constitutes a prior conviction, although sentence or the execution thereof was suspended, provided that the time to appeal has expired and that the defendant was not pardoned on the ground of innocence. c. Prior conviction in another jurisdiction. A conviction in another jurisdiction shall constitute a prior conviction of a crime if a sentence of imprisonment in excess of one year was authorized under the law of the other jurisdiction. d. Proof of prior conviction. Any prior conviction may be proved by any evidence, including fingerprint records made in connection with arrest, conviction or imprisonment, that reasonably satisfies the court that the defendant was convicted. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:44-4, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 96, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; 2021, c.298, s.2.

## Nearby sections

- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-1 Criteria, withholding, imposing sentences, imprisonment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-1.1 Certain convictions vacated, expunged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-1.1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-1.2 Defendants with prior convictions, petition for resentencing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-1.2.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-1.3 Notification to eligible incarcerated persons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-1.3.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-1.4 Training course, curriculum; report to the Governor and Legislature.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-1.4.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-2 Criteria for Imposing Fines and Restitutions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-2.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-3 Criteria for sentence of extended term of imprisonment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-3.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-4 Definition of prior conviction; conviction in another jurisdiction; proof of prior conviction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-4.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-5 Multiple sentences; concurrent and consecutive terms.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-5.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-5.1 Penalties for committing certain offenses while released on bail, own recognizance increased.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-5.1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-6 Procedure on sentence; presentence investigation and report.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-6.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-6.1 Defendant liable for cost of psychological evaluation; rules, regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-6.1.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-6.2 Person sentenced to incarceration, care and custody of minor child.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-6.2.md)
- [N.J. Stat. § 2C:44-6.3 Report of persons convicted of certain crimes residing with minor children.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-6.3.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NJ_T2C_C44_S44-4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.