New Jersey § 2c:5-4
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2c:5-4, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2c:5-4.
Grading of Criminal Attempt and Conspiracy; Mitigation in Cases of Lesser Danger. a. Grading. Except as provided in subsections c. , d., and e. , an attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime of the first degree is a crime of the
second degree; except that an attempt or conspiracy to commit murder or terrorism
is a crime of the first degree, provided, however, that if the person attempted or
conspired to murder five or more persons, the person shall be sentenced by the court
to a term of 30 years, during which the person shall not be eligible for parole, or
to a specific term of years which shall be between 30 years and life imprisonment,
of which the person shall serve not less than 30 years before eligibility for parole. Otherwise an attempt is a crime of the same degree as the most serious crime which
is attempted, and conspiracy is a crime of the same degree as the most serious crime
which is the object of the conspiracy; provided that, leader of organized crime is
a crime of the second degree. An attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense defined by a statute outside the code
shall be graded as a crime of the same degree as the offense is graded pursuant to N.J.S.2C:1-4 and N.J.S.2C:43-1 . b. Mitigation. The court may impose sentence for a crime of a lower grade or degree if neither
the particular conduct charged nor the defendant presents a public danger warranting
the grading provided for such crime under subsection a. because: (1) The criminal attempt or conspiracy charged is so inherently unlikely to result
or culminate in the commission of a crime; or (2) The conspiracy, as to the particular defendant charged, is so peripherally related
to the main unlawful enterprise. c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, conspiracy to
commit a crime set forth in subsection a., b., or d. of N.J.S.2C:17-1 where the structure which was the target of the crime was a church, synagogue, temple
or other place of public worship is a crime of the first degree. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, conspiracy to
commit a crime as set forth in P.L.1994, c. 121 ( C.2C:21-23 et seq. ) is a crime of the same degree as the most serious crime that was conspired to be
committed. e. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, conspiracy to
commit a crime of human trafficking as set forth in section 1 of P.L.2005, c. 77 ( C.2C:13-8 ) is a crime of the first degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2c:5-4
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2c:5-4 cover?
Section 2c:5-4 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 2c:5-4?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2c:5-4" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 2c:5-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.