New Jersey Section 2C:21-18 – Slugs

So You Got Busted for Using Slugs in New Jersey – What Now?

We’ve all been there – you’re out of cash, need to do laundry or grab a snack from the vending machine, and you spot some old arcade tokens or foreign coins at the bottom of your bag. They’re roughly the size and shape of a quarter, so hey, why not give it a shot? You drop it in the machine, cross your fingers, and boom – you just committed a disorderly persons offense under New Jersey Section 2C:21-18. Oops!

I know, I know – it seems crazy that using an old token or a peso in a vending machine could land you in legal trouble. But in New Jersey, it’s considered a form of fraud to knowingly use or possess a “slug” – basically any object that mimics currency and can be used illegally.

Now you’re probably freaking out wondering what’s going to happen next. Will you go to jail? Lose your job? Get a permanent criminal record? I’m here to walk you through the process and prepare you for the road ahead. The good news is, minor slug offenses rarely lead to serious consequences. So take a deep breath – we’ll get through this together.

What Exactly is a Slug Under New Jersey Law?

The legal definition of a “slug” covers a wide range of objects, not just arcade tokens. Under Section 2C:21-18, a slug is:

“An object or article which, by virtue of its size, shape or any other quality is capable of being inserted or deposited in a coin machine or other receptacle designed to receive lawful coin of the United States in connection with the sale, use or enjoyment of property or service.”

Basically, if it can trick a machine into thinking it’s real currency, it’s considered a slug. This includes foreign coins, washed coins, movie prop money, altered coins, and tokens or arcade prizes that are similar in size and shape to U.S. quarters, dimes, nickels, or pennies.

The key is that the item must be intentionally used or possessed with the purpose of committing fraud. If you mistakenly use a foreign coin by accident, or keep an old arcade token as a keepsake, you’re in the clear. It’s only a crime if you knowingly try to use it as legal tender.

What Are the Penalties for Using Slugs in New Jersey?

The good news is that minor slug offenses like using an arcade token in a vending machine or laundry machine are disorderly persons offenses, not crimes. This means potential penalties are relatively minor:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to a $1,000 fine
• Community service
• Probation

In reality, first-time offenders rarely receive jail time or fines over a few hundred dollars. However, penalties can increase if there are aggravating factors, like prior offenses, using slugs to steal high-value goods or services, or possession of large numbers of slugs.

Manufacturing or selling slugs illegally is a much more serious 4th degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and significant fines. So definitely don’t go making your own arcade tokens – not worth it!

What Should I Do If Charged With Using Slugs?

If you’ve been caught using a slug and are facing charges, don’t panic – but also don’t ignore the situation. Here are some tips:

• Be cooperative with authorities. Admit fault, apologize, and comply with the investigation. This can help reduce penalties down the line.
• Hire a criminal defense attorney. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or probation. They know how to present mitigating factors to minimize penalties.
• Get character references. Written statements from employers, teachers, etc. vouching for your overall good character can help sway sentencing decisions in your favor.
• Do community service preemptively. Judges may look favorably on voluntary service done before trial. It shows you’re willing to make amends.
• Comply with probation terms. If granted probation, follow all rules to a T. Completing probation successfully can sometimes allow a plea to be vacated down the road.
• Avoid re-offending. Getting caught with slugs again will lead to harsher penalties. Learn from the experience.

What Defenses Can Potentially Beat Slug Charges?

While the evidence may seem cut and dry, there are defenses a skilled lawyer can use to fight slug possession or use charges:

• Lack of criminal intent – Perhaps you mistakenly used a token, or were unaware foreign coins were illegal. The prosecution must prove you knowingly meant to defraud someone.
• Entrapment – Undercover cops can’t coerce or persuade you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t. If they planted the slug or aggressively encouraged you to use it, that’s entrapment.
• Improper search – If police searched your home or person illegally and found slugs, the evidence may be inadmissible.
• Misidentification – Eyewitnesses or camera footage may have mistaken someone else for you.
• Possession doesn’t equal use – Just having novelty coins or old arcade tokens isn’t necessarily illegal – prosecutors must prove you used them fraudulently.

While beating a minor slug charge completely is unlikely, an attorney may be able to plea bargain it down to a violation, reducing fines and penalties. Don’t give up hope!