Clifton NJ Shoplifting Attorneys
One of the most encountered theft charges by our lawyers is shoplifting. In fact, this offense arises not only in the municipal courts of Passaic County but can also be a Third Degree or Fourth Degree indictable offense handled at the Passaic County Superior Court. If you or someone you know has been charged with shoplifting, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, robbery or burglary in the County of Passaic, our attorneys can assist you. Our criminal defense team, which is probably the largest in the area, has handled literally thousands of shoplifting cases over the years and the benefit of this experience is available to you. A lawyer is accessible 24/7 to discuss your shoplifting case at 1-862-203-4070.
Types of Shoplifting. An individual can be charged with shoplifting under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 in Clifton or any other town in the state based on a wide variety of acts including: (1) taking possession or removing merchandise from a store; (2) concealing merchandise in a pocket book, shopping bag, etc.; or (3) changing, switching or altering price tags. Where the full retail value of the merchandise is less than two hundred dollars ($200), the alleged violation grades as a Disorderly Persons Offense. An arrest for shoplifting is enhanced to a Fourth Degree felony where the value of the property taken is at least two hundred ($200) dollars but less than five hundred dollars ($500). Individuals arrested for taking merchandise with a value of at least five hundred dollars ($500) up to seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000), are exposed to a Third Degree crime.
Penalties for Shoplifting. The severity of the penalties that may be imposed by the court if an individual is convicted for shoplifting hinge on the grade of the charge. Irrespective of the grading, however, an individual gets a criminal record upon conviction for this offense. Additional ramifications include mandatory community service, up to six months in jail on a Disorderly Persons charge, up to eighteen (18) months on a Fourth Degree, and up to three (3) years on a Third Degree. Jail is mandatory upon conviction for a third offense of shoplifting. Numerous mandatory fines and assessments also apply if someone is convicted under 2C:20-11.
Paterson NJ Shoplifting Lawyers
Attorneys are ready to discuss the law and circumstances of your case in more detail and initial consultations are free. If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting in Passaic County, in towns like Wayne, Clifton, Totowa, Paterson, Passaic City, Oak Ridge, Ringwood our lawyer’s are available now to speak to you. A criminal record for shoplifting in New Jersey can not only lead to high fines, community service, incarceration but also deportation as well. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Wayne office.
