Protecting the public and our public infrastructure is an important priority for state government, so in New Jersey, it is a crime to sell, manufacture, display, or possess credentials that falsely show you are the employee of a public utility. Consequences can be severe, especially for those who traffic in false credentials.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-35, False Public Utility Employee Identification Badge, it is a crime of the second degree to sell, transfer, or offer to sell a document or other writing that can be used to verify a person’s identify as a public utility employee. Conviction can result in a five to 10 year sentence and a fine of $150,000. Manufacturing documents or other writing that can be used as credentials is also a crime of the second degree.
Exhibiting, displaying, or otherwise using a false credential is a crime of the third degree, with a three to five year sentence possible if convicted, and a $15,000 fine. Knowingly possessing falsified credentials to pass as a public utility employee is a crime of the fourth degree, with a maximum sentence of 18 months.
If you’ve been charged under 2C:21-35, get help right away. Matthew Reisig helps clients avoid sometimes significant penalties. Call 732-625-9661 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.