Speculating or Wagering on Official Action or Information (N.J.S.A. 2C:30-3) is one of New Jersey’s anti-public corruption laws, and makes it a crime for public officials or employees with associations to government to try to profit from information they are privy to that hasn’t been made public yet.
This could include buying a piece of property which will soon be rezoned and therefore become more valuable, or investing in a company that’s about to win a lucrative contract with a municipality or the state.
Helping others to gain these types of benefits is also prohibited under the statute.
In most cases, 2C:30-3 is charged as a crime of the second degree, and carries a penalty of five to ten years if convicted, as well as fines of up to $150,000.
When the value of the benefit sought or acquired is less than $200, you’ll be charged with a crime of the third degree, and face a maximum penalty of three to five years and $15,000.
Speculating or Wagering on Official Action or Information is a serious allegation that can affect you personally and professionally for the rest of your life.
If you’ve been charged under the statute, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.