Bayonne, NJ Teen Arrested in Connection with Counterfeiting Incident
A 16-year-old girl from Bayonne, New Jersey, was recently arrested along with two men from Queens, New York, for allegedly using counterfeit money to purchase goods. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the arrests occurred near Broadway and 32nd Street in Bayonne. Officials made the arrest after receiving a description of the girl from a store that was given a counterfeit $100 bill.
Police officers allegedly found bags of merchandise from local stores in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima. The teen was charged with conspiracy to commit forgery in New Jersey, and the two men from Queens, aged 23 and 20 respectively, were charged with use of a juvenile to commit a crime, in addition to conspiracy to commit forgery charges.
Under New Jersey statute 2C:21-1, a person is guilty of forgery if they alter or change, “any writing of another without authorization.” Under the law, writing can include use of identification, trademarks, receipts, and checks. Juveniles found knowingly using counterfeit money can face serious charges and penalties.
The juvenile justice system is significantly different from adult courts in New Jersey. In cases that involve burglary or forgery, it is important to determine whether the juvenile intended to commit the criminal act or whether the incident was the result of a misunderstanding. There are also cases where juveniles are used in the commission of crimes without their knowledge.
The Princeton juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein work with families to obtain the best possible outcome for their loved ones. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation today.
