A Highly Skilled Former Prosecutor In Our Wayne Office Is Ready To Defend Your Theft by Deception, Shoplifting, Receiving Stolen Property, Credit Card or Other Theft Related Offense
Wayne is unquestionably one of the busiest towns in Passaic County in terms of theft charges as the home to Willowbrook Mall. As you might expect, shoplifting charges make up a huge block of these charges in the township although a slew of other violations are written annually, including burglary, credit card theft/fraud, receiving stolen property, identity theft, and theft by deception. A strong and aggressive defense is absolutely necessary for avoiding a disabling criminal record whether you have been charged with a felony (i.e. crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree) or misdemeanor (i.e. disorderly persons offense) theft offense in Wayne New Jersey. The attorneys at our firm have the know-how and skill you need.
The defense team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, is composed of seasoned lawyers who exclusively practice criminal law and criminal defense. They have more than a century of collective experience defending individuals charged with theft offenses in municipal and superior courts throughout Passaic County. Call us today at (862) 203-4070 to discuss your Wayne theft offense charge with an attorney in a free consultation. There is an attorney available to speak with you 24/7.
Theft Offenses in Wayne New Jersey
There are numerous charges that are considered theft offenses under the New Jersey Criminal Code. The most frequently encountered Wayne New Jersey theft cases include:
Credit card theft — N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6
Receiving stolen property — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7
Theft by deception — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4
Shoplifting — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11
Theft of services — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8
Burglary — N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2
Robbery — N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1
Identity Theft — N.J.S.A.2C:21-17
Auto theft — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2.1
Although they may have different names and involve what appear to be different forms of conduct, every theft offense arising in Wayne has core elements that must be proven by the prosecutor in order to turn an arrest into a conviction. The fundamental elements of almost any charge include: (1) taking or exercising control over property; (2) that belongs to another person or entity; (3) without the permission by its owner; and (4) with the intention of depriving the owner of the value of his/her property.
Our attorneys focus on challenging the evidence and the witnesses the prosecution intends to offer to prove the existence of each element of a theft offense. We make use of motions asking a judge to suppress the use of evidence obtained by police through searches and seizures in violation of your rights under the U.S. Constitution. If you made incriminating statements to law enforcement, we challenge those on constitutional grounds as well. Unless strict guidelines are followed by officers when questioning you, statements you made could be suppressed and not available to the prosecutor for use against you.
Grading & Penalties for Theft Charges
Some theft offenses are disorderly persons offenses, which are the equivalent to misdemeanors and fall under the jurisdiction of the Wayne Municipal Court, while others are indictable and can only be dealt with at the Criminal Divison of the Passaic County Superior Court. You face a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting or anther form of theft if the value of the money or property stolen is under $200. When the value is at least $200 but less than $500, theft is a fourth degree crime. Stealing something with a value of at least $500 but less than $75,000 results in a third degree crime. Thefts of property with a value of $75,000 or more result in a second degree crime. The court may impose the following penalties under each of these grades of offense:
Crimes of the second degree: Five to 10 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $150,000
Crimes of the third degree: Up to five years in prison and a fine as high as $15,000
Crimes of the fourth degree: Eighteen months in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Disorderly persons offenses: Up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000
We use a variety of resources in our efforts to obtain the most favorable outcome possible allowing you to avoid the harsh consequences and stigma of a theft offense conviction. Pretrial Intervention and Conditional Dismissal are diversion programs offering an alternative method of resolving a charge. We review your eligibility for the programs and make every effort to persuade the judge and prosecutors to allow you into a program.
Wayne Theft Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has a team of attorneys who are ready to commit all of their skills to formulate an effective strategy for refuting the allegations of theft lodged against you in Wayne NJ. You should also know that we have decades of experience handling cases like yours so you can be confident in their advice and representation. Call us at (862) 203-4070 to speak to a Wayne criminal defense attorney at the firm any time of the day or night. There is no obligation and the consultation is absolutely free.
